Bezel Engagement Ring Setting: The Major Pros & Cons you Must Know

Bottom Line Recommendation:

Bezel settings provide a secure and stylish design for engagement rings. From a beautiful Round Cut like this one from Blue Nile to a stunning Princess Cut in white gold like this one on Brian Gavin, plenty of designs are available. Review the pros and cons of a bezel setting to see if it’s right for you. Also, check out our tips on how to choose a perfect ring.

Most importantly, we recommend purchasing an engagement ring from a reputable vendor like Blue Nile, James Allen or Brian Gavin Diamonds. You’ll receive the best value for the best price, and end up with a beautiful engagement ring that will be cherished for years to come.

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Bottom Line Recommendation:
What is a Bezel Engagement Ring Setting?
Why Choose a Bezel Engagement Ring?
Bezel Settings for Every Style
Bezel Setting vs. Prong Setting: Pros and Cons
Unique Bezel Engagement Rings
Cost of Bezel Engagement Rings
Where to Buy Bezel Diamond Engagement Rings
Evaluating a Diamond Ring for Beauty and Value
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What is a Bezel Engagement Ring Setting?

Bezel set engagement ring with pave set white gold band

Modern and durable, bezel settings are a popular option for engagement rings. A bezel setting is a type of ring that holds the diamond inside a custom-made thin metal rim that surrounds the outside of the stone, keeping it secure and protected while showing off its beauty.

Unlike prong settings, which are quite delicate and expose the sides of the diamond, a bezel setting completely encircles the stone and holds it securely in place. This offers protection for the center diamond while giving the ring a sleek, modern appearance.

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Mike Fried has written hundreds of articles and helped answer more than 30,000 emails from our readers. This has given him a unique perspective on what information truly helps our readers in their quest for finding the perfect diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry.

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Bezel settings are available in a variety of styles, from elegant solitaire rings to settings that feature pavé, halo or side-stone diamonds. Some feature intricate design features, such as beaded, half-bezel and vine-like patterns.

Like other engagement ring settings, bezel settings are available in a wide range of different metals, including yellow, white or rose gold and platinum.

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Bezel Setting Designs: Full and Partial

FULL Bezel (on the left) and PARTIAL Bezel (on the right)

Bezel designs can be full or partial. A full bezel completely surrounds the diamond, like in this halo bezel setting from James Allen. Because full bezel settings cover the entire circumference of the diamond, they let less light in than most other ring types.

This means that a diamond may appear slightly less sparkly in a full bezel setting than it would in a traditional prong setting.

A partial bezel, like this half bezel with a pave band from James Allen, leaves the sides of the bezel open, allowing more light to enter the diamond from the sides. While the diamond may not look quite as brilliant as it would in a prong setting, the difference is subtle and very difficult to perceive.

Both a half and full bezel will securely hold your diamond in place, making them good choices if you’re looking for a safe, durable engagement ring. Like all settings, bezel settings have a range of unique pros and cons. We’ve covered these, and more about bezel settings, in detail below.

Why Choose a Bezel Engagement Ring?

The bezel is a popular ring setting due to its modern look and suitability for an active lifestyle. By tightly holding the diamond in place with its custom-fit metal, the bezel is one of the most secure settings.

For athletes and people with hands-on jobs (like doctors, nurses and construction workers), the bezel setting offers stability without sacrificing on beauty. This Round Cut bezel ring from James Allen showcases the stunning nature of this setting, along with the durability needed for an active lifestyle.

Bezel Settings for Every Style

While bezel engagement rings can be created for any Diamond Shape, the Round Cut is certainly the most popular for this setting. Within the Round Cut family, there are several styles, from vintage to solitaire.

With their clean and simple design, a bezel setting with a round diamond can look simple and unpretentious yet extremely elegant. For example, this stylish platinum bezel set solitaire ring from Blue Nile (pictured above) has a timeless look that will never go out of fashion.

Bezel engagement ring examples:

Bezel Setting vs. Prong Setting: Pros and Cons

As two of the most common setting options for engagement rings, bezel settings are frequently compared to prong settings.

With a bezel setting, the center diamond is held in place inside a thin metal rim. A prong setting, on the other hand, doesn’t feature any type of metal rim — instead, the diamond is held in place with four or six small prongs.

For example, take a look at how the diamond is held in place in this bezel setting from Blue Nile compared to this prong setting from Blue Nile.

Choosing a setting style often comes down to your fiancé-to-be’s personal preferences, tastes and style. You’ll also want to make sure that the type of setting you choose is a good fit for the wearer’s lifestyle.

Bezel Setting	Prong Setting
Diamond is held in place by a metal rim, or bezel, which provides extra protection for the center stone.	Diamond is held in place by three, four or six thin metal prongs, which offer little protection for the center stone.
Because of its design, a bezel setting can’t snag on clothes, bag handles or other items. Bezel is strong and won’t damage easily if it’s accidentally brushed against a surface.	Each prong is a small, sharp point that may snag on your clothing. Prongs may become damaged if they brush up against a door or other surface.
Reduces the amount of light that can enter into the diamond, meaning it may appear to be less brilliant.	Lets as much light as possible enter into the diamond, allowing for optimal light reflection and brilliance.
Hides the sides and edges of the diamond, potentially covering up inclusions, blemishes and other flaws.	Leaves most of the diamond visible, although the prongs may be large enough to cover up small inclusions.
Can make the diamond look slightly smaller than it really is, usually by around 10 to 20 percent.	Shows the diamond at its true size, without making it appear larger or smaller than its real carat weight.
Usually recommended for people with active lifestyles, or those who work in a hands-on environment.	Recommended for most people, although less durable than a bezel setting.

Below, we’ve listed the major pros, cons and details of a bezel engagement ring setting, with a focus on how this setting type compared to the prong setting.

Pros of Bezel Settings

Holds the Diamond More Securely Than a Prong Setting

One of the biggest advantages of the bezel setting is that it holds the diamond more securely than a prong setting, or almost any other setting type.

The custom-fit metal rim of a bezel setting closely holds the center diamond, making it far less likely for the diamond to come loose or fall out. Thanks to this firm, custom fit, the bezel setting is one of the most secure engagement ring settings.

Offers a Sleek, Modern Look

Bezel settings have a stylish, modern look that’s very different from other common engagement ring settings. If you and your fiancé-to-be like modern jewelry, you may appreciate the styling of a bezel setting over other setting types.

Is An Excellent Choice for Active Careers and Lifestyles

Because of their durability, bezel settings are an excellent choice for people with active lifestyles who need a durable engagement ring. The custom-fit rim of this type of setting holds any type of diamond securely in place, meaning it won’t come loose while running, hiking or playing sports.

Bezel settings are also a good choice for people with active, busy careers. If your fiancé-to-be is a medical professional, an athlete, or works outdoors or in any other environment where a prong engagement ring could become damaged, a bezel setting is a safe, durable alternative.

Like rock climbing? Playing lacrosse? Vigorous exercise? The bezel setting protects the center stone, so it is a great choice for active people. Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Easier to Maintain and Clean

Thanks to the relatively simple design of most bezel settings, maintenance is easy. There are no prongs to routinely check or clean, meaning you’ll have a significantly easier time taking care of the diamond and setting.

Doesn’t Snag on Clothing and Other Materials

Due to their design, bezel settings are less likely to catch and snag on clothing. There’s also no risk of the prongs becoming warped or damaged by brushing against a door, table or other hard surface, which could potentially be an issue with some prong settings.

Protects the Diamond From Damage

In addition to holding the diamond more securely, the metal rim of a bezel setting also protects the diamond from damage. The rim of a bezel setting covers the edges of the diamond, which helps to protect them from chipping and/or breaking.

This particularly benefits a princess cut, marquise cut and pear shape diamonds, which are the most prone to chipping.

May Hide Visual Flaws in a Diamond

The bezel setting covers more of a diamond’s surface area than the prong setting, allowing it to disguise some common flaws in a diamond’s appearance.

For example, many diamonds with a low clarity grade will feature visible inclusions. When these inclusions are close to the edges of the diamond, they may be covered up by the metal rim of a bezel setting, making them less obvious to the naked eye.

Note that choosing a bezel setting doesn’t mean you can buy a diamond with a low clarity grade and expect it to look perfect. If a diamond has obvious inclusions that are close to its center, it’s unlikely that a bezel setting will do much to disguise them.

Cons of Bezel Settings

Hides More of the Diamond Than Other Settings

Although the metal rim of a bezel setting protects the diamond, it also hides more of its surface than other setting types. This can not only make the diamond appear smaller than it really is — it can also make its brilliance less prominent and powerful.

Provides Less Light Reflection

Because the bezel setting wraps around the edges of the center diamond, it prevents light from entering into the diamond from the sides. This reduces the amount of light that the diamond can reflect, which could affect its brilliance and fire.

Unique Bezel Engagement Rings

Looking for something eye-catching and different? These unique bezel engagement rings are durable, practical and different from the norm, making them perfect if you have a hands-on job or active lifestyle but still want something creative and special:

Zac Posen Semi-Bezel Pave Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

This unique Art Deco pavé engagement ring has a semi-bezel design that shows off the top and bottom sides of the center diamond. While it’s not quite as durable as a full bezel ring, it offers a nice mix of eye-catching style and practicality.

Bezel Set Princess Shaped Diamond Solitaire Ring from James Allen

Angular and eye-catching, this bezel setting is designed specifically for square diamonds such as the princess cut. While its thick bezel will likely affect light reflection, it has a unique, modern look that certainly stands out next to the typical solitaire engagement ring.

Zac Posen Oval Bezel Diamond Engagement Ring from Blue Nile

Another stylish bezel set ring, this setting is designed specifically for an oval shape diamond and features gorgeous pavé-set diamonds along the band. Like other bezel settings that use pavé diamonds, this won’t offer quite as much durability as a simple solitaire bezel ring.

Bezel Set Diamond Tiara Engagement Ring from James Allen

With its Etruscan inspired beaded design, this setting ring features stunning accent diamonds arranged in tapered silhouettes. Available in a range of different metals, this is a great option if you want a bezel setting that’s elegant, eye-catching and inspired by classic ring designs.

Cost of Bezel Engagement Rings

Bezel engagement rings can range in price from $500 or less to several thousand dollars for settings that feature pavé, halo or side-stone diamonds.

For example, this simple yet elegant bezel set solitaire engagement ring from Blue Nile only costs $530, while this much more elaborate semi-bezel pavé engagement ring from Blue Nile costs $1,390.

Like other engagement rings, the price of bezel settings can vary based on the type of metal that’s used for the ring. Expect to pay significantly more for a bezel ring that’s made from 18K gold or platinum than you would for a 14K gold ring.

Where to Buy Bezel Diamond Engagement Rings

The company you choose for your diamond ring makes a tremendous difference in the beauty and value you receive.

Throughout our years in the diamond industry, we’ve learned which vendors to shop with—and which ones to avoid. In general, we’ve found online diamond vendors offer the best selection at a fraction of the cost of a brick and mortar store.

The diamond dealers listed below are highly reputable. They offer extensive collections of beautiful diamonds and settings at excellent prices. If you have questions about these vendors, don’t hesitate to email us.

Blue Nile

Blue Nile maintains the largest online inventory of diamonds and settings, giving you a superb selection to choose from. Their focus on remarkable diamonds and high-quality jewelry settings ensures you’ll receive a beautiful engagement ring.

James Allen

We recommend James Allen because of their appealing prices, high-quality jewelry and incredible diamond imagery. On their website, you can view each diamond closely with photography and video before making a purchase. James Allen also provides excellent customer service and return policies.

Brian Gavin Diamonds

Brian Gavin sells some of the best cut diamonds in the world. Consider a diamond in the “Brian Gavin Signature” Hearts & Arrows collection or the Brian Gavin Black or Signature collection. If you’re purchasing a 2 Carat Diamond or greater, a Brian Gavin diamond will make a significant difference.

Leibish & Co. (Gemstone Alternative)

We recommend Leibish to our readers who are interested in a colored gemstone or colored diamond engagement ring. They maintain a large inventory of colored stones and fashion all of their jewelry out of high-quality materials.

Evaluating a Diamond Ring for Beauty and Value

Find the most beautiful diamond at the absolute best price. Check out our Diamond Pro resources for help in selecting a stunning ring for the one you love.

Diamond Cut: The single most important factor that impacts a diamond’s brilliance is its Cut. Choose an Excellent or Ideal cut for the most beauty and sparkle.
Diamond Shape: Find the shape that matches your significant other’s taste and lifestyle.
Diamond Clarity: Focus on finding a diamond that’s eye-clean. In other words, you don’t need a diamond that’s flawless when under magnification. Inclusions and blemishes usually can’t be seen with the naked eye at a VS1 or VS2 Clarity grade. While you can choose a higher Clarity grade, it will go unnoticed (but you’ll pay a lot more for it).
Diamond Color: Your diamond should appear white in relation to its setting color. A diamond in the G to I range will appear colorless to the naked eye but cost far less than diamonds in the D to F range.

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