Pros and Cons of Tension Settings

Have a flare for illusion? Then it’s time to reveal the tension setting, the intriguing engagement ring setting that contains an eye-catching floating diamond between two metal bands.

The novelty of the tension setting is what makes it unique from other engagement ring settings. When looking at it, you can’t help but wonder how the diamond is staying in place or why it isn’t falling out?

Few settings yield so many questions, which is exactly why a tension setting is so appealing. If you’re unimpressed with traditional diamond settings, read on to learn about the pros and cons of the extremely unique tension setting.

What Is A Tension Setting?

While there are a variety of engagement ring settings, the common denomenator is the way the center stone is held in place. Typically, the centerstone is secured by prongs that nuzzle the gem in place securely. Then there are halo settings or bezel settings, which envelop the gemstone entirely.

While most diamond engagement rings are securely fastened by these types of secure barriers, the tension setting falls entirely into a different category.

Rather than using hardware or prongs to secure a gemstone in place, the tension setting colors outside of the lines by securing the stone in place with pressure.

Initially, tension settings employed tensile force to set gemstones into bulky, unsightly ring settings. However, since it’s inception 50 years ago, the tension setting respectfully evolved into a sleek and ultra modern style.

So, how on earth is that centerstone held in place? It seems to defy gravity by remaining in place, but the manufacturing and design of the tension setting is carefully executed. The centerstone is held securely in place within the gap in the metal shank. Inside the opening, there are untraceable grooves cut into the metal to precisely hold the centerstone in place. Still doesn’t seem logical, does it? Well, the gemstone is held snuggly by pressure on the stone from the metal bands on either side of the gem.

Amazingly, the diamond appears to be floating above your finger. While the gemstone tricks the eye with its suspension, there is a safe and dynamic security system in place. True to the illusionary intrigue of this unique setting, we aren’t able to see the interworkings of the design.

So, are tension settings durable? Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of the tension setting.

Tension Setting Pros

A Unique and Sleek Design

The biggest appeal of the tension setting is its sleek and modernistic design. While tension settings are popular, you won’t find many of them at a dinner party because they are extremely unique. Tension settings are an optimal choice for those favoring a cutting edge design that’s both minimal and attention grabbing.

Durable Setting

Upon first glance, the tension setting seems to defy safety. However, it’s not nearly as fragile as one might think. Tension settings are actually valued for their durability and security. While the seemingly floating gemstone might seem susceptible to falling out, it’s held securely in place by the metal bands which create tension that secure the stone.

Additionally, some tension settings are held in place with added prongs for an extra layer of protection. While tension settings are durable, they are vulnerable to extreme force. It’s incredibly unlikely that a force strong enough to dislodge the stone will occur, but it’s not without possibility.

Hello, Sparkle!

One of the most attractive aspects of the tension setting is the way light is distributed through the stone. Without hardware or encroaching settings that minimize the diamond’s brilliance, a tension setting allows light to pass through the stone and reflect in all angles. The result is an unrestrained brilliance, brightness and sparkle.

A tension setting is perhaps the most unintrusive setting, meaning your center stone will sparkle and gleam from every angle.

Easy Maintenance

Tension settings are very easy to keep clean, making maintenance a breeze. Without prongs and metal in the way, dirt doesn’t accumulate in the crevices and cavities like it does in other settings. Keeping a tension setting clean is easy, which means more sparkle, less maintenance.

Tension Setting Cons

Problems with Resizing

There’s really no way around it: tension settings can’t be resized. The process of making the tension setting is so strategic that resizing it would damage the setting. Resizing is a drawback for potential buyers, because if a ring needs resizing the only option is to purchase an entirely new setting. That said, many jewelers offer a free re-making warranty for tension settings. However, this warranty most often only allows for resizing with the first 30-60 days. Fact is, ring sizes change over time, but with a tension setting resizing is not an option.

Pricey

One of the best things about tension settings happens to also be an issue: tension settings are custom made. Anything that is custom made is going to cost more, and the same goes for tension settings. Additionally, if a tension setting needs to be remade due to changes in ring size, addition fees add to the initial cost of the ring.

Tension Setting Shapes

A variety of diamond shapes look gorgeous in a tension setting. However, by far the most poopular diamond shapes for tension settings are round brilliant and princess cut diamonds. It’s easy to see why geometric diamond shapes pair well with tension settings: the proportion and symmetry looks sleek and stylish.

That said, tension settings are commonly paired with asymmetrical diamond shapes including rectangle, pear and even heart shapes. A great thing about the tension setting is that you can customize a one-of-a-kind engagement ring with your choice of diamond.

Should I Buy A Tension Setting?

If a sleek and modern engagment ring unlike any other is on your list, then you might want to buy a tension setting. Truth is, tension settings are eye catching talking points that naturally attract a lot of attention.

With each tension setting custom made with exceptional skill and craftsmanship, you get an intriguing engagment ring that’s entirely unique, just like you.

Tension settings enable you to tailor your engagment ring with your choice centerstone. Browse our collection of loose diamonds to find the perfect match for your tension setting.

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