Every woman dreams of an engagement ring as unique as her love story, one that’s truly one-of-a-kind. And who can blame her? Your love story is like no other, and your ring should reflect that. But have you ever heard of tension settings?

Tension set rings offer a stunning way to showcase the center stone in her engagement ring. They possess a captivating allure, almost as if the diamond is magically suspended in the air. But what exactly is a tension set ring, and is it the right choice for her?

 

What is a Tension Setting?

Most classic engagement rings use a prong or bezel setting. In a prong setting, tiny metal pieces, like claws, grip the Stone securely.

Unlike traditional rings, tension settings take a unique approach. These rings use compression to hold the center stone in place. This makes the stone appear as if it’s floating between two pieces of metal or within the band itself.

The floating effect of a tension setting is truly magical. But what makes it even more attractive is how light can easily pass through the diamond from nearly every angle, creating a mesmerizing effect. But how is the Stone held in place?

 

How Do Tension Set Rings Work?

Tension set rings work like magic because of their clever engineering. Instead of using traditional prongs or mounts, they rely on pressure to hold the center diamond securely in place, giving the illusion of floating in thin air. This creates the illusion that the diamond is floating in thin air.

So, how does this magic work? The secret lies in the design: a small but precise opening in the ring surrounds and grips the Stone using pressure alone. This special type of ring is crafted with a metal setting that acts like a spring, applying just the right amount of pressure to keep the Stone in position. 

Plus, tiny grooves in the metal create an invisible shelf that supports the gemstone’s edges, known as the girdle. This makes the diamond look like it’s suspended in the air, with nothing visibly holding it down.

 

Why Titanium is Ideal for Tension Set Rings

Most traditional metals, like platinum and gold, aren’t very strong and can actually weaken over time. To make them suitable for a tension-set ring, a jeweler or manufacturer must first harden the metal, use special alloys, and then pressure treat it. But with titanium, like the tough Ti-64 and the extra-hard Ti-6/6/2, all that extra work isn’t needed because it’s naturally springy.

Moreover, because titanium is much stronger than traditional metals, it can keep the gemstone secure with less bulk, making the ring feel lightweight to the wearer. With metals like gold and platinum, the ring needs to be beefed up with more metal to keep the tension strong enough – causing a not-so-comfortable fit. 

So, if you want a tension set ring, titanium is definitely the way to go.

 

What Stone Shape Works Best With A Tension Setting?

Tension settings can hold different diamond shapes, but some shapes are especially suitable for this setting. The most common ones are round and princess-cut stones. However, almost any shape can be used in a tension setting. This versatility is why many of our customers love these settings when they want a unique piece of diamond jewelry made just for them!

 

Common Worries About Tension Settings

Some worry that the stone in a tension setting is not held securely or can chip. It’s a reasonable worry since, at first sight, the diamond appears to just hang between two metal pieces without any clear support. However, this cannot be further from the truth.  

Let’s look into some of the more common concerns with tension set rings. 

 

How Secure Are Tension Settings?

When you first see a tension set engagement ring, it might seem like the diamond is hanging on by a thread. How can a diamond stay securely in place with such a small connection to the band? But don’t worry, these rings are very secure. The diamond is held tightly between the bands thanks to a clever design.

A prong setting can be bent back by only a slight pressure against a hard surface, point, or tool. Unlike prongs, the spring-loaded tension setting will not weaken over time. Pressure from both sides holds the diamond securely in place with tiny grooves that help keep the stone from slipping.

Only a high-impact force could damage the spring-loaded design and cause the stone to budge. But with that kind of force, any ring would struggle. 

So, for everyday wear, tension settings are a more reliable choice, keeping your precious stone safe and sound without any fuss.

 

Can the Stone Become Chipped or Damaged?

Stones can be damaged in any setting, but how they are mounted can affect their protection. Tension set mountings cover more of the diamond’s edge, called the girdle, compared to other settings. This can provide a little better protection for the diamond.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that low-quality tension set rings can harm the diamond or lose its tension, causing the stone to fall out. On the other hand, high-quality tension set rings will hold their tension for hundreds of years. 

So, as long as the ring is set by a highly experienced jeweler and the gemstone is of good quality – no damage will occur to the stone during or after the setting.

 

Our Favorite Tension Set Rings

You don’t need to add extra stones to your wedding band for that dazzling shine. Tension set rings allow more light to gleam through your singular stone, giving you an unparalleled shine and beauty.

Want some ideas? Check out these stunning tension setting diamond engagement rings we love: