What is the difference between a fully-mounted engagement ring and a semi-mounted engagement ring? Are semi-mounted engagement rings recommended?

The main difference between a fully-mounted engagement ring and a semi-mounted engagement ring is that semi-mounted engagement rings are rings which lack a center stone, while fully-mounted engagement rings come equipped with a center stone, as well as with accent stones and additional design embellishments (filigree, engravings, etc.). As such, a semi-mounted setting allows for the center stone to be added at a later date. Semi-mounted engagement rings are considered to be very popular due to their flexibility. A couple can independently shop for a loose diamond or precious gemstone which they would like to have set as their center stone. With a semi-mounted setting, the couple has complete control over the clarity, cut, color and carat weight of their ring's center stone.

A semi-mounted engagement ring is recommended for couples:

• Who prefer to purchase their own engagement ring's center stone, who want to have complete control over the gemstone's quality.
•  Who are on a tight budget. By buying their own center stone, couples can make sure that the precious gemstone's price fits into their budget limitations.
  
• Who are undecided as to what their center stone should be, but know what sort of design embellishments they want (since a semi-mounted engagement ring already comes equipped with accent stones and engravings).
  
• Who are planning on using an hear loomed gemstone. The heir loomed precious gemstone can be separately added to a semi-mounted engagement ring.
•  Who are planning on using an unusually shaped gemstone. Unusual precious gemstones shapes are not very common in traditional engagement rings. Therefore, a couple planning on using a unique diamond cut may prefer to have it separately set into a semi-mounted engagement ring.
•  Who decide on going with an unconventional semi-precious gemstone (such as garnet, agate, onyx, citrine, etc.) as their center stone. Traditional engagement rings are commonly mounted with diamonds and/or other precious gemstones (for example, emeralds, sapphires and rubies). Consequently, a couple would be hard pressed to find engagement rings with semi-precious gemstones doubling as center stones. Thus, a good alternative would be to buy a loose semi-precious gemstone and then later set it into a semi-mounted engagement ring.
  

 However, couples should be aware that a semi-mounted engagement ring will not necessarily be able to accommodate each and every gemstone. I recommend that you check whether the loose gemstone you are thinking of using as a center stone fits in with your chosen semi-mounted engagement ring, whether its shape and size can be housed by the ring's setting and whether its color and appearance match the ring's overall design.

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