A Complete Guide To Cathedral Engagement Ring Settings

The world of engagement ring settings can be as intimidating as it is enthralling. If you have narrowed down your selection to a cathedral setting, you will still find a myriad of styles within this genre. If you haven’t narrowed down your selection at all, perhaps a cathedral setting is a good place to start.

This guide will explore the practical and aesthetic attributes of cathedral settings, to help you make the best choice for your engagement ring.

Inspired by the grand architecture of a cathedral ceiling, a cathedral setting encompasses arching silhouettes and a center diamond flanked by metal that rises from the shank. The side profile is distinctive and may also feature diamond pave and/or other decorative design elements.

Demystify jewelry making and learn the care that will go into your ring with our fascinating guide on the jewelry manufacturing process.

To decide which setting is right for you, compare different settings. The two arches accentuating the central diamond are the cathedral setting’s most distinguishing characteristic.

Non-cathedral ring settings lack the distinctive arches of the cathedral style. These settings include a variety of designs such as solitaire, bezel, halo, and tension settings, each with unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal.

Our guide to prong settings can give you an in-depth understanding of the features and our complete guide to diamond ring settings showcases every style. If you are just starting your engagement ring journey, these pages can provide you with a closer look at the popular styles. Here is a comparison of cathedral rings to other types of rings.

What sets a cathedral setting apart from a classic solitaire are the arches of the ring shank that meet the diamond setting at a higher level. (The classic solitaire shank attaches to the base of the head which sits directly atop the shank). This also allows the diamond to sit a bit higher than most classic solitaire styles, and offers some protection as well – something that active individuals may want to consider.

The side profile view of a cathedral setting usually features open metal-providing airy comfort as well as ease of cleaning. There are a number of good reasons that cathedral style settings are an excellent choice. For those on a budget, a simple cathedral without additional diamonds can be just the ticket, but there are a range of more ornate styles with diamonds that can be very striking too.

Perhaps the most distinctly different non-cathedral setting, the bezel setting provides a modern and sleek appearance by encircling the center stone with a thin metal rim, offering excellent protection and a smooth edge that minimizes snagging on fabrics.

Bezel settings are particularly secure, making it an excellent choice for those with active lifestyles. These designs are drastically different in how they display your chosen diamond, and couldn’t be further from each other in terms of aesthetics. Bezels settings typically feature clean lines with fewer additional decorative elements whereas cathedral settings allow for various decorative elements such as engravings, pave diamonds, and milgrain details.

Ultimately, it is your tastes, lifestyle and desire for brilliance that make the call.

Halo settings feature a central gemstone surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones, amplifying the overall sparkle and making the center stone appear larger - creating a "halo" effect.

Besides adding extra sparkle, the halo is also available in a variety of styles, from vintage to modern, and they often include intricate details like milgrain edges or pavé settings. A similarity shared by both settings is the ability to add decorative elements based on aesthetics.

Both settings also aspire to enhance the prominence and brilliance of the center stone. Halo settings surround the center stone with smaller stones to make it appear larger and more brilliant, whereas cathedral settings elevate and show off the center stone through architectural design.

The tension setting creates a contemporary look by holding the center stone in place with the pressure of the metal band, giving the illusion that the gemstone is floating. In addition to maximizing the stone's visibility, this innovative setting is also admired for its creative design.

A tension setting secures the stone by applying pressure to the band, offering less edge protection and making it potentially less suitable for active individuals. A cathedral setting provides good structural integrity and protection. Tension settings are attractive because of their contemporary appearance. They allow light to enter from all angles, which can enhance the stone's brilliance and sparkle, much like the Cathedral setting. Featuring an open design, the ring showcases the gemstone prominently and gives it a unique, avant-garde feel.

Aspects such as aesthetics, practicality, and personal preferences must be taken into account when comparing cathedral and non-cathedral settings. The cathedral setting, with its elevated arches and additional design options, offers an elegant, timeless look, ideal for those who want the center stone to be the star of the celebration.

There are practical and beautiful benefits to choosing a cathedral setting:

If you’re deciding whether a cathedral setting is the correct choice for yourself or your intended, there are a few things to take into consideration. As with all engagement ring styles, some features of cathedral settings might be less suited to certain lifestyles. It is all about finding the right ring for your needs.

The possibilities for cathedral setting designs are far-reaching, providing something to suit a variety of tastes. Here are some of the styles that are most beloved by our customers to inspire your search.

The petite style is perfect for a daintier look and emphasize the center diamond. This open cathedral setting features a diamond band for an extra lift of sparkle.

Metal engraving or metal beadwork are wonderful ways to add intriguing detail and texture to a cathedral setting. They are a great way to achieve detailing for those working with a modest budget, and who simply want the center diamond to hold the limelight.

This Verragio design showcases the ornate possibilities for cathedral settings and the time and care that goes into these intricate works of art.

Given the inherently sentimental nature of an engagement ring, we believe that personal taste should be the driving factor for your search. An understanding of how certain styles hold up to lifestyles and your particularly hands-on activities is also an important consideration.

We are here to offer guidance on all engagement ring decisions; from setting styles to choosing a diamond, we will be with you every step of the way. Our friendly and experienced diamond and jewelry consultants are just a phone call, email, or chat away. And at Whiteflash there is never pressure to buy.