• The names of various diamond settings have not been completely standardized, but the most popular settings have common names that are almost universally recognized. A diamond setting refers to the manner in which a diamond is affixed to a piece of jewelry. Most names describe how the stones are held in place, so if you do not know the name of a particular setting, describe it. An experienced gemologist will most likely be able to tell you the name of a setting based on your description alone.
  
  

Prong/Claw

• The prong/claw setting is the simplest diamond setting. It consists of three or more metal prongs molded around the diamond. The tops of the prongs are visible and slightly curved over the diamond to hold it in place. Prong settings are often further classified by the number of metal prongs holding the diamond in place (e.g., three prong). This setting allows for maximum visibility of the diamond, as very little of the diamond is obscured by the setting.
  
  

Bezel

• In the bezel setting, the diamond is completely surrounded by a ring of metal (called the "bezel") that slightly overlaps the edges of the diamond to hold it in place. A partial-bezel setting refers to when the diamond is only partially surrounded by the ring of metal.
  
  

Tension

• The tension setting is used exclusively for rings. The diamond is held in place by being squeezed between the two unconnected ends of the metal band, with nothing below or above it. This setting allows the bottom and sides of the diamond to be seen.
  
  

Channel

• In the channel setting, stones are placed side by side in a single-file row between two strips of metal that slightly overlap the diamonds to keep them in place. The tops of the diamonds are even with the metal, and no metal is visible between the stones.
  
  

Bar

• The bar setting is essentially the same as the channel setting, but metal bars are placed between each of the stones in the line. The bars slightly overlap the stones, holding them in place. It is also called the "bar channel."
  
  

Invisible

• In the indivisible settings, diamonds are placed contiguously into a metal framework. The surfaces of the diamonds are all above the framework, which cannot be seen.
  
  

Pave

• Multiple small diamonds are positioned closely together but do not touch in the pave setting, and tiny metal prongs can be seen between the diamonds. These hold the stone in place and are referred to as "beads." The tops of the diamonds barely extend past the setting. This type of setting creates the illusion of one large diamond.
  
  

Bead

• Similar to pave, the bead setting separates the diamonds by larger pieces of metal. The metal is intended to have its own decorative effect and breaks up the illusion of one large diamond.