Rachel NippThe bezel setting: trend or timeless?
A bezel setting offers a sleek, modern look despite being one of the oldest jewelry settings. Bezel settings might be having a moment, but they aren’t a fast trend and certainly aren’t going anywhere. Their charm has lasted for centuries and will continue to do so for many more.
The bezel setting is one of our favorite jewelry styles at Shane Co. Besides being beautiful, it’s known as one of the most secure settings. Keep reading to learn more about bezel settings and the styles we offer at Shane Co.
Part 1: Everything You Need to Know About Bezel Settings
What Is a Bezel Setting?
Bezel-set stones are surrounded by a metal rim. With a full bezel setting, the metal completely surrounds the stone, keeping it securely in place while making the center stone look larger. Partial bezel settings surround the stone while leaving the sides open.
Don’t love a lot of flash? Bezel settings are a great option if you want a diamond or stone that’s still sparkly but more muted than other setting styles.
As for cost, bezel-set jewelry can be slightly more expensive than other settings due to the extra metal and labor involved, but the added security is well worth the price. It is one of the most durable settings and can be made for most shapes of diamonds and gemstones.
A Jeweler’s Touch: All About Bezel Settings from a Shane Co. Expert
We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and craftsmanship, and bezel settings are no exception. We met with one of our expert jewelers, Corey, to get a better look at what it takes to create a bezel setting that’s made to last. Keep reading for Corey’s unique insight.
The Bezel-Setting Process
Bezel settings are a popular choice, especially when it comes to rings, including engagement rings. The stone, the bezel, and the ring are the three puzzle pieces you need to get started, and the jeweler’s job is to combine these three pieces into one seamless, spectacular ring.
The jeweler cuts and shapes the ring, solders the bezel to the ring, and blends the metals together. Once the bezel is installed, it’s time to set the stone. It needs to fit right into the setting without any wiggle room. Then, the metal is folded over the top of the stone and the setting is polished. The puzzle comes together in perfect unison.
Ideal Materials for Bezel Settings
Bezels can be made out of all precious metals, including gold, platinum, and silver. These metals are all malleable enough for a bezel, whereas harder metals like titanium, tungsten, and cobalt steel can’t be manipulated the same way.
As far as stones, most types of stones can be bezel-set, but some stones have more risk associated. Our jewelers take great care when setting a softer stone in a bezel setting, for example. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are the easiest stones to set in a bezel due to their durability. Corey personally loves the look of colorful gemstones in bezel settings, like peach morganite set in rose gold.
What Makes Shane Co. Bezel Settings Better
There are many types of bezel settings, and our jewelers do a great job of making sure the right bezel is paired with the right piece. For example, a lighter bezel is suited for earrings, while a more substantial one is better for an engagement ring.
“We take the time to find out what the customer is looking for and deliver a quality product,” he says. We also take the time to train our jewelers in the most effective techniques. We give them the tools and the time to complete the work properly.”
Attention to detail is important when it comes to both jewelry and service, and we make sure that every piece of jewelry you get is of the highest quality.
Did You Know? Quick History Facts About Bezel Settings
Bezel settings are some of the best, and their longstanding history proves it. Check out these fun bezel facts!
- The word “bezel” comes from Old French and was first recorded in the 1600s.
- Bezel-set jewelry dates back to ancient Egyptian, Byzantine, and Roman cultures.
- Bezel settings were easy for ancient jewelers to create without advanced tools. They created a slot in the metal, dropped the stone in, and bent the metal back over the top.
- In the Victorian era, bezel settings gained new popularity as they were good for holding colorful gemstones that need more security, like emeralds.
Part 2: Bezel-Set Jewelry at Shane Co.
At Shane Co., we have a lot of bezel-set engagement rings as well as everyday essential bezel-set jewelry. Bezel settings are a popular choice for round stones, but they come in many shapes and sizes. To name just a few alternatives, we also offer radiant cut, hexagonal, oval, heart-shaped, and princess cut bezel-set jewelry. No matter the shape, bezel settings give the illusion of a bigger stone, as the added metal creates a larger surface area.
As with all our jewelry, our bezel-set jewelry is protected under our free lifetime warranty. The metal protects the stone from being chipped, so they’re essentially worry-free pieces. Bezel settings also have fewer details than other settings and are easy to clean and maintain, plus they don’t need to be tightened like prong settings. They’re great for everyday wear. That sounds like the perfect engagement ring to us.
Bezel-Set Engagement Rings
Bezel settings are a great choice for engagement rings because they’re so secure. They also won’t snag, which is great for everyday wear.
Honey Bezel-Set Engagement Ring
Our Honey Bezel-Set Diamond Engagement Ring is a sophisticated choice. The bold oval center stone is surrounded by surprise diamond accents that create a hidden halo effect.
Hexagon Bezel-Set Engagement Ring
We recommend the Hexagon Lab-Grown Diamond Bezel Engagement Ring if you’re looking for a ring that will stand out. Lab-grown diamond accents along the sides create a sparkling effect from every angle.
Oval Bezel-Set Engagement Ring
This Oval Lab-Grown Diamond Bezel Engagement Ring is similar to the Honey Bezel-Set Engagement Ring at first glance, but if you look a little closer, the accent diamonds are set in a path leading up to the center stone.
Radiant Cut Bezel-Set Engagement Ring
This Radiant Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Bezel Engagement Ring is another bezel-set lab-grown diamond that’s part of our unique selection. Light reflects off the center stone from every angle, with accenting diamonds on the side contributing to a glamorous effect.
Pear-Shaped Bezel-Set Engagement Ring
This Pear-Shaped Diamond Bezel Engagement Ring is an instant classic, with a pear-shaped natural diamond set securely as the center stone.
More Bezel-Set Jewelry
The bezel setting isn’t exclusive to engagement rings. We have tons of bezel-set pieces, from earrings to bracelets, pendants, and rings. Our selection of bezel-set jewelry combines beauty and durability. Here are just a few of the bezel-set styles we offer:
- Bezel-set wedding bands and stylish rings. Many of our rings feature bezel-set stones surrounding the entire band, while some feature stunning center stones, like this Bezel-Set Round Garnet Ring or this Zelena Bezel-Set Emerald Ring.
- Bezel-set stud earrings. Keep your studs safe with a secure bezel setting.
- Station necklaces and bracelets. Here, several bezel-set stones are placed evenly along the chain. Check out this gorgeous Bezel-Set Diamond Station Bracelet, available in 14k yellow gold, 14k rose gold, and 14k white gold.
- Bezel-set diamond pendants. Just like rings, a bezel-set pendant is a great choice if you’re looking for a setting that will keep your stone firmly in place.
Loving the bezel setting and ready to start shopping? Shop bezel-set engagement rings and more online or visit your closest store. If you’re still deciding, keep researching and learn more about our other ring settings. If you have any questions about bezel settings or other jewelry at Shane Co., book an appointment online or in-store to meet with an expert jewelry consultant. We’re happy to help!
Rachel Nipp
Anna Gionet