Diamond settings: The stage for your diamond.

Diamond settings are the platform – or stage -- on which the diamond sits. This is how your diamond will be shown to the world. The variety of diamond settings available is almost limitless - so where do you begin?

Begin at the beginning by first selecting your diamond. Most fine diamond retailers encourage you to select a loose diamond, which means a diamond that has not yet been set – or mounted, as it is also known. Buying a loose diamond means you can focus purely on the quality and beauty of the stone, then select an appropriate setting knowing that your diamond is exactly right for you. See the 4Cs for more information about how to buy diamonds and determining their fair market value.

Once you've decided on a diamond, the shape of the stone will narrow the field in terms of diamond settings, since settings are designed with a particular shape of stone in mind . You want the setting to show off the beauty of your diamond, so you'll need to make a series of decisions about your diamond setting.

• Will it be yellow gold, white gold or platinum?

• Will the band be simple or adorned with smaller stones?

• Do you prefer a solitaire or a three-stone setting?

• Or, would you like your diamond set with additional stones, either more diamonds, or perhaps sapphires or emeralds?
• Does your taste run to modern, vintage, floral, romantic or more contemporary?

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when choosing diamond settings!

And here's another consideration. While the choice of setting is a matter of personal taste, it often helps to try several different diamond settings before deciding which one you think looks best . The one you fell in love with when you saw it in the jeweler's window may not be the one you like best on your finger. See how different diamond settings complement your hand. Also, be sure to notice how certain diamond settings enhance the beauty of a particular diamond shape better than others. A reputable diamond jeweler can help you with this decision.

Fashions change -- and while you most certainly want a diamond you'll live with happily ever after – you may still want to check out which diamonds and diamond settings are currently in demand among the glitterati.

See how the fabulous Leo Diamond® looks in a variety of shapes and in a variety of diamond settings. The Leo Diamond is handcrafted for superior fire, sparkle and brilliance by the master artisans at Leo Schachter.

Find out the difference between a branded and unbranded diamond and which one is of superior value.

Find out how to make sure she says “yes ”.