Bar settings are popular styles for engagement rings, wedding rings and eternity bands. The diamonds are secured in place with vertical metal bars, allowing ample light to pass through the stones. With a bar setting, you can choose from a range of styles, like a stunning ring with nine diamonds from James Allen or a tapered baguette engagement ring from Blue Nile.
Above all, be sure to purchase your ring from a highly reputable vendor. We recommend James Allen, Blue Nile and Brian Gavin Diamonds as the dealers who will give you the best quality and value.
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Bar settings secure diamonds on two sides with vertical metal bars, leaving ample space for light to pass through the diamonds. While bar settings are similar to channel settings, they leave the diamond exposed on two sides, like in this white gold anniversary ring from James Allen.
A bar setting can compliment a beautiful engagement ring like this one from James Allen or stand alone for an impressive wedding or anniversary band. Because of their secure design, bar settings often feature multiple diamonds or gemstones.
A bar setting provides stability while still allowing adequate light to pass through the diamond. In other words, bar settings are stunning yet secure. By letting light pass through the diamond, this type of setting can showcase a beautifully cut diamond’s brilliance and fire.
”Brilliance is the effect of all the diamond’s internal and external reflections of white light, best observed under diffused lighting.” “Fire results when white light traveling through the diamond is dispersed into its rainbow of spectral colors.” Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Bar set rings also create beautiful symmetry, especially in eternity rings and three-stone designs. You can pair a bar set wedding band like this one from James Allen with an engagement ring for a dynamic duo. Some engagement rings even feature unique bar set elements, like this pinched bar pave engagement ring from James Allen.
Bar settings can support a range of diamond shapes, although round diamonds and baguettes are the most common. When choosing a bar set ring, consider whether you prefer rose gold, white gold, yellow gold or platinum.
Bar set ring examples:
Each setting style comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Review the pros and cons of bar settings below to learn about the style features, maintenance requirements and ease of cleaning.
Pros
Cons
Throughout our years in the industry, we’ve closely vetted diamond sellers to determine the best and most reliable in the business. We’ve found that where you buy your diamond and your ring does matter. That’s why we encourage our readers to be selective in which jewelry company they select.
The diamond dealers we recommend below are highly reputable. They offer large collections of beautiful diamonds and settings at excellent prices. If you have any questions about these vendors, please contact us.
With just a few helpful hints and expert tips, you’ll be equipped to purchase a stunning ring at an excellent price.
Review our Diamond Pro resources for help in selecting a gorgeous ring for the one you love.
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A diamonds' price is determined primarily by the 4 Cs of the diamond. On the wholesale level, diamond prices are first based on a diamond shape and s
Over the last ten years I have secret shopped thousands of engagement ring retailers (usually with Annie, or another one of our diamond consultants).
1ct round cut petite side-stone diamond ring in yellow gold from Blue Nile A wide range of 1 carat diamonds exist both in online markets and local
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