When you're shopping for a ring set with more than one stone, the setting becomes the principal factor in determining the overall shape. Here the choices are as varied as ring designers.

Whether you're choosing a diamond solitaire, a ring with a number of stones, or an open-work lattice ring in which the diamonds flow along the lines of the setting, the way the stones are held in the setting is an integral part of its design.

Each setting technique creates a look that is part of the overall style of the ring. You may like one ring rather than another simply because of the setting technique used.

Once you recognize these differences, you'll be prepared to analyze each ring at a glance and make a choice based on those elements that best please your taste.

Prong Settings

The purpose of any setting is to hold the diamonds securely in the mounting and at the same time allow light to enter the diamonds for maximum brilliance.

This is obviously a delicate balancing act. The more metal used to hold the diamonds, the more secure they are; the less metal used, the greater the chance for the diamond to reflect light.

The ideal prong tapers to a rounded point. It should be smoothly finished, diminishing any chance of the prong snagging the threads of your clothes. The prongs should also be placed at the key points of the stone, typically at four corners or at four, five or six points evenly spaced around the stone, to offer security without interfering with the stone's brilliance.

Bezel Settings

A bezel is a collar of precious metal that wraps around the diamond.

The bezel is attached to the top of the ring and stands up above it, adding height and another dimension to the setting. Although solid bezels have a very traditional look, the bezel may be 'split' into two sections, arcing around just part of the diamond. This is called a half bezel.

This simple change suddenly opens up the setting and gives it a totally modern look. The technique may also be used on a fancy cut diamond -- with an arc of precious metal around the wide curve of a pear shape and another, V-shaped section of precious metal embracing the narrow end.

Channel Settings

A channel setting sets the stone right next to each other with no metal separating them. The outer ridge of metal is then worked over the edges of the stones. It protects the edge or girdle of the diamonds.

Channel setting is also used to set round and princess cut diamonds. Channel setting offers a sleek, elegant appearance, though the end result is a very different look. It is frequently used for anniversary and wedding rings.

Setting round diamonds into channels leaves small spaces closest to the metal bars of the channel. By choosing round diamonds, the designer creates a clean line of stones, yet one with greater brilliance than is possible with baguettes.

Setting princess cut diamonds into channels gives a flush stone to stone look. Some people find this solid diamond look desirable.

Bar Setting

Similar to the Channel setting, this type of setting is also most commonly used in anniversary and wedding bands, but can also be seen in bracelets and necklaces. It is a circular band of diamonds that holds each stone in by a long thin bar, shared between two stones. The Bar setting combines a contemporary and classic look.

Pave Setting

Pave settings produce a carpet of brilliance across the entire surface of a piece of jewelry. The surface is encrusted, or quite literally “paved” in diamonds and gems, and the body of the jewelry is brought vibrantly to life. The settings are either created by use of tiny prongs that hold the jewels on both sides, or are crafted by scooping beads of precious metal out to hold the gems in place.

Cluster Setting

This setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry from many smaller stones.