In today’s article: “Bar Setting: Everything You Need Know” we’ll discuss this rare and beautiful diamond ring setting. The bar setting is not the stone setting you see around very often, but when you spot one, it can take your breath away.
For starters, we may mention that a bar set jewelry item is an excellent option if you’re looking for something that will catch people’s eyes due to its one-of-a-kind design and abundant glimmer.
Beginning with a brief definition of diamond settings and a rundown of the most common types, we hope to help you better understand everything having to do with bar settings.
To further clarify the features of bar settings, we’ll go through many chapters such as – What is a bar setting, The benefits and drawbacks of a bar setting, What diamond cuts are used in a bar setting, and much more.
What Are Diamond Settings?
Before diving into the specifics of bar settings, it is useful to first define what we mean by “setting” and to identify the most common types of it.
Much like the diamond shape and the metal type, the setting of a ring is a crucial factor to think about when purchasing an engagement ring.
A diamond setting refers to how a diamond is mounted onto the band of a ring made of precious metal.
The setting is significant, not just for its appearance but also for the role it plays. Besides keeping your diamond in place, it also adds a nice touch to the overall design of your ring.
The Most Popular Diamond Ring Settings
Diamonds may be set in a variety of ways, each producing a distinctive appearance. A diamond that is placed in a tension setting, for example, has a singular appearance because it seems as though it is hovering.
The prong setting, on the other hand, is a more traditional method that is often used in the creation of solitaire rings to maximize the diamond’s potential to dazzle.
There is a wide selection of diamond settings from which to pick, but the following are the most common types of settings for center gemstones:
The Prong Setting
To maximize the diamond’s fire and brightness, this prong setting uses the bare minimum of metal to hold the stone in place.
Due to the focus on the centerpiece stone and the understated elegance of the setting, this arrangement has stood the test of time.
Prong settings might be pointy, rounded, flat, or V-shaped. The majority of prong sets include either four or six prongs.
Although a diamond set with six prongs will be more secure, a ring with just four will display more of the stone.
The Bezel Setting
In terms of safety and popularity, the bezel setting for a diamond is unrivaled. The girdle of a gemstone is encircled with metal to prevent it from moving.
This kind of setting is quite striking and may make a stone seem bigger than it is.
When it comes to wear and tear, a bezel setting is a way to go, particularly for the active person. It’s hardly probable that the stone will get dislodged and fall out.
In contrast to a prong setting, this one won’t catch on a glove, piece of clothing, or a person’s hair.
This setting is also fantastic for concealing any inclusions or chips on the edges of the stone. The one and only time this is not the case is when a diamond has flaws in the center since it will accentuate them.
The Halo Setting
If you want to make any ring sparkle and shine like it was made for a princess, then a halo ring setting is the way to go.
In a halo setting, a bigger center stone is encircled by smaller accent stones, usually pave diamonds. The halo can have the same form as the main stone, or it may have a different shape altogether, such as a cushion-cut halo surrounding a round gem.
This is a popular choice for engagement ring settings since it highlights the center stone and makes it seem larger than it really is.
Halo settings need extra care since the tiny stones that surround the bigger gem tend to slip out. Because the diamonds are concentrated on the top of the ring, any missing ones will throw off the overall appearance.
The Cathedral Setting
The Cathedral ring setting lives up to its name in every way. Precious metal arches support the diamond, making it seem like a mini-cathedral above the ring. The ring’s height disparity makes it a show-stopping piece of jewelry. Also, it gives the impression that the center gem is larger than it is.
Yet, it is more likely to get entangled in one’s clothes, hair, or fabric, making this setting less ideal for everyday wear. Also, the cathedral set ring requires a little more maintenance than other types. So, have that in mind when deciding which one of the setting styles to go with.
On the other hand, as compensation for your extra effort, you’ll have a magnificent engagement ring, of which you should be justifiably proud.
The Pavé Setting
The word “pavé” originates from French and translates to “cobbled.” In this setting, many small gems are placed next to one another and are held in place by pearl-like prongs that secure them.
The question is, what are we hoping to accomplish with this setting? Of course, a brighter sheen, as if the surface was sprinkled with diamonds.
For a more classic style, people usually consider pairing a brilliant or princess-cut center stone with a pavé setting, both of which are favorites of older couples.
The Channel Setting
Like the claw setting, the channel setting has gained widespread recognition thanks to the bridal industry.
Stones in a channel setting are held in place by metal rails, creating a subtle and sophisticated look.
Since no facet of the gems is at risk of being scratched or chipped by a potential impact, this setting is ideal for preserving the stones’ luster.
Since the channel setting’s surface is so sleek, it may be easily combined with several different diamond settings and ring styles.
The Bar Setting
The bar setting comes in last but is certainly not least. We’ll go into the intricacies of this setting later on, but for now, just know that it’s kind of a variation of the channel setting. What we mean by that is that the stones are separated by small metal bars, thus the name.
How Is A Bar Setting Different From Channel Setting?
The diamonds in a bar setting are held in place by two parallel bars, while the channel setting forms a shell that surrounds the stones.
The diamonds in both styles are placed at the same level as the mounting. These two settings provide rather distinct results in terms of glitter, even though they might seem similar at first glance. However, each has its unique beauty.
Due to the extra protection against scratches and impacts, gems placed in a channel setting are somewhat safer. This is why it’s recommended to visit the jeweler frequently to check on the stability of your diamonds and to replace any that may have become loose.
It follows that a channel setup may end up being the best option if you want a ring with the highest level of protection imaginable.
However, don’t discount the sophisticated bar setting; it requires a skilled jeweler, but the results are well worth it when the diamonds seem to float above the finger with no visible metal.
What Is A Bar Setting?
So, now that we have that settled, what is a bar setting?
The bar setting is among the new accent diamond settings. It abandons the prongs and channels that have held accent jewels for ages in favor of a daring new design in which bars keep the gemstones in place.
The bar settings have a basket at their bottom. Based on the shapes of the gemstones to be mounted on, this basket may take on a variety of forms, including a square, round, or even baguette.
A precious metal bar rests on each side of the basket. Sometimes these bars are parallel to the ring’s shank, but more often, they go perpendicular to it.
Each of the bars is carved with a notch at the height of the gemstone’s girdle. A bar setting’s basket is designed to snugly hold a gemstone in place by aligning the stone’s girdle with the grooves on each side.
The diamond is only touched on two sides when put in a bar setting, which is one of its many advantages. This leaves the opposite sides of the diamond exposed, increasing its transparency and hence its brightness and glitter.
When it comes to bridal jewelry, the versatility of the bar setting is unmatched. It’s adaptable enough to be used alone or in combination with different settings for accent jewels to create a really one-of-a-kind piece.
The ring’s bar setting, in every context, induces a dash of confidence and lends it a breath of contemporary beauty.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Bar Setting
There will always be advantages and disadvantages to think about when deciding on a setting for an engagement ring.
To aid you with your selection, we’ve compiled a summary of the most significant pros and cons of this setting:
Benefits
- Helps more light get through to the jewels.
When compared to other kinds of settings, bar settings allow the diamond to receive much more light because of how exposed they are. Since light interaction is the driving force behind fire, brilliance, and scintillation, this results in a gem with better light performance.
- Keeps jewels safely in place
Although gems may seem to be loose in the bar setting, in reality, this setting type is extremely secure. The diamond is kept in place by several undetectable grooves etched into the bars, making it appear like it’s merely being held by two bars.
- The bar setting is very adaptable
Whether mounted solo or in tandem with a more eye-catching centerpiece, this ring is sure to turn heads. Also, it’s perfect for a wedding band or an engagement ring.
- Gems seem larger than they are.
The fact that the diamonds are covered on just two of their sides makes them more noticeable and gives the impression that they are bigger than they are.
- Cleans easily and holds up nicely over time.
It is less likely that the diamonds will get caught on anything since they are set flat with the tops of the bars. Unlike in a prong setting, the diamonds in this set don’t stick out.
- It’s a unique and modern style.
Those in search of an alternative to the conventional engagement ring may appreciate the modernity and vibrancy of a bar set ring.
The Drawbacks
- The gems are more exposed.
In a bar setting, the jewels are more likely to be chipped or harmed if struck forcefully since they are more exposed than they would be in a channel setting. The ring’s steadiness and integrity may be maintained by having it examined regularly.
- Resizing the ring might be a challenge.
It can be tricky to resize a bar set ring. Nevertheless, this is something that often only applies if the bar setting goes all the way around the ring’s diameter.
Which Diamond Cuts Work Best With A Bar Setting?
Most often, you’ll see a round brilliant diamond mounted onto a bar setting. In case you’re wondering why, it’s obvious – the buyer gets the most shine for their cash.
This ring style is simple in design, but it stands out because of the contrast of shapes created by the round diamond and the rectangular bars of the mounting.
However, that doesn’t mean the bar setting can’t be considered to secure several different diamond cuts. To make a bold fashion statement, you might choose from princess to pear-cut.
Of course, the jeweler’s skills, and his ability to secure more complex shapes with just two bars, will be key to this.
Overall, a setting style this distinctive doesn’t need much adornment. However, some bar settings are enriched with the placement of tiny, pavé-set stones on the bars themselves.
What Metals Are Suitable For Use In A Bar Setting?
Durability and charm will be found in any precious metal you choose for your bar setting. However, platinum, yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold are the most common metals used to manufacture bar set diamond rings.
The bar setting’s purpose is to allow the diamonds to shine as much as possible. Nonetheless, it is still important to choose a metal color that complements your tastes and skin tone. That way you know the ring will shine brightest while worn.
Take into account the fact that diamonds mounted in “warmer” metals like yellow or rose gold will take on a subtle tint. This may be quite eye-catching, but it may not be for everyone.
Clear gems set in white gold or platinum are a popular choice for those who value a more modern, gleaming aesthetic.
Also, remember that videos and photos only capture a small fraction of a diamond’s true beauty. This implies that the colors and designs that caught your eye online may not be as impressive in person.
For this reason, you should have the jeweler give you a demonstration of how different metals interact with diamonds.
Best Styles For A Bar Set Ring
As was previously said, platinum, yellow, rose, and white gold are the most common metals used in bar set diamond engagement rings.
When it comes to wedding bands, you can’t go wrong with a half or full-eternity bar set ring. Unique and beautiful, these eternity bracelets will not be mistaken for anything else.
For a more fascinating look, some bar set rings include bars that are shaped like curves or swirls. The form and arrangement of the bars make a noticeable change, but the basic idea remains the same.
While rings are the main topic of discussion here, it’s important to note that bar settings aren’t limited to only rings.
For instance, a bracelet made with a row of melee diamonds elegantly arranged between two bars gives a one-of-a-kind look.
Why Should You Go For A Bar Set Ring?
Its elegant and understated design is perfect for showcasing your diamonds. Your selected precious metal will nonetheless show through in its unique manner without detracting from the brilliance of the diamonds.
You may be certain that your diamond will be secure in a bar setting while yet allowing enough light to illuminate it.
In contrast to a bezel or channel setting, which encases the stone entirely in metal, the bar setting allows light to enter the diamond from all angles.
That is to say, the bar setting is both attractive and safe.
Final Thoughts
So, there you go. We want to thank you for reading this far and we hope you found the content valuable. We aimed to be thorough so that you would walk away from this article with solid knowledge.
In the beginning, we defined the diamond setting, then discussed its many types, and also compared a bar setting to some similar settings.
In this article, titled “Bar Setting: Everything You Need To Know”, we’ve covered topics about bar setting, how popular it is, and the various bar styles of this setting.
One thing is for sure – a bar set ring will leave you speechless. It’s perfect for you if you are searching for a unique engagement ring style. It’s less common than a traditional prong setting and more eye-catching than a bezel.
It’s the pinnacle of stylish sophistication and practicality, with its secure diamond setting and a brilliant shine.