Any piece of jewelry with a stone, whether it is a ring, a pair of earrings, or a pendant, all have the same basic components regardless of the setting style or size of diamond.  The gallery is the place where the stone (as in a solitaire), or several stones are set, and the style of gallery is what differentiates one setting from another.

Most common is the prong setting, where small prongs, usually platinum for strength, are curved over the girdle to hold it in place (see http://www.personalized-jewelery.com/JewelryEducation/DiamondGuide.html).  There are usually four to six prongs for most diamond cuts (called Tiffany set) except for the Marquise and Trilliant cuts.  These need two or three V-shaped prongs at the corners.  The prong setting is raised and shows off the cut of the diamond; however, some prongs are so high that the stone may be more easily caught on objects such as gloves and pockets.  Keep in mind your daily activities and whether a tall ring would be suitable for your lifestyle. A solitaire diamond is the usual setting for an engagement ring, but sometimes a diamond set between two smaller diamonds could be a more unique engagement ring.

The bezel setting is a tiny cup or diskette that holds the diamond to the ring, also by its girdle. Often very ornately embellished, the bezel setting is difficult because the diskette must be carefully contoured to the shape of the stone. Oval and round stones are less complicated to set and have the advantage of showing off the diamond while protecting its edges, girdle, and pavilion.  It works for active lifestyles, and is a good setting for earrings, necklaces, and bracelets also.

Literally meaning “paved,” the pave setting looks like a band paved with diamonds.  Tiny prongs or little bits of the ring’s surface are scooped out, creating a nest for the diamond to set in. Many smaller diamonds close together create a dazzling effect of a much larger diamond, and are often set in white gold or platinum.  An advantage of a pave setting is that there are no high stones to risk snagging in daily wear.

Stones that are precision cut to have the same pavilions are used in channel settings.  Nestled between two raised tracks of gold or silver, they are packed together so tightly that they look like a single stone.  They are often seen in promise rings, friendship rings, and eternity bands.  Because there is no metal between them, the stones can show off their brilliance.

Bar settings are vertical bars between each stone that hold them in place.  Sometimes two or more stones are stacked between the bars, as in a channel setting, to give the band more width.  Often combined with colored gemstones, such as birthstones, this engagement ring can personalize the ring to the wearer. Like the channel ring, this setting is low on the band and is good for busy hands.

Understanding the ways that diamonds and gemstones are set can help you make the choice for the engagement ring that is a symbol of eternal promise.

Whether walking into boutique or a jewelry store, making the commitment in a product foreshadows a future life commitment and represents a monumental step. Uptown Minneapolis touts some of the premier wedding shopping including jeweler, in Minneapolis. The Uptown neighborhood has long been know as a unique area, and therefore understands this unique ring buying experience.

Stores in the Lyn-Lake area have been selling unique engagement rings and wedding related items for 25 years, helping thousands of couples make their shopping experience unique. The uptown area is boastful in customer service and a “kitchy” atmosphere which is simple: “Help our customers find what they are looking for.” Ring shopping in Uptown is a great example as it makes finding an engagement ring an even more special experience. Uptown is one of the most eclectic, unique and vibrant neighborhoods in Minneapolis and Minnesota. The area is home to some of Minnesota’s trendiest restaurants, boutiques, and businesses.

With areas specializing in dress making, custom designed accessories and jewelry, the lyn-lake are is a great resource for ideal cut diamonds, unique engagement rings and custom design work. The area is also known to be a resource for a collection of upscale diamond, gold and precious stone jewelry for gifts and special occasions.

A family-owned perspective with unique atmosphere can be expected when visiting Minneapolis Uptown. This atmosphere is translated into the wedding ring industry while on-site artisans create beautiful, quality rings that would be twice as costly as comparable name brand designer jewelry.

Shoppers can browse through an impressive selection of engagement rings that range from solitaires to contemporary engagement rings to antique engagement rings. The area also offers state-of-the-art custom jewelry design software that allows the customer to make his or her dream ring a reality. Custom designs are even available in a 3-D movie format.

Ring shopping is a unique and meaningful experience that calls for experts who understand the importance of this time. Couples need professional designers, friendly help and above all unique products. The heart of Uptown acknowledges that experience and offer or create anything form a unique fitted dress to unique engagement ring that perfectly fits the couple.

Whether shopping for clothing, art or Jewelry, Minneapolis Uptown assures your experience is both unique as well as trendy. Visit the uptown area and stop at the shops on Lyn-Lake today and see just how the Uptown area is right for you.

Engagement rings are available in wide variety of metals including silver, gold, diamond, silver, white gold or platinum. Traditionally designed engagement rings are also available which are being admired for centuries and have proven to withstand the tests of time. Designer engagement rings are available according to the requirements of the customer offering uniqueness in design and reflecting changing fashions. The prices of engagement rings vary though quite significantly. You can get it from a range of few hundred dollars to several million dollars. It all depends on a person’s budget. If you want to make a unique engagement ring for your fiancée within your budget, there is an option where you can design the ring on your own and a very qualified jeweler will make it for you. You can even choose a jeweler for placing the order for the ring in case you are sure of his craftsmanship. However, before placing an order for the ring you need to know whether your girlfriend likes platinum, gold or silver. Unique engagement rings usually comprise of platinum studded with diamond/s as they are elegant looking. They come to fit low as well as high budget; all you need is time to scout for the one that fits yours.

Diamond rings in platinum are available in such beautiful designs, pattern and shapes that they envy one and all. Majority of the engagement rings consist of a central gem; which often times is a diamond; however, before designing an engagement ring you have to finalize the type of gem you may want in your engagement ring. The shape, size and quality of the ring will affect the design of the ring. You can also purchase loose diamonds and other gems from wholesalers or jewelers who are specialized in making customized rings. Diamond engagement rings are usually in either gold or platinum as seen these days. While buying a diamond engagement ring, you have to definitely look for the 4 cardinal characters of it including the clarity, color, carat and cut. If you cannot take time out to go in search of an engagement ring in shops, there is another way. You can go online where there are exclusive men’s diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamond engagement rings and antique engagement rings all under one roof.

To buy a uniquely designed one, take time to sift through all of the diamond engagement rings available on the site. But in case you did not like any of them, you can conceive your own design seeing so many diamond rings and get a custom made designer engagement ring. After all, you want to show her how much you love her, right?

The most popular diamond cuts are emerald cut diamonds, round cut diamonds and even oval cut diamonds. The round cut diamonds are the most expensive ones and they dazzle the most and they make unique engagement rings as they look the best as solitaire rings.

It is the round cut diamond that look the best practically on any hand and finger. Again, there are oval cut diamonds too and these are quite similar to the round cut ones. It depends on personal taste and preference as to which is the best shape for the oval cut diamonds. However, it is the emerald cut diamond rings that are least expensive and they cost lesser than the otherwise round cut diamond rings. But they are no less to appeal. The emerald cut diamonds look layered and are rectangle in shape and can be great especially for men.

Today, diamond ring designers with the help of laser cutting technology and computer-aided designing can create trendy rings for fashionable wear at affordable costs especially through these emerald cut diamonds.

The marquis cut diamond rings reflect an oval look and makes your fingers look long and elegant. Marquis cut unique engagement rings are considered to be more popular than the emerald cut diamond rings. Again, oval cut diamonds are more popular as middle stone in engagement rings or as a centerpiece in many expensive jewelry. Oval cut diamonds are uniquely appealing to people who likes round cut diamonds.

Other very popular and fashionable engagement rings are eternity diamond rings. Eternity Diamond rings consist of line of small diamonds around an entire band. The ring appears as a circle of diamonds. These eternity diamond rings are attached with symbolic meanings so they are popular as anniversary gifts or even as engagement rings on a wedding day. The circle of diamonds signifies unending love bound forever.

The stones of eternity diamond ring need to be nestled together to reflect its compact shape and the diamond cuts used can range fro round to emerald. For a full eternity diamond rings, smaller sized stones are preferable for comfort, but of you wish to buy a half eternity diamond ring one can go for a slightly larger size of stones.