The Channel Setting

The diamond setting style known as “channel setting” features diamonds that are secured without the need for prongs. They are held in place between rails of metal, allowing the diamonds to butt directly up against one another in a solid line. This creates a sleek and clean look and a continuous surface of diamond. Rounds are commonly used in this technique, but square stones such as princess cuts are ideally suited as they are set edge to edge without any gaps. Properly crafted, channel setting are very secure with no small prongs to wear down or break. For the same reason, channel settings tend to be very wearable as they are much less prone to catching on things.

The diamonds rest in a groove or channel between the two vertical rails. A small horizontal seat is made near the top of each rail for the girdles of the diamonds to be held. A small amount of metal on the surface of each rail is burnished down on to the diamond securing it in place.

Channel setting can help create a modern look with very clean lines. It is also a style that tends to allow diamonds to perform with minimal interference from the setting itself.

There is a very popular “hybrid” version of the channel setting for round diamonds that has a similar overall appearance. The setting features the outside rails with the diamonds set down between them, but the diamonds are secured by beads of metal. This is often referred to as a ‘channel bead set’ style.

Information and images of other setting styles can be found in our Diamond Ring Settings Guide.