The Basket Setting for Engagement Rings Explained
Crafted with precision, care and flair, basket settings are designed to securely hold the gemstone in place. The setting style features a basket-like structure with prongs that gently cradle the gemstone while creating a really striking visual effect that highlights the stone’s natural beauty from every angle.
Whether adorned with a dazzling diamond or a coloured gemstone, rings with basket settings are a truly beloved choice for engagement rings, anniversary bands or even special occasion jewellery. Let’s delve deeper into the appeal and craftsmanship of basket settings, exploring their design variations, and unique characteristics that set them apart in the world of fine jewellery.
What is a basket setting?
Good question. It’s a type of setting where the centre stone is held securely in place by a series of metal claws, also known as prongs, that adjoin beneath the centre stone to resemble the strands of a woven basket – hence the name.
These prongs typically extend from the top of the band and curve up around the sides of the gem, securing the centre stone in place. The basket setting offers excellent security for the stone as it almost nestles within the basket and makes the entire design look more ornate and considered. Think ‘luxury cottage-core with added functionality.’ It still allows enough light to enter the stone for maximum brilliance as these metal strands are typically delicate.
This setting can also provide a relatively low profile if designed so. This means the total height of the ring off the top of the finger is lower and the bottom of the stone is protected, so it won’t be as prone to catching on clothes, furniture or people. It’s a great choice for those who lead active lifestyles, enjoy gesticulating or simply prefer a more practical design.
Basket setting vs Prong setting
A prong setting and a basket setting refer to different design elements of an engagement ring. A prong setting refers to the way the top of a centre stone is held securely in place, while a basket setting refers to the metalwork that cradles the base of the stone from beneath it. Hope you’re still following.
A prong setting can exist on a basket setting and vice versa. Both of the rings above are prong-set, but the one on the right is an example of where the prongs join with a basket-inspired setting that sits beneath the stone itself.
Both these setting styles play an important part in engagement ring design, so what you go for depends purely on what you’d like the piece to look like.
What are the types of basket settings?
There are a few variations of basket settings, each offering some lovely design and structural features. Here are a few common types:
Traditional Basket Setting: This is the classic style where the centre stone is held in place by a basket-like structure composed of strands of metal. The prongs extend from the base of the ring and curve up around the sides of the gem, creating a secure hold while allowing lots of light to enter the stone.
Cathedral Basket Setting: In this type of setting, the strands of metal that form the basket extend upward from the shank of the ring in a cathedral-like arch, elevating the centre stone above the band. This design adds a sense of grandeur and height to the ring while maintaining the security of the basket setting.
Open Basket Setting: This particular one features a more minimalistic design with fewer metal elements, allowing for greater visibility of the gemstone. The basket structure is often lighter and more delicate, giving the ring a contemporary and airy look while still providing sufficient support for the centre stone.
Trellis Basket Setting: This type is characterised by interwoven strands of metal that form a lattice-like pattern around the base of the centre stone. The intricate framework resembles a trellis, adding a decorative texture to the ring while securely holding the gemstone in place.
Floral Basket Setting: Some basket designs often take inspiration from organic forms – our Blossom, Tamora & Thia designs are all heavily influenced by flowers and petals. Most notably our Tamora’s through the finger view showcases an impressive lattice-work Lotus flower-inspired design.
Each kind of basket setting offers its own unique mix of flair, security, and visual appeal. Some of them will work better for a certain ring style, size or type of stone, and level of design complexity. Our skilled consultants will be happy to show you what each one looks like and talk you through its merits so you can choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget.
What is the most secure engagement ring setting?
The bezel setting is universally considered to be the sturdiest and safest engagement ring setting you can get. In this type, the gemstone is fully surrounded by a metal rim that’s custom-made to fit its exact shape and size. This rim holds the gemstone securely in place, giving it excellent protection against knocks and reducing the chance of it getting loose or falling out. Win.
Unlike prong settings, where the small metal claws are doing all the work, the bezel setting frames the entire circumference of the gemstone’s table with metal. This provides full support around the entire stone, which is great if you’re someone who’s always on the go or uses their hands a lot.
Even though the bezel setting might not show off as much of the gemstone as other settings like prongs do, its unbeatable security and toughness make it a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a ring that’s built to last, and the sculptural look works incredibly well with an open basket design.
What setting makes the diamond sparkle the most?
The setting style itself won’t impact the actual sparkle of the diamond. That’s down to the stone’s quality and whether you’ve chosen one with solid specs.
Some setting styles allow more light to enter the stone and the refraction will result in an electric performance, more commonly known as ‘sparkle’, ‘life’ or ‘flash’. If this is what you’re after, we’d very rarely recommend entirely bezel-setting a diamond, as that would only allow for light to enter from the top of the stone. These sorts of things are important to discuss with your design consultant if you’re looking for a bespoke design. They’ll be able to explain in much more detail.
A diamond’s sparkle almost solely depends on its characteristics and what you consider the ‘right amount’, but generally, settings that allow the most light to enter and reflect off the diamond tend to enhance its sparkle the most. Among these, the prong (or claw) setting is widely favoured for its ability to showcase the diamond’s brilliance.
The minimal metal presence in prong settings means more light can enter the diamond, enhancing its sparkle and fire. Additionally, prong settings typically elevate the diamond above the band, further maximising its exposure to light. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy it from all angles.
Another setting known for adding sparkle is the halo setting. Here, small accent diamonds surround the centre stone, reflecting additional light onto the main diamond and creating a dazzling effect. This extra sparkle doesn’t come from the centre diamond itself, but it can make it appear larger and more radiant.
All of the designs in our permanent collection are carefully designed to account for optimal light performance. Our Engagement Ring Styles and Settings Guide will help you visualise how all these settings might look in situ, and give you more inspiration on your journey towards the perfect setting.
