What To Know Before You Buy Bar Setting Engagement Ring

The classic settings such as prong or bezel sometimes feel too generic and ordinary since many are seen around sporting them as engagement rings or even as normal rings. If a customer wishes to settle for something much more distinctive but the same amount of dazzling, then the bar setting is an excellent choice for them.

Although not known by many, the setting is steadily rising up in fame because of the perfect combination of fashion and function it portrays. The setting offers a lot of advantages ranging from security and light weightiness to a wide variety of designs that could either be traditional or contemporary. 

The diamond engagement ring customers are often searching for bands and settings that resemble the prong type in brilliance but offer a lot more modernity and allows the diamond to shine the brightest. These customers are in luck as the bar set fits their desire description the best. 

What is Bar Setting? 

The name is derived from the appearance of the bar set which includes two bars that border a center stone from either side. These vertical bars secure a diamond or a cluster of diamonds from the two sides while leaving an ample amount of space for the passing of light through the diamonds in order to maximize their brilliance.

This also gives the illusion of the diamond set floating feebly between the two metal strips, which is however entirely untrue since the diamonds are held quite securely by the concealed grooves in the metal that holds onto the stone tightly at the widest point. The entire design thus looks fragile yet is highly stable and creates a mesmerizing and minimalistic effect.

Many jewelers decide to embed this setting with not just one stone but multiple in number since the security provided in this setting is sufficient enough to carry many stones. 

Comparison with other settings 

Channel Setting vs Bar Setting 

There is some similarity that can be noticed between the bar and channel setting since they both have the diamond exposed on two sides which are actually held firmly by hidden notches etched onto the stips of the metal. While both settings are beautiful, a bar setting has the added advantage of complimenting a stunning engagement ring while also being able to impressively act as a stand-alone in the case of a wedding band or stackable ring. 

Channel setting is also observed in a horizontal form whereas bar settings are vertically set. A channel setting is generally used on an individual center stone whereas a bar setting can be used for this type and also for a row of smaller diamonds. Another point of difference would be the presence of space in the bar setting wherein it dramatically exposes the diamonds on both sides so light can enter and create an emphasis on the sparkle. This is clearly absent in the case of a channel setting since the diamond is completely enclosed on the sides.

Prong or Bezel Setting vs Bar Setting 

In a prong or bezel setting, the stone is held by metal tips or frames whereas for a bar setting, as mentioned earlier, the precious stone is embedded in its position by two long and thin vertical bars of metal which are placed with utmost care on either side of the stone. 

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Pros and Cons of Bar Setting 

Every engagement ring setting has its own set of pros and cons. While some cons can be disheartening to some customers, the same set of disadvantages are deemed not too big by other customers who are readily able to ignore them and go ahead with making the setting their choice. 

Pros 

• Versatility: The bar set offers a high amount of versatility since it has a dramatic and statement look that can be manipulated to look stunning as either a stand-alone band or with a center stone design. It is an ideal choice for both wedding and engagement rings. 
• Enhanced brilliance: There is a lot of light that enters the setting because of the space available that exposes the diamond. This gives an opportunity for light to interact better with the bar setting than it does with other settings and gives an enhanced appearance of brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The diamond hence has a heightened light performance. 
• Security:  The bar setting is relatively stable even though it looks fragile and insecure as it firmly holds the diamonds in place with the invisible and hidden grooves carved into the bars. 
• Visibility: The diamonds are more visible because of this setting since they are only obscured slightly on the two sides which in turn just makes the stones look larger than they actually are. 
• No snagging: The possibility of the stone snagging onto objects decreases since the diamond sits on top of the bars and does not protrude in the bar set as they do on a prong one. 
• Uniqueness: For customers who seek something non-traditional and unique they should opt for the bar setting since fits the description perfectly.

Cons 

• Vulnerability: Although the feature of the bar setting that allows the diamonds to be exposed is an advantage, it can also be treated as a disadvantage since this leaves the diamonds vulnerable to the possibility of the diamond getting chipped or damaged if a hard stimulus is applied. Periodically getting the ring checked will help overcome this disadvantage and maintain the integrity of the ring. 
• Resizing: Resizing a bar setting can be a challenge since the setting is quite complicatedly created. However, this is only the case when the setting circles the entire periphery of the ring. 
• Security: Although the bar setting offers a lot of security, it still isn’t as stable or secure as a channel or bezel setting. 

Best Shape and Design for Bar Setting 

Shape 

Although technically speaking, any diamond shape can make its way on a bar setting, the most commonly used shape is considered to be round diamonds. With the presence of contrast of shapes between the round diamond and rectangular bars of the setting, an intriguing dynamic is created giving rise to an eye-catching design along with retaining its simplicity. No additional ornamentation is required since this setting is quite interesting on its own, although the beauty can be enhanced further with small, pave-set stones being set on the bars. 

Other shapes that have a popular fan following for the bar setting are baguette and emerald. 

The unique and uncommon shapes like marquise or heart, when mounted onto a bar setting, give birth to an unconventional and unique ring that is capable of attracting a lot of attention and awe. 

Design 

Customers opting for a bar set ring should prefer to choose rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, or platinum since these shades suit the ring the best and are complimentary with most of the skin tones. Picking on the perfect color that suits every aspect of the wearer has a great influence on how beautiful the ring appears. When used in wedding bands, the half or full eternity bar settings make for an outstanding choice for the ring since they look stunning while also standing out from the traditional eternity bands. 

There is also the option to choose from fancy and stylized bar settings that have curves and twirls that offer a more intriguing appearance with the concept retaining its original nature with just a difference in the shape of the bars and the manner in which they are set. 

When considering the bar setting for engagement rings, customers can opt for beautifully crafted bars with a center stone that is clamped by the bars on either side, giving birth to a unique and charming ring. 

Bar settings are often talked about with rings in the discussion although this setting can be used in other forms of jewelry too like bracelets. 

Evaluation of a Diamond Ring 

Any customer can get their hands on the perfectly stunning ring that too at affordable prices if they are offered helpful hints and expert tips for the process. Some specifications that the customer can keep in mind are the following. 

Cut 

The diamond’s cut is one aspect that severely affects the diamond’s beauty and brilliance hence, customers are always advised to choose a diamond that has been excellently and ideally cut so that the appropriate setting can enhance the overall look of the ring. 

Shape 

The shape of the diamond must be chosen based on personal preferences and style. Then accordingly, the setting must be chosen which would compliment the diamond in the best ways possible. 

Clarity 

Customers can always choose a diamond that is eye-clean as it is perfectly fine if they do not concentrate on the flawlessness that is visible only under magnification since the presence of small blemishes and inclusions is never noticeable by the naked eye. The grades of clarity that best suit this category is VS1 or VS2. A diamond with appropriate clarity will also suit the setting better. 

Color 

The diamond must appear white when associated with its setting and this is what customers should keep in mind. Choosing a diamond in the G to I range will seem colorless to the naked eye and is the better option than the D to F range since it will cost a lot less. 

Keeping the Bar Setting Clean 

The process to clean the bar setting ring is the same as it is for any other ring setting. Wearers should use warm water with a bar of mild soap and a smooth piece of cloth. An electric toothbrush with a soft brush head can also be used to clean the ring as it is efficient and can be quickly done.

It is often hard to clean engagement rings especially under and around the setting or the head of the ring and the stones, which is often the place where dirt and dust most easily accumulate. The presence of spaces and grooves in the bar setting gives a larger opportunity for dirt and dust to collect, hence the process of cleaning must be done regularly and thoroughly. 

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Keeping a bar setting ring clean is still easier than channel settings since the open sections in a bar setting make it easier to get access to the areas around the diamond meanwhile in the case of channel settings, the dirt that gets stuck below the diamonds can be difficult to get rid of. 

Conclusion Thoughts

A bar setting is a beautiful choice for many customers since it has the capacity to be left dramatically simple or be decorated with the weather’s choice of stones and designs. A diamond, sapphire, or even an emerald can be stunningly hosted by this setting, enhancing the uniqueness that is etched into every part of this setting and artistically symbolizing the uniqueness and eternal love of the couple. The bar setting can easily claim to be one of the world’s most ideal setting.