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Bezel
Everything You Need to Know About Bezel Settings
The bezel setting is a bold and uncompromising choice for an engagement ring, turning heads wherever it is worn. This concise guide dishes in one of the oldest jewelry settings in the world, covering pros, cons and everything else the modern couple needs to know.
What is the bezel setting?
The bezel setting is a type of gemstone setting that surrounds and holds the center stone using a continuous band of metal. This setting, also known as a rubover, holds the gem with a projecting lip that overlaps the edges of the stone. Only the crown of a bezel-set gem is exposed.
History of the bezel setting
The bezel setting is one of the earliest settings for precious stones, with archaeological evidence of its use throughout history. Primitive examples of this simple setting involved creating a hole or slot for the stone in the metal and bending the metal over the edges of the stone.
Examples of bezel-set stones have been found in the jewelry of Ancient Egypt and the Roman and Byzantine empires.
Types of bezel setting
Bezel setting engagement rings are versatile, with popular styles including:
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Full bezel setting: The metal rim of the bezel setting completely wraps around the stone for a secure hold.
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Partial bezel setting: The metal setting only partially surrounds the center stone, exposing more of the stone and allowing in light.
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Split-bezel setting: The stone is set in an almost full bezel with section splits
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High-set bezel setting: The stone in the bezel setting is set high against the band to increase its prominence.
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Low-profile bezel setting: The stone is set flush to the band of the engagement ring with the point of the stone within the ring, and the margins of the stone surrounded by the band.
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Plain bezel setting: Plain bezel rings have an unadorned rim of metal surrounding the center stone.
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Fancy bezel setting: jewelers can further detail bezel engagement rings by adding micropavé, a halo, milgrain detailing, or side stones to accent the bezel-set center stone.
Bezel engagement rings
Bezel engagement rings are experiencing a revival in popularity. The simplicity of the bezel setting elegantly sets the center stone in clean lines for a unique, discrete look. It does a great job of protecting the center stone; perfect for dentists, artists, craftspeople, and anyone with an active lifestyle.
Perhaps most importantly, the bezel gives a ring a unique look no other setting can replicate. And in the case of L'Amour Brilliance's bezel rings, a row of dainty sidestones adds magnificent side-sparkle to the bezel metal strip.
The bezel setting is one of the earliest settings for precious stones, with archaeological evidence of its use throughout history
The Bezel setting works with any diamond cut
Because the bezel setting is so simple, you can make it work with any diamond shape. The bezel design simply follows the outer edge of the stone. Choose a bezel setting for:
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Round brilliant-cut diamonds
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Marquise diamonds
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Pear diamonds
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Oval diamonds
Our master setters skillfully use a minimal amount of metal to display as much of the stone as possible. L'Amour Brilliance bezel engagement rings make the center stone appear larger than its carat size to observers.
Pros of the bezel setting
If you and your intended are considering the bezel setting, here are some great reasons to go for it:
A Protective Setting
The bezel setting beautifully frames your diamond while protecting it from impact. Unlike prongs, which expose much of the diamond, the continuous rim of metal in a bezel protects the stone at all times.
Perfect for an active lifestyle
Bezel settings keep a diamond in its place at all times. There is no risk of losing the center stone when you're training, working with your hands, or wearing gloves. Perfect for active people and professionals.
Fashionable
After thousands of years, the bezel setting is back in style. Jewelry designers have modernized bezel engagement rings with sleek and smooth lines that make them elegant and sophisticated.
Bezel settings make your stone appear larger
A rim of bright metal can make your center stone look bigger than it is. This means that you can use this setting to enhance the look of a smaller diamond, saving money.
Enjoy snag-free wear
Prominent prongs on other styles of engagement ring can snag on clothing. The low-profile, prong-free bezel engagement ring will keep your garments snag-free.
Cons of the bezel setting
The Christine with a Radiant cut Diamond and The Christine with an Emerald cut Diamond in Yellow Gold
Bezel engagement rings do have their downsides. Here are some things to consider when selecting a bezel setting:
A diamond in a bezel setting may have less sparkle
Because the diamond is enclosed in the setting, light can only enter into the gem from the front or crown. This means that a center stone in a bezel setting may not have the same gleam as a stone in a prong setting, but brides who want an understated ring often seek this nuanced glow.
Bezel settings can be bulky
L'Amour Brilliance bezel setting rings are subtle with a thin rim of metal surrounding the stone. With other retailers, some may find the bezel setting to be bulky, with a thick and unsightly rim.
Caring for your bezel engagement ring
A bezel ring is easy to clean with confidence. Warm soapy water with a very mild detergent and a soft cloth is all you need to keep a bezel engagement ring looking its best. Take care of the metal by keeping your ring in a box lined with soft material to prevent scratching.
Conclusion
A bezel engagement ring is versatile and can be as refined or glamorous as your taste permits. It's a unique alternative to traditional prong settings.
