Deciding Between High Setting and Low Setting Engagement Rings? Here's What You Need to Know

You have a million-and-one questions to answer when you pick out a diamond engagement ring: How many carats do you want? Do you want to add accent diamonds? What color gemstone?

But there's also another question you probably haven't considered: Do you want a low setting engagement ring or a high setting engagement ring? (You'll also see these called low profile engagement rings and high profile engagement rings.)

The high setting vs. low setting engagement ring decision can seem pretty confusing, but it's easy to decide when you learn the differences between the two.

High Setting vs. Low Setting: What's the Difference?

In simple terms, a high setting ring means that the center gemstone will sit higher, while a low profile engagement ring will sit flush with the finger.

Which is the better choice? A higher profile means the stone will stand out more, so you can show off that bling. But there's a tradeoff because you run the risk of scratching the diamond or snagging the ring on your clothes or other fabrics. (Even if your diamond isn’t damaged, your rock can easily damage other things it encounters, from wood tables to other gemstones.)

Low setting engagement rings are typically better for those with more active lifestyles — or hands-on careers — because you're less likely to scratch the stone or hit the ring on hard surfaces. You can still get a high setting engagement ring even with an active life, but you’ll have to take extra care not to dent, chip or scratch it. Your best bet: Only wear your ring during your downtime and pick a simple band to wear while at work or during a workout.

Shopping Guide: The Best High Setting Engagement Rings

You aren't like anyone else — and your high setting engagement ring shouldn't be, either. Luckily, our collection of high profile engagement rings has a variety of different settings, so you’ll definitely find one that fits your personal style.

Classic Six Prong Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

The Classic Six Prong Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring offers a simplistic — yet timeless — style that features one large center stone set on a plain band. While the ring doesn't offer a lot of opportunities for customization, you can choose from white gold, yellow gold or rose gold metal for the band.

Luminous Six Prong Solitaire Diamond Ring

Another simplistic option for a high set diamond engagement ring, the Luminous Six Prong Solitaire Diamond Ring offers added shine through a prong setting. The metal that clamps the head of the diamond creates little windows, bringing in more light to give it a serious shine boost.

Crown Diamond Engagement Ring

The Crown Diamond Engagement Ring, on the other hand, is anything but simple. The ring — with 48 accent diamonds — flanks around the main diamond, but also wraps around the high setting in order to create a crown-like effect to capture the attention of anyone in a 100-foot radius.

Split Shank Pave Diamond Engagement Ring

The Split Shank Pave Diamond Engagement Ring takes all the bling of the Crown Diamond Engagement Ring and turns it up a notch with 52 accent diamonds adorned on the split shank that reconnects to highlight the center stone.

Three Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring

The Three Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring has a hidden meaning: They represent the past, present and future of your commitment. The intricate prongs on this high set diamond ring add a little extra dimension to the look, creating a conversation piece you'll cherish forever.

Shopping Guide: The Best Low Profile Engagement Rings

While high setting engagement rings might be more eye catching to those around you, a low profile engagement ring is just as — or even more — gorgeous with its sleek look.

Twisting Vine Diamond Engagement Ring

The Twisting Vine Diamond Ring is perfect for the buyer looking for a simplistic look with just enough added sparkle — courtesy of the tightly wound diamonds crisscrossing up to the center stone — to make the ring sparkle and shine.

Split Shank Trellis Diamond Ring

For added complexity, the Split Shank Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring creates more sparkle through a split shank that reconnects in a trellis design center stone with a low-profile engagement ring setting.

Graduated Pave Diamond Engagement Ring

Floating diamonds increase in size and height toward the center diamond in the Graduated Pave Diamond Engagement Ring. This engagement ring gives the buyer multiple focal diamonds that bring direct attention to the simplistic beauty of this low setting engagement ring.

Plain Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

The Plain Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring features 16 accent diamonds in a halo setting around the center diamond to give the stone a larger appearance. The concentration of diamonds on this low set engagement ring create an elegant shine with a vintage vibe.

How to Pick the Best Setting for You

Still not sure which type of ring is best for you? Our expert gemologists can help.

With Clarity gemologists — with years of experience under their belts — know all the ins-and-outs of high setting engagements rings and low setting engagement rings. They can help you pick out the best ring for your lifestyle — and your budget.