The short answer: a round brilliant works in almost any setting, so the best choice comes down to how you live and the look you want. A four or six claw solitaire shows the most diamond, a hidden halo adds extra sparkle, and a bezel gives the most protection for an active life.
Round brilliants are the most popular diamond shape, and they are forgiving. Their many facets throw light back evenly, which is why they sit well in plain and elaborate designs alike. Below we walk through the main settings we make, what each does to the look of the stone, and who tends to choose it.
Solitaire
A solitaire is a single diamond on a slim band. It is the classic choice because nothing competes with the stone.
- Four claws: the most open view of the diamond, with a slightly more squared look when seen from above.
- Six claws: a rounder outline and extra security, because there are more points holding the stone. Many people feel six claws also make the diamond look a little more circular.
- Claw shape: rounded, pointed or flat claws change the feel. Pointed claws look delicate, and rounded claws tend to snag less on clothing.
Hidden halo
A hidden halo places a ring of small diamonds beneath the main stone, where it is only visible from the side. From above you see a clean solitaire, and from the side you get a flash of extra sparkle. It is a good compromise if you like a simple front view but want a surprise.
Halo
A halo surrounds the centre stone with small diamonds. It makes the centre look larger and adds sparkle, and it suits a vintage or glamorous style. The finer the halo, the more delicate the result. A halo also adds more surfaces to keep clean.
Bezel
A bezel wraps a thin rim of metal around the diamond. It protects the edge of the stone and gives a smooth, modern profile with nothing to catch. If you work with your hands, play sport or simply dislike snagging, a full or partial bezel is worth considering.
Three stone
A central round brilliant with a smaller diamond or gemstone on each side. Many couples choose the side stones for meaning, using birthstones or a family stone. It also adds width to the front of the ring.
Pavé and diamond set bands
Small diamonds set along the band add continuous sparkle. They look beautiful, but they need more care than a plain band, and a ring with a set band is more complex to resize.
Height and profile
A low setting sits close to the finger and catches less. A high setting lifts the diamond and lets more light in from underneath. A cathedral shoulder, where the band arches up to hold the stone, is a good middle path. We can adjust the profile so the ring feels right with your daily life.
Choosing the metal
Yellow gold gives a warm, traditional look, white gold or platinum keeps the diamond looking crisp, and rose gold adds a soft blush. Because a round brilliant is so adaptable, the metal usually decides the personality of the ring more than the shape does.
How to choose
- Decide how much you want to see the diamond from above.
- Think about your work, hobbies and how often you will take the ring off.
- Choose the level of detail you will enjoy keeping clean.
- Match the setting to your wedding band if you already have one in mind.
If you are still comparing diamonds, you can browse diamonds or lab grown colourless diamonds, and we can show you how each looks in different settings on a video call. If you are weighing another shape, our guide to settings for an oval diamond shows how the thinking changes. For every shape in one place, see our diamond shapes guide. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Which setting makes a round diamond look biggest? A halo makes the centre look larger, and a thin band with slim claws shows the most of the stone.
Is a bezel better for everyday wear? A bezel protects the edge of the diamond and has nothing to catch, so many people who are hands on prefer it.
Can you design a setting that is not on your website? Yes. Everything we make is bespoke, so bring your ideas and we will draw them up for you to approve before anything is made.