setting styles

Channel-set rings: smooth, secure and made for you

A channel setting holds a row of diamonds between two walls of metal, with no claws to catch. We design channel-set engagement rings, wedding bands and eternity rings to order.

COMMISSIONING A CHANNEL SETTING

The channel setting

How we design channel-set rings, which stones work best, and what to think about before you choose one.

THE BASICS

What is a channel-set ring?

A row of stones sits in a groove between two parallel walls of metal.

In a channel setting, the stones sit side by side in a groove cut along the band. The two metal walls either side hold each stone by its edge, so there are no claws or beads on top. The surface is smooth to the touch and the line of diamonds reads as one continuous row.

Channels can run along the shoulders of an engagement ring, across part of a band, or all the way round as a full eternity ring.

For a fuller explanation of how the setting works, read What is a channel setting on an engagement ring?. This page is about commissioning one with us.

Platinum eternity ring with round diamonds held in a channel setting

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Who chooses a channel setting?

Channel settings suit people who use their hands a lot and want diamonds without anything to snag on knitwear, gloves or hair. The stones are protected along both edges, which makes the setting one of the most practical for everyday wear.

They also suit clean, modern designs. Baguettes and princess cuts sit edge to edge in a channel for an unbroken line of light, while round stones give a softer, more sparkly row.

Channel-set bands are a popular way to add diamonds to a wedding band or eternity ring that has to sit against an engagement ring.

Yellow gold emerald cut engagement ring worn with a baguette channel-set band and a round diamond band

WORTH KNOWING

What to consider before choosing a channel setting

Because the walls cover the edge of each stone, a channel shows slightly less of every diamond than a claw or pavé setting. The row looks sleek rather than maximally sparkly.

A fully set channel band cannot be resized, because cutting the band would loosen the stones. A channel across the top half of a band leaves plain metal underneath that can be resized. We will help you decide how far the channel should run.

If a stone is ever damaged, it is replaced by opening the channel wall. That is skilled work, so we design the channel with future repair in mind.

Book a free consultation
Close view of a platinum channel-set ring with a row of round diamonds

Why channel setting can be smart design

Diamonds you can wear every day without worry

The value of a channel setting is practical. The stones are held along their whole edge and shielded by metal on both sides, so they are less likely to be knocked loose than stones held by small claws or beads.

In a bespoke commission, the width of the channel, the size and cut of the stones and how far the row runs can all be tuned to your design.

Nothing to snag A smooth surface with no claws to catch on clothing.
Protected stones Metal walls shield the girdle of every stone.
A clean line Stones sit edge to edge for a continuous row of light.
Why bespoke can cost less

Compare your options

Compare channel setting with nearby choices

Channel is one of several ways to set a row of small stones. These pages help you compare it with the alternatives.

More sparkle

Pavé engagement rings

Small stones held by tiny beads, for maximum sparkle across the surface.

View pavé rings

Shoulder detail

Side stone engagement rings

Larger stones beside the centre, including channel-set baguettes.

View side stone rings

Full circle

Eternity rings

Channel-set stones can run part way or all the way round a band.

View eternity rings

Lowest profile

Flush engagement rings

Single stones set into the metal for the most protected setting of all.

View flush rings

How do they compare?

Channel setting compared

How a channel setting compares with pavé, shared claw and flush setting for a row of small stones.

Walls of metal · Smooth

Channel set

Stones held by their edges between two metal walls. Smooth, secure and clean in line.

Wearability High

Very little to catch or loosen.

Tiny beads · Sparkly

Pavé

Small stones held by beads of metal, covering the surface in sparkle.

Wearability Medium

Small beads need periodic checks.

Open claws · Bright

Shared claw

Neighbouring stones share claws, showing more of each diamond.

Wearability Medium

Claws can catch and need checking.

Sunk into metal · Lowest

Flush set

Each stone sits in its own hole, level with the metal surface.

Wearability High

The most protected, but shows the least of each stone.

Walls of metal · Smooth

Channel set

Stones held by their edges between two metal walls. Smooth, secure and clean in line.

Wearability High

Very little to catch or loosen.

Tiny beads · Sparkly

Pavé

Small stones held by beads of metal, covering the surface in sparkle.

Wearability Medium

Small beads need periodic checks.

Open claws · Bright

Shared claw

Neighbouring stones share claws, showing more of each diamond.

Wearability Medium

Claws can catch and need checking.

Sunk into metal · Lowest

Flush set

Each stone sits in its own hole, level with the metal surface.

Wearability High

The most protected, but shows the least of each stone.

Sparkle

Clean line of light

Highest

High

Subtle

Snagging

None

Low

Higher

None

Stone security

Excellent

Good

Good

Excellent

Stones that suit it

Baguette, princess, round

Small rounds

Rounds and ovals

Rounds

Repair

Skilled work to open channel

Straightforward

Straightforward

Straightforward

Best suited to

Active hands and clean designs

Maximum sparkle

Showing more of each stone

Minimal, very practical rings

Sparkle

Clean line of light

Highest

High

Subtle

Snagging

None

Low

Higher

None

Stone security

Excellent

Good

Good

Excellent

Stones that suit it

Baguette, princess, round

Small rounds

Rounds and ovals

Rounds

Repair

Skilled work to open channel

Straightforward

Straightforward

Straightforward

Best suited to

Active hands and clean designs

Maximum sparkle

Showing more of each stone

Minimal, very practical rings

The bottom line

Choose a channel setting if you want diamonds that sit smooth and secure through everyday wear.

Choose pavé or shared claws if maximum sparkle matters more than a smooth surface.

Choose flush setting if you want a few scattered stones and the lowest possible profile.

Not sure which setting suits the way you wear your ring? We can show you each one in CAD before you decide.

Talk to us

DESIGN OPTIONS

Channel-set design options

Every option below can be discussed at the design stage. What is possible depends on the stones, the band width and how the ring will be worn.

Baguette channels

Available

Straight or tapered baguettes sit edge to edge for an unbroken line of light.

Princess cut channels

Available

Square stones set side by side for a crisp, modern row.

Round stone channels

Available

A softer, more sparkly row that suits rounded bands.

Channel-set shoulders

Available

A channel along each shoulder of an engagement ring, leading to the centre stone.

Full eternity channel

Partial

Stones all the way round look beautiful but mean the ring cannot be resized.

Matching wedding band

Available

We can design a channel-set band to sit flush against your engagement ring.

Baguette channels Available

Straight or tapered baguettes sit edge to edge for an unbroken line of light.

Princess cut channels Available

Square stones set side by side for a crisp, modern row.

Round stone channels Available

A softer, more sparkly row that suits rounded bands.

Channel-set shoulders Available

A channel along each shoulder of an engagement ring, leading to the centre stone.

Full eternity channel Partial

Stones all the way round look beautiful but mean the ring cannot be resized.

Matching wedding band Available

We can design a channel-set band to sit flush against your engagement ring.

What to budget

A channel-set ring, designed around your brief. Pieces start from £600

The price of a channel-set ring is driven by the number, size and cut of the stones, how far the channel runs, the metal and any centre stone. Every price is for the finished ring, agreed in writing before anything is made.

Essential

Pieces start from £600

A slim channel-set band or a solitaire with a short channel on each shoulder.

Short channelSlim band

Channel-set ring FAQs

Common questions about channel-set rings

Practical answers on security, sparkle, resizing and which stones work best.

A channel setting holds a row of stones in a groove between two parallel walls of metal. The walls grip each stone by its edge, so there are no claws on top.

Yes. Each stone is held along its edge and protected by metal on both sides, which makes channel one of the most secure ways to set a row of small stones.

A little. The metal walls cover the edge of each stone, so the row looks sleek rather than as sparkly as pavé. Baguettes in a channel give a strong flash of light along their length.

If the channel runs only part way round, the plain metal underneath can usually be resized. A full eternity channel cannot be resized, so we take extra care with sizing before it is made.

For resizable designs, we include one free resize within 1 month of delivery, through a local jeweller, with evidence. Full terms are on our aftercare and warranty page.

Baguettes, princess cuts and round brilliants are the most common. The stones need to be closely matched in size so they sit evenly in the channel.

Yes. Channel-set bands have a smooth top and sides, which makes them a good choice for sitting against an engagement ring. We design the band around your ring's profile.

Not sure whether a channel setting suits your design?

Ask us
bespoke channel-set rings

Commission your channel-set ring

We will help decide the right stones, channel width and length, and how your ring sits with a wedding band, before anything is made.
Start your design Commission remotely