How do I care for my diamond engagement ring setting?

The type of setting your engagement ring has will directly affect the amount of attention and the manner of care which your engagement ring requires.


1. Bezel settings – generally speaking, bezel settings are considered to be relatively durable settings, which effectively protect the diamonds and precious gemstones which are mounted into the engagement ring. However, this does not mean that bezel setting do not require any care. Bezel settings need to be constantly cleaned and polished so that your engagement ring can look its constant best. With the bezel settings, the diamonds are mounted into a narrow trench etched into the ring's metal band. In time, dirt and grime can accumulate within the setting's rim, in between the metal and the stones. Avoid using sharp objects in an attempt to remove the dirt. Sharp objects can scratch and damage your precious gemstones' surfaces. Instead, use a mild toothpaste and soft bristled toothbrush to polish away the dirt or, better yet, take your engagement ring to a reputable jeweler and have him professionally clean and buff the engagement ring for you. Also, make sure that your jeweler checks whether the setting is still snug, and that the precious gemstones mounted into it have not come loose.

2. Prong settings – prong settings are problematic in that they are generally less reliable and secure than other engagement ring settings. The prongs, or claws, are quite delicate, and can easily loosen, dent, or even break off completely. You may not even be aware that your prongs have loosened until it is too late and the diamond falls out of its setting. Therefore, prong set engagement rings need to be periodically checked, tightened, and repaired by your jeweler. If a prong has broken off it is unwise to try and glue it back. Take your diamond engagement ring to your jewelers and have him re-attach the prong and secure the diamond. When it comes to cleaning prong settings, play it safe and have your jeweler professionally clean your diamond engagement ring. Avoid attempting to clean the ring by yourself. Rubbing the precious metal setting too vigorously may cause the prongs to either loosen or break.

3. Channel settings – channel settings are perhaps the most durable and the easiest to maintain out of all possible diamond engagement ring settings. The diamonds are set into the band itself, and secured using a tiny metal rim, which runs along the diamonds' edges. Therefore, channel set diamonds are not likely to loosen or to pop out of their setting. Channel settings should be cleaned from time to time. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to rub toothpaste onto the ring's surface, or dip the diamond ring in a soapy water solution for a short amount of time.
 4. Pave settings – pave set diamond engagement rings are rings which are literally 'paved' with diamonds. Pave settings use tiny prongs to hold the diamonds or precious gemstones in place. Therefore, the diamonds are rather exposed, and need constant care and attention. You could clean your pave set diamond engagement ring by soaking it in a hot soapy water solution. However, pave set diamonds have more grooves and crevices than say, bezel set diamonds. Therefore, it would be best to take your pave set diamond engagement ring to a reputable jeweler and have him professionally clean your diamond engagement ring. Also, since the diamonds are secured onto the ring's band with small prongs, you would need to have the prongs constantly checked for possible damages. Have your jeweler periodically check your diamond engagement ring for loose prongs or prongs which have broken off. In addition, pave set diamond engagement rings should never be worn paired with other paved set rings. Since the diamonds stick out of the band and are so exposed, they can rub up against each other and their surfaces can get severely scratched.

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