Select Page

How do jewelers set lab grown diamonds in rings?

How Do Jewelers Set Lab Grown Diamonds in Rings?

When it comes to lab grown diamonds in Brantford ON, the setting process requires the same precision and artistry as natural diamonds. At J.H. Young & Sons, we take pride in our craftsmanship when creating stunning diamond rings with lab grown gems. Here’s what you need to know about how professional jewelers set these sustainable alternatives:

Preparation and Planning

Before a lab grown diamond is set into a ring, jewelers engage in careful planning. The process begins with selecting the appropriate diamond ring setting based on the stone’s size, cut, and the customer’s lifestyle. At J.H. Young & Sons in Brantford, our experts measure the diamond with precision calipers to ensure the setting will be a perfect fit.

The metal for the ring—whether it’s platinum, gold, or another precious metal—must be prepared accordingly. For custom jewellery, jewelers often create a wax model or computer-aided design (CAD) to visualize the final piece. This planning stage is crucial for ensuring the diamond will be secure and showcased optimally in the finished ring.

Common Setting Types for Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds can be set in all the same settings as natural diamonds, with certain styles being more popular than others. Some of the most common settings include prong (or claw), bezel, pavé, channel, halo, and tension settings. Each setting type has unique advantages and aesthetic qualities that can enhance the appearance of lab grown diamonds.

For engagement rings in Brantford ON, the classic prong setting remains the most popular choice as it maximizes light exposure to the diamond, enhancing its brilliance. The diamond jewellery experts at J.H. Young & Sons can help customers choose the setting that best complements their lab grown diamond’s unique characteristics while meeting their style preferences and practical needs.

The Prong Setting Process

The prong setting is the most common method for engagement rings and features metal claws that grip the diamond securely. For lab grown diamonds, jewelers typically follow these steps:

First, the jeweler prepares the prongs on the setting, ensuring they’re properly positioned to hold the diamond securely. Using specialized pliers, they carefully bend the prongs outward to create space for the diamond. The lab grown diamond is then placed into the setting with the table (flat top surface) facing upward and the pavilion (bottom portion) seated properly in the mounting.

With the diamond in place, the jeweler uses the pliers to bend each prong over the diamond’s crown, working in a cross pattern for even tension. After all prongs are positioned, they’re trimmed to the appropriate length and shaped with a file to create a smooth, rounded tip that won’t snag on clothing. Finally, the prongs are burnished or polished to create a seamless appearance. At J.H. Young & Sons, our jewelers ensure every prong is perfectly positioned to showcase your diamond ring while providing maximum security.

Creating Bezel Settings

Bezel settings offer excellent protection for lab grown diamonds and create a sleek, contemporary look that many customers prefer for their wedding rings. The process begins with creating a custom metal rim that precisely matches the diamond’s dimensions.

The jeweler crafts a thin strip of metal that will surround the diamond’s circumference. This metal collar is soldered to the ring’s base. After placing the lab grown diamond inside this collar, the jeweler carefully pushes the metal over the diamond’s edge using specialized tools, completely encircling the stone. This technique requires significant skill to ensure the metal is evenly distributed around the diamond and properly polished for a seamless finish.

At J.H. Young & Sons, our artisans excel at creating both full bezels (which encircle the entire diamond) and partial bezels (which leave portions of the diamond’s edge exposed) for custom jewellery in Brantford ON. Bezel settings are particularly popular for those with active lifestyles, as they offer superior protection for diamond jewellery.

Pavé and Micro-Pavé Techniques

Pavé (pronounced “pah-vay”) settings create a continuous surface of diamonds, adding incredible sparkle to engagement rings. For this technique with lab grown diamonds, jewelers drill small holes into the ring’s surface, creating a honeycomb pattern.

Each hole is carefully sized to accommodate a small diamond. The jeweler places the diamonds into these holes and then forms tiny beads or prongs from the surrounding metal to secure each stone. These metal beads are almost invisible, giving the appearance of a continuous surface of diamonds. Micro-pavé uses even smaller lab grown diamonds and requires extraordinary precision and specialized tools.

Our master craftsmen at J.H. Young & Sons in Brantford use magnification and steady hands to create stunning pavé settings that enhance the overall brilliance of diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces and diamond earrings. This technique allows for maximum sparkle while maintaining a comfortable wearing experience.

Channel Setting Method

Channel settings provide excellent protection for lab grown diamonds while creating a sleek, streamlined appearance popular in both engagement rings and wedding rings in Brantford ON. The jeweler begins by creating two parallel metal walls along the ring’s band, forming a “channel.”

The jeweler precisely measures and cuts grooves into the inner walls of this channel to accommodate each lab grown diamond. The diamonds are carefully selected for consistent size and placed side by side within the channel, with each stone fitting securely into the grooves. Once all diamonds are properly positioned, the jeweler gently pushes the metal walls inward to secure the stones.

At J.H. Young & Sons, we ensure the metal walls are finished flush with the diamonds’ surfaces, creating a smooth edge that won’t catch on clothing while providing excellent protection for the stones. The result is a sophisticated line of diamonds that adds elegance to diamond jewellery while being practical for everyday wear.

Tension Settings: Engineering and Precision

Tension settings create a dramatic, modern look by seemingly suspending the lab grown diamond between two ends of metal with no visible means of support. This advanced setting technique requires precise engineering and is particularly striking for engagement rings.

To create a tension setting, jewelers carefully calculate the exact amount of pressure needed to hold the diamond securely. The ring’s metal must be specially hardened and calibrated to maintain constant pressure on the diamond. Small grooves are precisely cut into the metal edges that will contact the diamond, increasing the surface area holding the stone.

Our expert craftsmen at J.H. Young & Sons use specialized equipment to ensure the metal’s tension is perfectly calibrated for each lab grown diamond, creating a secure hold while maintaining the illusion that the diamond is floating. Despite their delicate appearance, well-crafted tension settings can be quite secure, though they typically require professional jewelers for any sizing or adjustments to maintain the precise tension.

Custom Settings for Lab Grown Diamonds

For those seeking unique diamond rings, custom settings offer unlimited possibilities with lab grown diamonds. At J.H. Young & Sons, our custom jewellery process begins with a consultation to discuss design preferences and lifestyle considerations.

Custom settings might incorporate elements from multiple setting types or feature innovative designs that showcase lab grown diamonds in new ways. Many of our clients choose to blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs, perhaps incorporating family heirlooms or symbolic elements into their