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Cluster Diamond Ring: Brilliant, Unique and Beautiful

By Mike Fried,

What is a Cluster Engagement Ring Setting?

A cluster setting diamond ring features smaller diamonds set closely together to resemble a larger diamond, creating a “cluster” effect. A cluster ring can contain a large center stone or a group of stones of equal size. The diamonds in a cluster ring often form a geometric shape like a square or a unique design like a flower or starburst. Many cluster rings have an antique look.

When buying a cluster setting ring, it’s crucial to look for quality craftsmanship, ensuring that the smaller diamonds are firmly and evenly placed to create a symmetrical pattern. Budget-wise, prices will vary greatly, depending on the quality and carat size of the stones as well as the intricacy of the setting.

The image below features a cluster setting that gives the impression of a 1.5 Carat center stone. The actual center stone in this ring is much smaller than 1.5 Carat. The cluster of diamonds offers the ring more character, size and sparkle.

East-West Oval Pave Diamond Ring
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.

Bottom Line Recommendation:

Cluster settings offer extraordinary style: they form the appearance of a larger stone with a cluster of smaller diamonds. Cluster engagement rings often feature unique shapes, like this starburst engagement ring from Blue Nile or this floral cluster ring from James Allen.  

When designing your cluster ring, we highly recommend choosing a highly reputable vendor. Ensure you receive the best quality of diamonds and jewelry by going with James AllenBlue Nile or Brian Gavin Diamonds.

Deal Alert: Get 25% off engagement ring settings at Blue Nile!

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Why Choose a Cluster Engagement Ring?

Cluster engagement rings often receive plenty of attention. The smaller stones compliment each other and offer extra sparkle. The additional character and style of cluster ring designs make them a popular choice for those seeking a unique design.

Cluster settings also tend to carry an antique or vintage feel, like this platinum blossoming halo from James Allen. In other words, cluster rings are timeless and can be passed down for generations.

As they feature several small diamonds instead of a single large one, cluster settings can also offer excellent value for money. Diamond prices increase exponentially with carat weight, meaning a 2 carat diamond costs significantly more than 10 smaller diamonds with a total carat weight of 2 carats. As the GIA explains:

“Because of their rarity, large diamonds command a premium – so much so that the difference in price isn’t geometric but exponential. In other words, a 1.00 ct diamond will cost much more per carat than a 0.50 ct diamond. A 2.00 ct diamond will have a much higher per-carat price than a 1.00 ct diamond.” Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Cluster Diamond Rings vs. Solitaire

Cluster diamond rings feature smaller diamonds placed next to each other, whereas solitaire rings feature a large center stone. Solitaire rings are usually simple in nature, with a single stone, like this Round Cut 14K white gold ring from James Allen. Cluster diamond rings have many diamonds like in this white gold cluster engagement ring from James Allen. Solitaire rings are more popular for engagement rings than cluster rings. Some choose a cluster engagement ring for a unique look. 

In most cases, cluster rings are less expensive than solitaire rings because they don’t feature as large of a diamond. As with any ring, the price depends on the diamond quality, carat weight and precious metal.

Cluster Settings for Every Style

Cushion Halo Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring

Cluster settings usually feature round diamonds, as they’re the most common shape in the smaller carat weights. Round diamonds are also easy to group together to form other shapes.

With cluster engagement rings, the designs range from extravagant to simple and classic. Review a few styles before creating your own cluster ring.

Examples of Cluster Engagement Ring Designs:

Pros and Cons of a Cluster Setting

Review the pros and cons of a cluster set ring to help decide if it’s right for you. Consider the overall appeal of the setting along with its cleaning and maintenance requirements.

Pros

  • Offers a unique look full of dimension and texture
  • Gives the appearance of a larger center stone
  • Can be designed to form a festive shape, like a flower or sunburst
  • Provides a lower cost option to purchasing a larger diamond
  • May complement smaller hands and fingers

Cons

  • Usually requires more time and effort to clean due to multiple stones and crevices
  • Smaller stones may become loose and fall out if not properly maintained

Where to Buy Cluster Diamond Engagement Rings

With a cluster setting, a specific level of craftsmanship is required. The smaller diamonds need to be set securely and evenly to form a symmetrical design.

Therefore, it’s important to choose a highly reputable vendor for your cluster engagement ring. Above all, you want a dealer who will offer you excellent craftsmanship and quality at an excellent price.

Throughout our experience in the industry, we’ve closely vetted diamond sellers to determine the most reliable jewelers. The diamond dealers we recommend below are reputable and trustworthy. All diamonds come with a GIA or AGS certificate—allowing you to trust what they’re selling you.

Blue Nile

  • Focuses on high-quality diamonds and jewelry
  • Features the largest online inventory of diamonds and settings
  • Provides excellent prices and return policies

James Allen

  • Presents high-tech imagery so you can view each diamond up-close before purchase
  • Known for their exceptional customer service
  • Offers appealing prices and hassle-free returns

Leibish & Co. (Gemstone Alternative)

Brian Gavin Diamonds

Evaluating a Diamond Ring for Beauty and Value

At Diamond Pro, we want to help you find the best diamond at the best price. Our online library of diamond educational resources can help you select the most beautiful ring for your budget.

  • Diamond cut: Cut plays the biggest role in a diamond’s beauty. That’s why we recommend only considering Excellent and Ideal cut diamonds.
  • Diamond shape: Select a shape for your center diamond based on personal style and preference. Match your diamond with a setting style that offers beauty and stability.
  • Diamond clarity: Opt for a diamond that’s eye clean. Blemishes and inclusions usually can’t be seen with the naked eye at a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade. While you can pay more for higher clarity, it’s likely to go unnoticed.
  • Diamond color: Be sure your diamond looks white in relation to its setting. Remember: diamonds in the G to I range appear colorless to the naked eye, but cost much less than diamonds in the D to F range.

Want help in selecting the most stunning ring? Contact our diamond experts.

FAQ about Cluster Settings

Here are the most common questions about cluster settings—answered by experts.

Are diamond cluster rings cheap?

Cluster rings are usually less expensive than other ring styles, because the diamonds are of lower carat weight. That makes cluster rings a more affordable option, especially for those looking for a unique ring style. For example, this white gold blossom ring from James Allen featuring one center diamond and eight smaller diamonds costs $1,750 while this grande floral diamond cluster engagement ring from James Allen costs $2,700.  

Are cluster rings tacky?

High-quality cluster rings are not tacky, as they’re designed with beautiful diamonds and precious metals such as gold or platinum. Just like with any ring setting, look for a cluster ring that’s well-crafted. Consider reputable vendors like Blue Nile and James Allen to ensure a high-quality ring. 

Are cluster engagement rings popular?

Cluster engagement rings are not among the most popular styles, but they are great for couples on a smaller budget who want a unique ring. Cluster ring designs range from vintage styles and halos to 3-stone cluster diamond rings.

Here are more specific setting style topics to browse:

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing.Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

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