| Engagement rings used to be almost identical | | | | light to refract from all sides. Updated settings |
| except for the size and actual shape of the stone. | | | | now place the stone closer to the band, making it |
| Until the mid 70s, almost every engagement ring | | | | less likely to sustain damage and loss. |
| was essentially a half carat set in yellow gold in a | | | | Many settings have the stone inlaid into the actual |
| four prong Princess setting. Engagement ring | | | | band. This type of setting actually demands a |
| mountings have come a long way since then. | | | | solitaire with a completely different type of cut. |
| Mountings have changed dramatically not only to | | | | Rather than having a totally flat aspect on top, |
| conform to style and fashion, but to make the | | | | this type of setting works best with diamonds |
| setting itself a safer haven for the stone. Many of | | | | that have a visible multi surface cut, allowing light |
| the earlier high cap Princess settings tended to | | | | to reflect from all the surfaces, rather than just a |
| wear out quickly, resulting in loss of the stone. | | | | flat top. |
| The straps of the setting need to be strong and | | | | If inlaid stones aren't your preference, there are |
| secure. As a high setting rubs against the wedding | | | | still settings to showcase your diamond without |
| band and endures bumps and scrapes from | | | | the safety concerns from years ago. Many now |
| normal wear and tear, the setting can sustain so | | | | anchor the stone with six to ten straps as |
| much damage that stones are easily lost. | | | | opposed to old standard of four. High cap settings |
| Newer settings have gotten away from these | | | | are pretty much a thing of the past, with fashion |
| older high cap setting where the diamond was | | | | and common sense really dictating the styles that |
| held up and away from the band itself, allowing | | | | have become popular. |