The classic setting to hold a solitaire diamond is called a claw setting or Tiffany ring. This is a basic but elegant ring with the claws rising out of the ring shank and holding tight the diamond. This is a wonderful way to show off a diamond since the stone is lifted high to reflect light through all parts of the diamond.

• Lets the light get to the stone so shows up a diamonds brilliance and a gemstones true colours.
  
• Allows easy cleaning of the stone.
  
• Holds even a fragile stone securely.

• Offers less protection to the stone.
  
• A high claw setting can get caught in hair and clothing. A low claw setting would be more practical for people on the move.

Many designers like to work with flush settings as they can achieve streamlined modern lines. If you are looking for a more contemporary feel then you can not go wrong with a diamond set in a flush setting. This is where the diamond is sunk into the ring so it is almost level with the surface. It offers the best protection for your diamond.

• Secures a stone really well.
  
• The ring surface is smooth with no sharp edges.
  
• Hides the stones girdle if there should be any scratches or nicks in it.

• Not recommended for fragile stones due to the pressure required when the stone is set.
  
• More expensive than a claw setting.

A similar version of the flush setting is the bezel setting. This is where the diamond is set within a collar which is nearly level with the surface of the ring. A bezel set diamond adds height and dimension and looks great.

• Protects the stones girdle from damage.
  
• The bezel can be made to fit even a complex shaped stone.
  
• A white bezel make a white stone appear larger than it really is.

• If the bezel is yellow and a diamond is set within it, it makes the diamond appear yellowish.

If you want a nice show for the money then a small cluster of tiny diamonds, rather than just one large stone, the pave setting (pronounced Par Vay) may be the right one. The diamonds are carefully set with tiny grains of gold or platinum so that that the surface of the ring looks like shimmering glitter.

• Gives an illusion that the stones are bigger than they really are.
  
• Greater flexibility when it comes to designing the item.

• The beads used to set the stones are not as reliable as other methods.
  
• The surface is not as smooth and level as flush set stones.

Small diamonds can also be set on two sides only in a channel. This technique is sometimes used in wedding rings and on the shoulders of engagement rings.

• Protects the stones girdles.
  
• The surface is completely smooth.

• Not recommended for fragile stones.
  
• Very difficult to resize a ring if the stones are set all the way around the ring.