It is widely accepted that tension settings for rings is a new technique but in reality the concept has been used for more than 40 years.

Tension set diamond rings are created by a combination of special alloys and using a highly skilled technique which allows the metal to effectively retain its memory.

Thermal treatment is used to harden the ring band which leaves the metal with a "spring"; this spring allows the metal to grip the diamond (or any stone) without the need for claws or a bezel. The stone is pressed in between the two ends of the ring and the diamond girdle fits into a section of the setting known as a "seat".

Surprisingly diamonds are often more secure in a tension setting as the seat can often cover more of the diamond than a typical claw set ring. Unlike prong mounts the entire setting in a tension set ring has to be prised away from the stone for you to remove it.

Think of the setting as a "shock absorber" unusual stress or pressure can cause the setting to part but as soon as the pressure is taken away the engineered metal springs back to its original position.

One significant advantage of having your ring set this way is the effect that it can have on the stone. In some cases the colour of the stone is enhanced by up to 2 grades. The brilliance of the stone is maximised by the fact that the light can enter the ring from every angle and every direction.

The other myth that we should expel now is that tension set rings cannot be altered! This is not so…..Tension set rings can easily be adapted to accommodate a stone which is one size up or one size down

Gary Ingram runs The Diamond Store an internet based jewellers that specializes in selling all types of Diamond Jewellery