Every time my husband sees a tension-set engagement ring, he goes off on a tangent about how much he likes them and how that’s the kind of ring I should have gotten. Good thing I got to help pick it out.
Don’t get me wrong. I think tension-set rings are awesomely contemporary and very pretty, but there’s just something about the tension setting that makes me nervous. It just seems like tension couldn’t be enough to hold that valuable little rock in place forever.
So are my fears rational? Or am I just paranoid?
Apparently setting a diamond by tension alone is quite the craft; the jeweler has to be incredibly skilled, because if they set the stone with too much tension, it can crack, and if there’s not enough tension, that tiny little gem could be lost forever. Sort of a Catch-22, don’t you think?
Also, if you’re really into having a gold, white gold, silver, or platinum ring, you better be okay with a larger, heavier ring. Because these metals are softer, jewelers have to use more to create the required tension to get the contemporary setting style.
Anyway, those are the major cons for buying a tension set ring. Now that you know of the potential flaws though, it’s only fair to mention the benefits. Here they are (and in list format, no less!):
- The tension setting has only been around for about 30 years, so they are the most modern style available.
- Experienced jewelers and manufacturers must be licensed to engineer tension settings so if you go through a professional, you can probably feel secure with your ring.
- If you go with titanium, not only can you count on having a less bulky ring, but it allows for a tensile strength of between 30,000 and 45,000 pounds per square inch—at least 100 times more than most gold, silver or platinum tension set rings!
- Most manufacturers agree that if you have your ring inspected at least once a year, any problems with your tension setting will be detected before your diamond cracks or is lost.
Basically, if you like the tension setting, go for it! From what I found out, titanium seems to be becoming ever more popular, and you’ll want to make sure you invest in an inspection plan through your jeweler. Most stores offer this regardless of what type of ring you get, so just make sure to go ahead with it and cash in ever 6 months to a year!
Do you have any stories about your tension set diamond? Let us know what you know by commenting below!
January 23, 2008
BEAUTIFUL RING!!! Oh how gorgeous, I have never seen a ring like this. Yes, I would like to know if anyone has had any experiences with this type of ring, I wouldn’t want to loose my diamond!!
April 13, 2008
I have a tension set ring that was given to me as a gift. I really didn’t care for the setting at first but it was a beautiful platinum ring with a flawless diamond so it grew on me. I didn’t wear it daily and tried to be careful but about a year or less after I got it the diamond was loose. I had to have the ring built up to secure the stone which was pricey and a pain for the jeweler since it was platinum. I had to have this done twice. Now I only wear it every once in awhile and I always check it. My advice- the style is “dated” and I don’t think it will last forever. Mine is platinum and should be more durable than most. I certainly wouldn’t buy a tension set in gold. No way unless you want to loose your stone. Get a classic prong mount that will be timeless and durable. I have a 1.5 carat solitare that has a 6 prong mounting, and I wear it everyday and to sleep for over a year and not even a slight wiggle. SOLID as a rock. If you like the tension mounting get a semi-precious stone in the setting. When it goes out of style and your embarassed to wear it anymore, or you lose the stone it will be no big loss. You’ll thank me later!
April 21, 2008
JSB, I have a tension set ring. I’ve had it for 15 years. It’s made by a company called Niessing. It is actually safer than prongs if you use Kretchmer or Niessing. Kretchmer has actually never had a client lose a diamond. My guess is that you have a Gelin and Abaci. They are knock offs and don’t use the alloys that Kretchmer or Niessing use.
As far as “dated”, I wonder how old you are? Some of the G&A rings, I agree are dated and flat out ugly. I think you may not understand “classic contemporary”
May 3, 2008
the best ring ever so so original
May 11, 2008
This ring is just beautiful,i beat my daughter that is getting married would just love to have this beautiful ring.
June 2, 2008
I love this ring. Can anyone tell me where I can buy it?
November 16, 2008
Its hard when you find a ring you love online then do not know where to buy it.
having the freedom to design your own rings means being able to pick a style and price that suits you.