This style holds the diamond in a thin collar of metal instead of prongs, so nothing catches on sweaters, gloves or hair, and the edge of the stone is shielded from knocks. Diamond is the hardest natural material, 10 on the Mohs scale, but hardness is not the same as being unbreakable, and an exposed edge can chip if it meets a hard surface at the wrong angle. If you lift, climb, cook, garden or work with your hands, that protection is worth a lot.
The smooth outline has an everyday upside too. It slides in and out of pockets and bags without hooking the lining, which makes it an easy pick for someone who has never worn a ring every day.
A little. The collar covers the outer edge of your diamond, so this style lets in slightly less light than prongs. Cut is how you win it back: a round with an Excellent grade from GIA or Ideal from IGI returns so much light that the difference is hard to notice in daily wear. The rim's color frames the gem as well. White metal keeps the look crisp and cool, while yellow or rose gold warms it and hides a hint of tint.
Start with cut, then pick clarity that is eye clean, since the rim protects the edge but hides nothing in the middle. Shapes with points or corners gain the most: a princess, pear or marquise would otherwise rely on V prongs to guard its tips, and a full rim wraps them completely. Browse princess cut diamonds for a square option that often costs less per carat than a round.
Once you order, Rare Carat's New York team examines the diamond under a microscope and matches its laser inscription to the grading report. If you would rather see your center held by prongs, compare solitaire settings; for finished looks, see bezel engagement rings for women.
Because the metal surrounds the whole stone, its character shows more than it would in a prong head. Platinum is naturally white, dense and hypoallergenic for most people, and when it is scratched it shifts into a soft patina rather than losing metal, a good trait for a rim that takes the knocks. In gold, 14K is harder and more scratch resistant than 18K, while 18K has the richer color. Choose with your routine in mind: the busier your hands, the more the harder alloy earns its place.