View our full collection of bezel set engagement rings
Buying a snag-free diamond engagement ring
Whether you’re an active person or a worried mum-to-be, many of our clients request engagement rings that don’t snag or catch.
Claw-set engagement rings really should not snag clothing unless a claw or prong has been disturbed. But even claw settings can give a nasty scratch. I’ve spoken to many new mums who have left their engagement rings off for fear of scratching their newborns.
Main causes of risk with engagement rings
Setting height
The first risk factor is setting height. High settings are more prominent and more likely to come into contact with clothing or worse.
Engagement rings that don’t snag rarely sit high off the finger. The average height of an engagement ring setting is around 5mm, but many settings exist where the diamond sits 6.5 mm off the finger. A very large diamond will naturally have a greater depth. For this reason, big diamonds are held in higher settings.
Small claws or prongs that catch
Small claws or prongs are sharper than in other settings. If you’re serious about finding a snag-free engagement ring setting, or a child-friendly setting, without taking off your engagement ring, then we have a few suggestions for you.
The same suggestions are also suitable for active people who are worried about bumping their ring and damaging the setting. The following are all suggestions for engagement rings that don’t snag.
Child-safe and snag-free engagement ring suggestions
Full bezel settings
Round and oval diamond engagement rings with a full bezel setting ensure no sharp or angular claws. Bezel-set engagement rings feature a polished edge of metal around the diamond. No claws. No snags.
Semi-bezel engagement rings
A semi-bezel set engagement ring offers a smooth child-friendly setting. In addition, the setting is open, allowing more light into the diamond. Many semi-bezel set ring styles exist, like the Annabelle solitaire ring below.
Claw settings low on the finger
Settings with a lower height are a lower risk when it comes to damaging the ring or snagging clothing. Such lower-profile settings are less likely to come into contact with objects around them during daily wear.
What can you do if you already have your engagement ring that catches?
You might read the above advice already having an engagement ring setting. We can help to set transfer your existing diamond into a ring design you will feel more comfortable with. Factoring in your existing ring, a new friendlier setting is worth the additional cost so that you can wear your ring without worry.
What can you do if your existing ring snags on clothing?
Re-mounting your existing diamond might not be your ideal solution. Check the claws with your original jeweller to remedy an existing ring issue. You might discover that one of your claws or prongs has lifted. This can result in the claw ‘hooking’ fabric. Once identified, this can be remedied by an experienced jeweller.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. I have 30 years or experience in polished diamonds and jewellery. Today, I work with an expert team in our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom located in Ryde. Most of my work involves helping clients in our showroom, working on our two websites and photographing jewellery commissions.
