Buying an engagement ring is a monumental decision, but the setting you choose today dictates the wedding band you’ll wear for a lifetime. From setting height to band thickness, every detail impacts both the sparkle of your diamond and the comfort of your daily wear.

As a family-owned pillar of the Nashville community, King Jewelers specializes in helping couples navigate these technical details to find a pairing that is as durable as it is beautiful.

The "profile" of your engagement ring (how high the diamond sits off your finger) is one of the most overlooked details in ring shopping.

High-Set Engagement Rings: These rings feature a center stone set on long prongs or in a tall basket.

• The Perk: They allow almost any wedding band to sit flush (side-by-side with no gap). Also, because the diamond is elevated, more light can enter the stone from all angles, maximizing brilliance.
• The Downfall: High-set rings are known to "snag" on clothing and hair. 
• King Jeweler’s Expert Tip: If you want maximum light return, our diamond experts often recommend high settings to let your GIA-certified stone truly "breathe" and sparkle.

Low-Set Engagement Rings: The center stone sits as close to the finger as possible.

• The Perk: This is the most "carefree" setting. It’s ideal for nurses, athletes, or anyone with an active lifestyle.
• The Trade-off: Most straight wedding bands won't fit under the diamond. You will likely need a curved or contoured wedding band.

Band thickness isn't just an aesthetic choice; it’s about structural integrity. At King Jewelers, our master jewelers emphasize that an engagement ring should be built to last generations, not just the proposal.

The choice between a solitaire and a side-stone engagement ring setting changes the entire "vibe" of your bridal stack.

The Solitaire (No Side Diamonds)

The solitaire is the ultimate classic. By choosing a plain metal band, you ensure that 100% of the focus of your engagement ring is on the center stone.

• Best for: The minimalist who wants a timeless look.
• Pairing Tip: Solitaire engagement rings are incredibly versatile. King Jewelers’ wide selection includes everything from classic 18K yellow gold to sleek platinum, allowing you to pair your solitaire with a high-wattage eternity band later to add sparkle.

Side Diamonds (Pavé or Channel Set)

Adding side diamonds adds "fire" to the entire circumference of the engagement ring.

• Best for: The bride who wants an engagement ring that sparkles from every angle, even in low light.
• Pairing Tip: You can go for a Matching Set for a seamless look, or a Contrast by pairing a diamond-heavy engagement ring with a high-polish metal band.
• Expert Care: Because side diamonds are held by tiny prongs, they require a bit more love. We offer complimentary expert jewelry cleaning at our Green Hills showroom to keep those small stones secure and shining.

Once you’ve settled on a setting for your engagement ring, the next big question is the stone itself. At King Jewelers, we believe there is no "wrong" answer, only the one that best fits your lifestyle and values. However, before you make your final decision, ensure you are well-educated on the key differences between a lab diamond vs. a natural diamond.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: These are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. Think of it as a rose grown in a greenhouse versus an outdoor garden. They are graded on the same 4C’s scale and offer incredible beauty at a more accessible price point. This often allows couples to choose a larger center stone while staying within their initial budget.

• Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds carry a billion-year legacy and a historic origin story. Because they are a finite resource, they possess a rarity that lab-grown stones do not. For many, the allure of a natural diamond lies in its symbolic value as a timeless heirloom, with a more established resale value over time.

Why Shop at King Jewelers?

Choosing an engagement ring is about more than just a transaction; it’s an experience, and it’s about a relationship.

• Expertise: Our staff includes GIA-trained diamond experts and master jewelers who have been bringing dream engagement rings to life for over a century.
• The King Jeweler's Advantage: We offer a Lifetime Diamond Upgrade Program for our natural diamonds. This allows you to trade in your original King Jewelers natural stone at any time for the full original purchase price toward a larger or higher-quality natural diamond.
• Selection: From top designers like Sylvie and Kwiat to our own KJ5 and Ella Rose collections, we offer the largest selection of engagement rings in Nashville.
• Custom Design: Can’t find the "perfect" pairing? Our custom design studio can create a one-of-a-kind ring from a sketch, 3D rendering, or even just an idea.

Ready to find your perfect pairing? Stop by our Nashville showroom today and let our family help you start yours.