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Flush Settings: Explained with 7 Beautiful Examples

By Mike Fried,

A flush setting, also known as a gypsy setting, is a ring design where diamonds or gemstones are set flush with the band’s surface. This means the gemstones are embedded into the band, ensuring a smooth and even surface. The flush setting offers a sleek and modern appearance, making it an excellent choice for those who lead an active lifestyle or seek a minimalistic design. The absence of prongs or elevated settings reduces the risk of snagging, providing added durability.

When considering a flush setting ring, focus on the quality of the gemstones and the craftsmanship of the setting. Ensure that the stones are securely set and that there are no rough edges. The choice of metal, whether it’s gold, platinum, or palladium, should complement the gemstones and suit the wearer’s preference.

As for the budget, flush setting rings can be more affordable than some other intricate designs due to their simplicity. However, the price can vary based on the metal type, the number and quality of gemstones, and the overall design complexity. Generally, one should anticipate a budget ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on these factors. 

Here is what we’ll cover in this article:

What is a flush setting?
What is a gypsy setting?
Does a flush setting affect diamond fire?
Why choose a flush wedding ring?
Our top picks of flush setting rings
Pros & cons of flush setting
Where is the best place to buy a flush setting?
Alternatives for men’s wedding bands

Bottom Line Recommendation:

Flush settings are ideal for those with an active job or lifestyle. In these settings, diamonds are embedded so they’re flush with the surface, so the stone is not protruding from the ring. Flush settings are especially popular for men’s rings, like this beveled wedding ring from James Allen and this starlight eternity band from Blue Nile.

Most importantly, we recommend purchasing a ring from a highly reputable vendor. In our years of experience, we’ve found James Allen, Blue Nile and Brian Gavin to provide the best quality and value.

What Is A Flush Setting?

In a flush setting, the diamond is set into a drilled hole in the band, so the diamond sits “flush” with the band of the ring. In other words, the diamond does not protrude in any way.

To secure the stone, the jeweler hammers the metal around the diamond to hold it in place. Because of the hammering process, the flush setting isn’t suitable for softer gemstones which could crack in the process.

Flush Beveled Bezel Set RIng

What Is A Gypsy setting?

Flush settings, also known as gypsy settings, are a popular choice for wedding bands, especially men’s styles. The diamond’s secure position in the ring protects it from chipping or falling out.

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.

Does A Flush Diamond Setting Affect Fire?

Brilliance and fire are terms that refer to a diamond’s light performance. According to the GIA, brilliance is the total light that’s reflected from a diamond, while fire is the dispersion of light into the different colors of the spectrum. A diamond’s brilliance and fire have a significant impact on its appearance and beauty. 

A flush setting slightly reduces fire because less light is able to reach the diamond. With a flush engagement ring, the diamond won’t reflect as much colored light (fire). The same is true of brilliance. The amount of white light reflected (brilliance) is also less with a flush setting. Depending on the size and shape of the diamond, the difference in fire and brilliance may or may not be noticeable.

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

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Why Choose A Flush Wedding Ring?

A flush wedding ring offers security and durability without sacrificing on style. This flush setting diamond ring from Blue Nile, for example, is beautiful, simple and sturdy. It offers a “no catch” design—meaning it won’t snag on clothing or other materials.

With a flush setting, you can choose the number of diamonds you desire. You can opt for one diamond, like in this flat brushed ring from Brian Gavin, or several stones like in this eternity band from Blue Nile. You can truly design your ring exactly how you want.

Best Flush Setting Stone Designs

With any ring setting, there are certain designs that are more stunning than others. In flush settings, look for styles where the diamonds still catch your attention.   

Here are the best flush setting stone examples: 

  1. This flush setting men’s ring from Blue Nile features milgrain detailing and eight diamonds.
  2. The dash ring from James Allen for women highlights 15 stunning diamonds in a flush band—great for stacking with an engagement ring. 
  3. This three-stone flush setting ring from Blue Nile for men stands out with a trio of princess cut diamonds. 
  4. This sleek accent diamond ring from James Allen provides plenty of character to pair with an engagement ring.

Flush Settings For Every Style

Flush settings are an excellent match for any precious metal because of their secure support and straightforward design. You can choose a simple ring or something more festive.

Flush wedding band examples:

Matte Black Diamond Wedding Ring

Pros And Cons Of A Flush Setting

Every setting style has its advantages and disadvantages. Review the pros and cons of a flush wedding band before making your final decision.

Pros 

  • Provides a sleek, simple, polished look
  • Highly functional and practical
  • Gives the highest security to those who work with their hands
  • Offers peace of mind in knowing the diamond is unlikely to loosen or fall out
  • Provides protection to diamonds

Cons 

  • Reduces visibility of the diamond
  • Less likely to garner immediate attention
  • Limits the amount of light that can pass through the diamond (decreasing brilliance and sparkle)
 

Where To Buy Flush Diamond Wedding Rings

Choosing where you’ll purchase your wedding ring is a vital decision. Certain brick and mortar stores and online vendors will overcharge you. They make it seem like they’re offering a great deal, but the jewelry is usually made of inferior quality.

That’s why we recommend being selective when it comes to your jewelry vendor. Throughout our years of experience in the industry, we’ve closely vetted sellers to determine the best and most reliable in the business.

The diamond dealers below are reputable and trustworthy. With large inventories of diamonds and settings, you’ll have a superb selection to choose from. Their websites offer you high-quality imagery so you can view each ring up close before making a purchase.

If you have questions about these vendors, reach out to us.

Blue Nile

Blue Nile maintains the largest online inventory of diamonds and settings, including flush setting diamond rings. They focus on remarkable diamonds and high-quality jewelry. Their return policy allows you to exchange or return your item within 30 days.

James Allen

James Allen provides excellent customer service and hassle-free returns.  You can view their extensive collection of diamonds and fine jewelry with their high-quality imagery and photography.

Brian Gavin Diamonds

Brian Gavin Diamonds are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a truly exceptional diamond. The “Brian Gavin Signature” Hearts & Arrows collection and the Brian Gavin Black and Signature diamonds are exquisite options, especially for purchasing engagement rings. They also offer unique rings if you request a specific design, like flush settings with an oval stone.

Leibish & Co. (Gemstone Alternative)

Looking for a vibrant, unique alternative to a diamond? Consider Leibish for gemstone wedding bands and engagement rings. They also maintain a large collection of fancy color diamonds.

Leibish is a reputable, trustworthy company, and all of their jewelry is made with high-quality materials. Colored gemstones, like sapphires and rubies, are stunning choices and often cost less than a diamond.

Styles Of Male Wedding Bands

Want to compare flush settings to other styles of male wedding bands? Check out these alternative styles to see what catches your eye.

Have questions about diamonds or rings? Email our experts.

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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