Engagement ring settings are comprised of a shank and a head. The shank is the metal that surrounds her finger while the head is the platinum piece that holds the diamond secure.

Shanks are available in a variety of styles from the classic solitaire to diamond accented styles. Angara offers shanks in 18k white or yellow gold, and platinum. Some engagement settings are also available in two-tone.

The head will depend on the size and shape of the diamond you choose. With round diamonds, you will have an option of either four or six-prong. A four-prong setting shows a bit more diamond, while a six-prong setting offers a bit more security, holding the diamond in place better. (By the way, this is the one that's often called the Tiffany setting.)

The setting plays an important role in how the diamond looks on a woman's hand. Certain settings also enhance the beauty of a particular shape of diamond better than others. A heavier, more elaborate setting, for instance, may not appear graceful on a smaller hand.

Where do you start?

The shape of the stone will narrow the field in terms of diamond settings, since settings are designed with a particular shape of stone in mind. You want the setting to show off the beauty of your diamond. Consider the following before you decide about the diamond setting:

Will it be yellow gold, white gold or platinum?

Would she prefer a simple solitaire setting or a side-stone setting? If side-stone, would she like her diamond to be set with additional stones, whether more diamonds, or perhaps sapphires or emeralds?
Does her taste run to traditional, vintage, floral, romantic or contemporary?