When choosing an engagement ring, the gemstone may be the first thing that catches the eye—but it is the setting that truly tells the story. The setting is more than a backdrop; it’s the architectural frame that elevates the gem’s natural beauty, protects it through everyday wear, and reflects the wearer’s lifestyle, style, and sentiment.
At Prins & Prins, every ring is a handcrafted expression of love and legacy. Whether you’re captivated by the sleek simplicity of a solitaire or the luminous embrace of a diamond halo, understanding the interplay between gemstone and setting can help you find a ring as enduring as your love.
The Bezel Setting – For Elegance, Security, and Adventure
A bezel setting fully encircles the gemstone with a rim of precious metal—offering maximum protection while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. This style has a rich history in antique jewellery, but its resurgence today speaks to couples who lead active lifestyles and seek both beauty and durability.
Softer gemstones such as emeralds and tanzanite (rated 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale) benefit especially from this setting, as it shields the edges and reduces the risk of chips. Prins & Prins often recommends bezel settings for clients who value both practicality and elegance.
“Softer gems need more protective settings like bezels, and active lifestyles benefit from low-profile settings,” notes our expert jewellers.
Romantic Touch:
Imagine a sleek emerald set in warm yellow gold, glinting on the hand of a bride-to-be hiking through the Cape Winelands – a talisman of strength and grace.
The Solitaire Setting – Classic Brilliance, Timeless Devotion
The solitaire remains the epitome of timeless romance. A single gemstone, often mounted in delicate prongs, captures the eye and symbolises the singular nature of true love. This setting allows maximum light to reach the stone, enhancing brilliance and fire.
It is especially well-suited for harder gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies (Mohs 9), whose natural resilience ensures they remain dazzling with minimal risk.
As Prins & Prins artisans explain, “Prong settings maximise brilliance and place the stone at centre stage—perfect for formal settings or romantic proposals.”
Romantic Touch:
Picture a classic blue sapphire solitaire glowing in platinum, presented on one knee atop Table Mountain—a royal symbol of loyalty and forever.
The Halo Setting – Radiance, Romance, and Vintage Allure
A halo setting surrounds the centre gemstone with a circle (or double halo) of smaller diamonds, amplifying the ring’s sparkle and enhancing the size of the focal stone. This design is perfect for romantic souls, offering an aura of vintage glamour and delicate brilliance.
Halos also provide a touch of extra security, especially for softer stones such as morganite or aquamarine, as the surrounding diamonds help shield the centre gem.
Romantic Touch:
A cushion-cut morganite wrapped in a halo of diamonds, set in rose gold—like a love letter from another era, timeless and tender.
The Pavé and Flush Settings – Subtle Sparkle for the Artistic Heart
For those who appreciate fine details, pavé and flush settings offer understated elegance. In pavé, tiny diamonds are set closely together along the band, adding a soft shimmer that complements the centre stone without stealing the spotlight. Flush (also called rub-over) settings, on the other hand, embed stones into the metal for a sleek, contemporary finish.
These styles are ideal for couples seeking something distinctive and bespoke, often used in combination with other settings to create a unique piece of wearable art.
Romantic Touch:
A white gold band with pavé-set diamonds, leading to a bezel-set ruby—subtle fire, everlasting flame.
Choosing the Right Setting for Your Story
Selecting a ring is as much about who you are as it is about what you love. Do you lead an active, outdoor lifestyle? Consider a bezel or flush setting to protect your gem. Is sparkle your signature? A halo or pavé accent might be just the thing. Do you long for elegant simplicity? A solitaire lets the gemstone do the talking.
At Prins & Prins, our master goldsmiths craft each setting to complement not only the gemstone’s character, but also the personality of its wearer. From modern tension-set rings to vintage halos and minimalist solitaires, each design is tailored to balance beauty, function, and meaning.
“We believe your engagement ring should reflect your lifestyle, your values, and the timeless nature of your love.”
Begin Your Journey With Prins & Prins
With over a century of experience in crafting fine jewellery, Prins & Prins offers not just rings—but heirlooms. Every detail, from gem selection to final polish, is handled with integrity, artistry, and passion.
Explore our collection of bespoke designs and let your setting speak as powerfully as your stone.
👉 Browse our Engagement Rings Cape Town collection and find the setting that frames your forever.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.