Prong

• The prong style setting is the most common on the market. It has tips that bend around the diamond, holding it in place. Usually there are four prongs, although you can have more. The more there are, the safer the stone is. The view of the stone can become too obstructed, however, with too many prongs. You must be diligent in making sure that the prongs don't come loose, or else you could lose your diamond.
  
  

Channel

• A channel set ring is not usually used for engagement rings, but for other "band" type rings that don't have a central, or main stone. The ring is a thick band that has a channel carved in the middle, to hold several smaller stones within it. This is a very secure way to keep your stones, as they are set in the band. It does not show them off as well, however, because they are not lifted above the band.
  
  

Bezel

• A bezel setting allows for durability and safety, as well. The ring has a raised "collar" which surrounds the diamond, holding it in place. This setting is very modern and sleek, and is often used for men's rings as well as a woman's. You can also have a half bezel, which doesn't cover as much of the diamond as a full bezel setting can.
  
  

Tension

• If you really want to showcase your stone, go for a tension setting. It's not as safe, however, because there is nothing very solid holding the stone in place. It is just held between two pieces of the metal, pressing into the stone to hold it in place. If the metal gets stretched just the tiniest bit, the stone will fall out. You cannot re-size the ring unless you want to re-do the entire ring setting.
  
  

Pave

• Pave settings are becoming more popular as engagement rings. These bands usually have several diamonds circling the ring. The stones are very easy to see, and are held in place by very tiny prongs, which are virtually invisible. Some engagement rings also include a larger prong set diamond on top of the pave set ring.