What are Tension Set Rings?

Have you been searching for an engagement ring for a while, only to feel that every ring you’ve seen could belong to someone else? If that’s the case, then a Tension set engagement ring might be exactly what you’ve been looking for; a beautiful, modern design that will set your other half apart.

But what’s a tension-set engagement ring, exactly, and how does it work?

In this article, we’ll explain what a tension set ring is, how it works and how we can help you find the perfect engagement ring for your partner.

What Is a Tension Set Ring?

Tension set engagement rings, also called pressure set or floating diamond rings, are quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for couples who want to break away from the traditional ring.

In fact, they have been quietly taking over the fine jewellery world over the last few years. And once you see one, it’s not hard to understand why.

This unique setting style makes your diamond look like it’s floating in mid-air between the ring.

As there is nothing blocking the stone’s view, more light can travel through the stone, which means a stunning side view and some serious lustre from every single facet.

How Do Tension Set Rings Work?

Well, instead of using the more common claws or a bezel to hold your diamond in place, the metal band does all the work, gripping the stone purely through pressure from each side.

During the handmaking process, with every blow of the hammer, the band gets work-hardened and strengthened, which creates the strength needed to be able to tension set and hold the diamond firmly in place between the two ends of the ring.

Then tiny grooves are carefully etched into the side of the metal to seat the diamond securely and stop it tilting in the setting.

And that’s exactly what lets the light pour in from almost every angle, giving you that beautiful and very unique floating diamond effect.

As tension-set rings need to be made from strong metals that will withstand the work hardening, we only make our tension set rings in platinum or 18ct rose, white or yellow gold.

To match, we need a strong stone that will be able to withstand the pressure of the setting, this leads us to only being able to set diamonds, rubies and sapphires into tension set ring.

But here’s the thing. This kind of craftsmanship cannot just be churned out by a computer using computer-aided design (CAD) alone which would then be just be cast and mass produced.

It takes the knowledge of how to make these rings as well as skilled handwork to get it right, which is exactly what makes tension settings so special and valuable.

How Secure Are Tension Set Rings?

When properly handmade, tension set diamond rings are incredibly secure. Think of that band like a strong spring, holding everything firmly in place.

When done well, a tension setting can be just as tough and reliable as a traditional prong or claw setting.

That being said, like any quality fine jewellery, your tension set ring still deserves a bit of TLC:

  • Just treat it gently: avoid heavy handed work, knocks or strong impact, because honestly, that can damage any ring, tension set or not.
  • Keep up the maintenance: Tension set rings are pretty low-maintenance overall. Yet, getting it inspected and professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months is advised. This will keep both the metal and the stone looking their absolute best. And the good news is that when you buy through MDT DESIGN, you get access to our lifetime refinishing service so your ring stays looking its best, with the tension always just right.
  • Take it off for rough jobs: like with any diamond ring, slip it off before heavy-handed work or anything that could cause metal-on-metal contact.

The one thing you really shouldn’t skip; because tension rings rely entirely on pressure to hold your diamond in place, getting the sizing exactly right matters more than usual.

Always size your ring with a jeweller who really knows this specialised technique as well as handmaking technique inside out.

Advantages of Tension Set Diamond Rings

Let’s summarise what makes tension set diamond rings so special:

Light, Brilliance and Lustre

As mentioned before, because there isn’t any metal in the way, light can hit your diamond from pretty much every direction, which means more sparkle than you’d get with a traditional setting.

Sleek and Contemporary Style

A floating diamond is eye-catching, minimal and modern, which is perfect if you’re after a piece of jewellery that really stands out and feels different from the classic engagement ring.

Comfort and Wearability

Here’s a nice bonus we haven’t mentioned yet: tension-set rings tend to sit lower on your finger than traditional settings, so they’re less likely to catch on things and just feel more comfortable to wear day-to-day.

Symbolism

And there’s a nice symbolism in wearing a tension-set engagement ring too: two sides of metal, working together to hold everything in place; a little like two people supporting each other.

Who Are Tension Set Rings For?

Tension set rings are the perfect option for couples who:

  • If you love a clean, modern look: you’d rather have a sleek, architectural design than anything with intricate detailing or vintage flair to it.
  • Want every bit of attention on the diamond itself: you love the idea of the stone looking like it’s floating, with nothing distracting from its sparkle.
  • Are drawn to the craftsmanship as much as design: you appreciate knowing real skill and precision went into the way your ring was made, not just how it looks.
  • Already know their ring size: because of how a tension set ring works, resizing later can be difficult, so this style suits couples who feel confident moving forward without needing future adjustments
  • Prefer something less common that fewer people have: if you’ve looked at solitaires, halo’s and trilogy settings and felt like they all blur together, this is your opportunity to wear something genuinely unique and different.

Experience MDT DESIGN Tension Set Rings in Melbourne

At MDT DESIGN, we handmake every single tension set engagement ring right here in our Melbourne workshop. Our team of on-site jewellers, diamond graers and designers specialise in crafting unique and beautifully engineered rings that balance form, function and beauty.

We specialise in 100% handmade Australian made jewellery, and that’s exactly what gives us the skill and know-how to create tension set rings of real, lasting quality. In fact, we’ve been perfecting this technique since 1995. Every tension set engagement ring we make comes with a lifetime manufacturing warranty*, plus, as mentioned above, lifetime jewellery servicing including cleaning, polishing and replating where needed so it stays just as stunning years down the track.

If you’re ready to find the perfect engagement ring for your other half, we’d love to have you in. Come browse our collection or book a consultation so we can start designing a custom tension-set engagement ring that tells your story and is truly yours.

Contact MDT DESIGN or call 03 9654 6805 to discover tension set engagement rings today.5 to discover tension set engagement rings today.