A channel setting is a style where round, baguette, emerald cut, or other shaped gems are placed in between two metal strips, forming a “channel” on the shank or band of the ring resulting in a sparkling row of gemstones or diamonds. This is a very secure and beautiful type of setting that doesn’t involve bars or prongs to hold the stones in place.
What is a Channel Setting?
The channel setting is a type of ring setting where a row of small gemstones is set into a channel or groove within the band, so the gems are bordered and held in place by two bands or rows of metal. The stones are nestled against one another and their girdles are held by the metal on the top and bottom of the stones. The gems are placed side by side in this metal track and because of the sacredness of the setting, the stones are not separated by prongs, beads or bezels.
The artistic design styles of the Art Deco period (1915-1930’s) were very eclectic and combined geometric patterns and lines with natural themes and shapes; you can see why the channel setting was the most popular of the time with its bold lines. The channel setting peaked again in the 1980’s through the 1990s for its ideal combination of extra sparkle, gemstone protection and clean, modern lines. This setting is most commonly seen in wedding and anniversary bands, but can also be a great option for an engagement ring.
Although both channel and pavé settings look similar from afar, because the metal walls on the shank or band of the ring completely cover the fragile girdle of a gemstone, a channel setting is more protective than pavé or bead-set bands and also less likely to snag clothes. The metal on the sides does block light from passing through the gems, resulting in reduced sparkle, but for an engagement ring with a center stone/s, this setting accentuates it beautifully.
Are Channel Set Diamonds Secure?
Channel set diamonds and gemstones are recessed and set in the confinement of two walls of metal which protects the girdles of stones from getting chipped which can happen in a prong setting. The stones are protected from all sides and safeguarded from daily wear and tear and hard impacts. Much more secure than a prong or bezel setting, a channel is the most secure way to have accent diamonds on the band of your engagement ring.
The main reason folks opt for a channel setting is because it’s the perfect combination of maximum sparkle and secureness. Like the pavé, this setting style gives the illusion of an endless plane of diamonds or stones along your band, which adds to the ring’s overall sparkle. Channel settings also tend to highlight not just the stones in your ring, but also the metal in which they’re set.
If you’re worried about your ring getting damaged from daily wear, or live a more active lifestyle, a channel set band is a fantastic choice. With a channel setting a variety of diamond shapes can be used, and because the stones of a channel setting are set in the ring as opposed to on its surface, they draw attention towards the center stone. A channel setting can easily be paired with other settings, too. Once made, they are difficult to resize, so make sure to get the right ring measurements.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that maximizes both sparkle and security, a channel setting might be the perfect option for you! If you have questions about engagement ring settings, give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule an appointment.