Solitaire or Channel Set - What is the best design for a man's engagement ring?

Go for the practical choice. If there's no way in convincing you to neglect your diamond aspiration and go with a nice silver or gold man's engagement ring, I would advise you to have a small diamond channel set in a nice engagement ring, instead of wearing a far too extravagant item.

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For a guy I would say that a channel setting definitely goes better. Some would argue with you that a guy shouldn't wear a diamond ring in any event. I disagree, though I still think that a solitaire ring is more feminine and fits a lady's finger much more than a man's one. The popularity of the solitaire setting has a lot to do with long going tradition that preserved the view that a solitaire diamond ring is truly a woman's best friend and also a huge symbol of romance. My point is that the fact that solitaire is so popular is tradition, so I find no sense in respecting this tradition on the one hand while adding the (huge) twist of having it worn by a guy.

A channel setting is very tasteful, and is also suitable for a man's finger. Having small diamonds set in a row within the ring's "channel" could be suitable for both man and women. This setting can be fancy, impressive and even eye-catching, but it could never get as gaudy as a solitaire diamond ring, and I say it's better to leave "gaudy" for us women:)

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That's a good question. First of all, I would say that if you plan on wearing the engagement ring during physical activities, then a channel setting is a better option, because the diamonds are rather small and are more secure (though you would still need to take good care of such an engagement ring). Personally, I think that a wide band solitaire engagement ring looks nicer on men than the more delicate channel setting, moreover engagement rings should have one prominent diamond, but that's just my taste.

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Well, a channel setting would mean that your band would be mounted with a row of small diamonds, while a solitaire ring would mean just one diamond. So, which do you think you'd prefer? A bunch of small diamonds or just one large stone? Personally, I recommend you go with a solitaire set engagement ring, but make sure that the design is not too feminine, and that the diamond is not too flashy in shape, size and color (if you don't want your engagement ring to look too flamboyant). On the other hand, solitaire diamond engagement rings were traditionally meant to be worn by women, so if you're concerned about tradition, then perhaps you should take another look at a channel set diamond engagement ring. You are aware though, that there are other options available to you. Diamond engagement ring settings are incredibly varied in design and style. They include bezel settings, bar settings, gypsy setting, prong setting, etc. Each of these settings are more than appropriate for both men's and women's diamond engagement rings.

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