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The classic setting to hold a solitaire diamond is called a claw
setting or Tiffany ring. This is a basic but elegant ring with
the claws rising out of the ring shank and holding tight the diamond.
This is a wonderful way to show off a diamond since the stone
is lifted high to reflect light through all parts of the diamond.
 Lets the light
get to the stone so shows up a diamonds brilliance and a gemstones
true colours.
Allows easy cleaning
of the stone.
Holds even a fragile
stone securely.
Offers less protection
to the stone.
A high claw setting
can get caught in hair and clothing. A low claw setting would
be more practical for people on the move.
Many designers like to work with flush settings as they can achieve
streamlined modern lines. If you are looking for a more contemporary
feel then you can not go wrong with a diamond set in a flush setting.
This is where the diamond is sunk into the ring so it is almost
level with the surface. It offers the best protection for your
diamond.
Secures a stone
really well.
The ring surface
is smooth with no sharp edges.
Hides the stones
girdle if there should be any scratches or nicks in it.
Not recommended
for fragile stones due to the pressure required when the stone
is set.
More expensive
than a claw setting.
A similar version of the flush setting is the bezel setting. This
is where the diamond is set within a collar which is nearly level
with the surface of the ring. A bezel set diamond adds height
and dimension and looks great.
Protects the stones
girdle from damage.
The bezel can
be made to fit even a complex shaped stone.
A white bezel
make a white stone appear larger than it really is.
If the bezel is
yellow and a diamond is set within it, it makes the diamond appear
yellowish.
If you want a nice show for the money then a small cluster of
tiny diamonds, rather than just one large stone, the pave setting
(pronounced Par Vay) may be the right one. The diamonds are carefully
set with tiny grains of gold or platinum so that that the surface
of the ring looks like a shimmering road of glitter.
Gives an illusion
that the stones are bigger than what they really are.
Greater flexibility
when it comes to designing the item.
The beads used
to set the stones are not as reliable as other methods.
The surface is
not as smooth and level as flush set stones.
Small diamonds can also be set on two sides only in a channel.
This technique is sometimes used in wedding rings and on the shoulders
of engagement rings.
Protects the stones
girdles.
The surface is
completely smooth.
Not recommended
for fragile stones.
Very difficult
to resize a ring if the stones are set a way around the ring.
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Silver 
