Scared of getting ripped off? Don't want to waste your money? Confused by all the choices? Contact us. James Allen is currently running a 1 week 25% off sale on all engagement rings! This a great chance to save on Valentine’s Day purchases. Blue Nile is one of our favorite vendors and they have generously offered our readers an exclusive one-time use coupon. (Click Here to save $100 off orders of $1000 or more)
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Above all, be sure to purchase your ring from a highly reputable vendor. We recommend James Allen, Blue Nile and Brian Gavin Diamonds as the dealers who will give you the best quality and value.
What is a Bar Setting?
Bar settings secure diamonds on two sides with vertical metal bars, leaving ample space for light to pass through the diamonds. While bar settings are similar to channel settings, they leave the diamond exposed on two sides, like in this white gold anniversary ring.
A bar setting provides stability while still allowing adequate light to pass through the diamond. In other words, bar settings are stunning yet secure.
Each setting style comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Review the pros and cons of bar settings below to learn about the style features, maintenance requirements and ease of cleaning.
Pros
Functions as a simple band, stackable ring or center stone design
Offers more visibility to diamonds than a channel setting (due to less metal)
Holds diamonds securely in place with metal bars
Provides additional sparkle because stones are more exposed
Cons
Slightly higher chance of chipping due to stones being less protected by metal
Throughout our years in the industry, we’ve closely vetted diamond sellers to determine the best and most reliable in the business. We’ve found that where you buy your diamond and your ring does matter. That’s why we encourage our readers to be selective in which jewelry company they select.
The diamond dealers we recommend below are highly reputable. They offer large collections of beautiful diamonds and settings at excellent prices. If you have any questions about these vendors, please contact us.
Known for their extensive collection of gemstone rings and jewelry
Maintains a wide selection of colored diamonds
Offers high-quality settings
Evaluating a Diamond Ring for Beauty and Value
With just a few helpful hints and expert tips, you’ll be equipped to purchase a stunning ring at an excellent price.
Review our Diamond Pro resources for help in selecting a gorgeous ring for the one you love.
Cut: The quality that will most greatly impact a diamond’s beauty and brilliance is its Cut. We recommend Excellent and Ideal cuts to ensure you purchase the most stunning stone.
Shape: The shape of your diamond should be chosen primarily on personal preference and style. See which shape matches your significant other’s taste and lifestyle.
Clarity: For Clarity, we recommend looking for a diamond that’s eye clean (not flawless when under magnification). Blemishes and inclusions usually cannot be seen by the naked eye at a VS1 or VS2 Clarity grade.
Color: Ensure your diamond appears white in relation to its setting. Diamonds in the G to I range appear colorless to the naked eye but cost far less than diamonds in the D to F range.
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Blue Nile is currently running a limited time sale offering 15% on settings site-wide. Click here to browse some great settings.
No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
Free Shipping
Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisal
One free resizing within the first year of purchase
High quality images of about half of their diamonds
24/7 Customer Service
100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
Best in class fulfillment
James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online.
No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
Free International Shipping
Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisals
One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
Free ring inscriptions
Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
24/7 Customer Service
Best-in-class packaging
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