Shopping for a perfect ring can be a daunting task, especially if the wearer is leading an active lifestyle. No worries, one option you could go for is the flush ring setting, which is probably the most practical ring style out there.
Now, you might be wondering what is the flush setting. A flush setting isn’t flashy – it’s not going to stick out in a crowd. It provides a modest beauty, but it also has merits.
In this article, we’ll discuss the flush setting: everything you need to know about this secure and unique ring setting style. We’ll also look into why the flush setting might be the perfect option for your active lifestyle.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
What Is A Flush Setting?
The flush setting, also known as gypsy or hammer setting, consists of a metal band and gems which are placed into the band’s holes. That’s why the gems sit flush with the surface of the metal.
Because of this setting style, the stones are protected on all sides as they don’t stick out from the ring’s band. A flush setting is a popular option for wedding bands since it adds a touch of sparkle without going overboard.
Also, there are multiple ways to add gemstones to this type of setting, with some styles only having one stone, whereas others have gemstones of various shapes and sizes.
Due to the pressure necessary to make a flush setting, gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other similar hard precious gems are the best options for this ring style.
Keep in mind, though, putting a diamond into a flush setting will result in reduced fire and brilliance of the stone since only the diamond’s crown can receive light for adequate refraction.
However, a flush setting is worth the lowered sparkle, knowing your stones are completely secure.
Placing A Gemstone In A Flush Setting
So how do artisans fit gems into a flush band? And how do the gemstones stay in their respective holes? Here is how flush settings are made:
- The artisan measures the stone’s height and width in order to calculate the hole size for it. The metal band should be slightly higher than the gemstone itself, so it’s crucial that both materials are properly measured.
- Then, the craftsman uses a bur to drill a hole in the band. Sometimes it’s necessary to use burs of various sizes to complete the hole. The hole is typically tapered to fit the gem’s shape as well.
- Next, the gem is placed in the hole up to the girdle. The artisan inspects the piece to ensure the gemstone is in perfect line with the band’s surface.
- In the end, the artisan rubs or “burnishes” the metal around the stone in order to fold it over the gem’s edges, ensuring the stone’s protection.
While the whole process seems easy, one miscalculation in drilling or measuring can render the ring useless.
It’s critical to follow a strict procedure while setting a gemstone in this manner to ensure you have the most secure hold possible!
Popular Flush Setting Ring Styles
Flush setting rings aren’t as common as some other ring styles. Nevertheless, there are a few ways to design a ring with a flush aesthetic.
Let’s have a look at the several ways jewelry designers use flush setting styles to create gorgeous rings.
Wedding Bands With Flush Setting
Single Gemstone Flush Setting
Many wedding bands that are made in this style include a single diamond that adds a small sparkle to an otherwise simple ring design. The single gem is usually round or square, and it’s positioned in the band’s center.
These single-stone ring styles are a very popular option for men, although thinner band designs look fantastic as women’s wedding bands.
Multi-Gemstone Flush Setting
If one diamond just isn’t enough, these multi-gemstone flush setting rings will definitely suit your fancy.
Craftsmen will add several diamonds or any other gemstone to the ring to provide a luxe finished piece that’s way more eye-catching than the usual flush setting model.
For a traditional bride, a ring with an orderly line of gemstones adds style to wedding jewelry. Moreover, diamonds placed in a distinct pattern can make a modern appearance for those who prefer standing out.
Starry Flush Setting
This style is a unique and creative take on the previous ring design, with several gems of different sizes spread across the ring’s band, creating a classy and understated effect.
Dash Style Flush Setting
Another version of the multi-gemstone flush setting, this type has a very streamlined appeal. The lined diamond clusters create a unified shine, catching the attention.
This ring setting makes for an excellent fashion accessory for any day, in addition to being a beautiful wedding band.
Two-Gemstone Flush Setting
Two-tone rings are a popular way to create a unique flush setting piece. You can mix and match metals so you can find an appearance that suits your taste!
While white and yellow gold are commonly used in these types of rings, you can mix white and rose gold that will add a touch of romance to your wedding ring.
Colored Gemstone Flush Setting
If colorless diamonds aren’t your thing, you can use sapphires or rubies that will add a splash of color to your flush setting ring. Adding such colored gems to your flush setting will add a hint of personality to the ring.
You can even choose multi-colored flush settings, creating vibrant hues that will definitely draw attention to your gorgeous ring.
Engagement Rings With Flush Setting
Bezel Flush Setting Ring
The flush setting style adds smooth beauty to the bezel-set rings. It can be used to add diamonds or other gems to the engagement ring’s band in various different designs. Conversely, designers can even use the flush setting style on the bezel itself. The combination of bezel and flush settings creates a modern appearance for the fashion-forward bride.
Solitaire Prong Engagement Ring
A timeless classic, solitaire prong setting rings take on a contemporary appeal with flush setting accents. The flush style elements can be added to the solitaire prong setting. While flush set gems might not shine as brightly, they definitely enhance the center stone’s glow.
Is Flush Setting Worth Considering?
Like with all things, the flush setting has its advantages and disadvantages. Your choice of whether you like this type of setting or not will only be relevant if you take the pros and cons into consideration.
While we agree that it’s crucial how a certain setting looks, it’s not the only important thing. Because of this, we highly recommend you keep these facts in mind while you educate yourself about the flush setting. Maybe you will like it more than you thought you would!
Flush Settings: Pros And Cons
For all the advantages of selecting this style for your ring, there are some negatives one should consider. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the flush setting:
Pros
- The flush setting is extremely secure, providing increased protection for diamonds and other gemstones.
- A flush setting is perfect for an active lifestyle, so working with your hands is not an issue.
- It provides a smooth, industrial aesthetic for those who prefer contemporary designs.
- The flush setting is very customizable – most design elements can be added to these types of rings.
- Because of the flush surfaces, these settings are generally very easy to clean and require less maintenance compared to many other ring styles, saving you some money in the long run.
Cons
- The flush setting has reduced light refraction, meaning diamonds won’t sparkle as brightly compared to some other ring styles.
- This setting is less eye-catching, so it’s not the ideal choice for those who are looking to get a flashy ring.
- The flush design reduces focus on any gems, sometimes even making them appear lackluster.
Things To Consider When Buying Flush Setting Ring
Below are some factors you should take into consideration when shopping for your new flush setting ring.
Size And Shape Of Your Finger
Since gemstones are placed within the band of a flush setting, these types of rings are usually thicker compared to some other ring styles.
As such, it’s very important to try on several different flush settings so you can find the perfect one for your finger size and shape.
People with shorter or thicker fingers usually benefit from rings that have thinner bands and longer stone shapes.
Because of that, a thinner flush setting is perfect for smaller hands and fingers. However, if you have longer fingers, you can rock any flush setting ring without a problem!
Pick Durable Gemstones
Because of the high pressure required to hold the gemstones in place, only certain stones possess enough hardness to be included in such a setting.
These gemstones are at the top of the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Even though this may seem to limit your color selection to white, red, and blue, fear not, as each of these gemstones comes in a range of different colors.
You can even put a pink sapphire or a black diamond, adding an eye-catching effect to your jewelry piece.
Compare Gemstone Shapes
The gems set in a flush setting ring are most commonly round or square in shape. So, you’ll have to decide which of these two shapes you prefer.
Round gemstones have a classic appeal, and they can appear feminine on a flush setting ring. On the other hand, square-shaped gems have a more modern aesthetic, making them look great on men’s wedding rings.
Whichever shape of gemstone you decide to go for, much of your ring’s appeal will come down to the size, color, and design.
And remember, don’t let a perceived aesthetic stop you from selecting the stone you love most!
Look Into Unique Pieces
Flush setting rings enable a lot of creative freedom – one could look at these bands as a blank canvas!
From stones in the shape of constellations to engraving and other etched images, you can just go wild and add any desired design.
Or, you can simply mix and match different colors for a distinct and vibrant appearance.
One of the popular ways to customize rings is birthstones. Find and add your birthstone and that of your spouse to make a one-of-a-kind design that is bound to catch anyone’s attention.
Flush Setting – The Price
When it comes to diamonds and everything else related to these gorgeous stones, the price is what most people will be interested in. While it’s generally not an easy task to determine the price of a setting, naming a price for a gem or piece of jewelry is much easier.
However, we’ll do our best to provide you with some guidelines that’ll help paint a bigger picture about how much money you can expect to spend on a diamond if it’s in a flush setting.
You see, a flush setting ring that features a diamond can cost anywhere between $1000 and $15,000 on a flush setting. Although, this can heavily depend on several factors.
The first factor that it relies on is the number of side stones that will surround the centerpiece. It goes without saying that a larger circle around the center stone will mean more diamonds and, in some cases, bigger diamonds.
The price can also be affected by the shape of the centerpiece, which is either round or square. The process of placing diamonds in a flush setting can be more or less complex based on what we stated about the stone that’s placed in the center.
While we are on the topic of the diamond’s cut, the cut grade itself will impact the price of a flush diamond ring. So while a Very Good cut 1-carat diamond placed in a flush setting can cost around $9,500, an Excellent cut diamond of the identical weight in the same setting can cost around $15,000.
In addition, the other Cs will also greatly affect the price of a flush-setting diamond ring. While color and clarity generally won’t make much of a difference, the diamond’s carat weight will. You are probably familiar by now with the fact that diamond prices rise exponentially with the increase of carat weight.
So, while a flush setting with a 0.5-carat diamond can cost around $2,700, a 1-carat in the same setting can cost around $9,500.
That’s why we recommend consulting with a diamond expert, as they will be able to tell you what’s the best diamond option for the flush setting ring according to your budget.
Furthermore, the price of a flush-set diamond ring can also depend on the part of the world that you’re trying to embed your stone into a flush setting. Interestingly enough, it also depends on the part of the year that you’re trying to do so.
One unspoken rule is that around the summertime, diamond prices generally go up. Because of this, all things related to diamonds, such as cutting, grading, repairs, and embedding, go up.
Lastly, the diamond culture is vast, meaning you can find craftsmen that work with diamonds and other gems that will offer you prices ranging from lowest to highest for the same embedding job.
What this means is that you need to pick the craftsman carefully, as it can also have an impact on the price.
Conclusion
So, to recap our discussion regarding the topic of Flush settings: everything you need to know about.
In a flush setting, the diamond or any other gemstone is set into a carefully drilled hole so the gemstone sits “flush” with the ring’s band. In other words, the stone doesn’t protrude in any way.
A flush setting is a great way to add an interesting twist to your wedding ring with the feature of securing your precious diamond even more.
Since the gemstone is flush with the band’s surface, it’s safely out of harm’s way and will last a lifetime.
Even though this type of setting might not be the most popular one or not your first choice right away, the flush setting is extremely customizable and can be designed to suit your preferences and tastes.