Everyone loves a good magic trick. Whether it is pulling a rabbit out of a top hat or some other illusion, there is something exciting about seeing something that you can’t quite explain. And therein lies the alluring appeal of one of the most unique
engagement ring setting types available—the tension setting.
Unique diamond ring setting
The tension setting is a unique diamond ring setting style where instead of using a metal collar or prongs to grip the center diamond and hold it in place, the diamond is held in place by the pressure exerted by the two ends of the ring, which is spring-loaded and set precisely to fit the size of the stone. Small grooves on the inside of the band help keep the diamond centered but the grip comes from tension, like a stone being pinched between two fingers. This creates is a magical optical illusion. The diamond appears to float on the finger, with no visible structures holding it in place.
The downside of the “true” tension setting is that diamonds often become loose from normal daily wear. With nothing tying the two ends of the ring together, there is nothing but tension actually holding the stone in place. In some cases
diamonds can fall out of tension mountings unexpectedly.
If you love the look of a modern, sleek, and eye-catching engagement ring setting, the tension setting may hold special appeal for you. Keep in mind that not every stone is a good candidate for this kind of setting, and that the ring will have to be specially crafted for your particular stone. For this reason tension-set rings are also be more expensive than other ring styles.
If you love the style and look of a tension-set ring, consider a “faux” tension-style ring. By using a partial bezel setting and/or hidden underpinnings to tie both sides of the ring together, it is possible to combine the look of the tension-setting style while providing for stability and security of the diamond.