What is a Cathedral Setting

Cathedral Ceiling

Distinctive Cathedral Features

When guests walk into a cathedral, one of the first things they notice are the graceful arches that frame the luxurious open spaces: arches on windows, pews, alcoves, and even the vaulted ceiling. These arches are smooth and refined, offering peace and beauty in the classic romantic setting that is favored for many wedding ceremonies. At the same time, even the simplest arches offer a regal feel to the architecture, creating an honored and exalted presence. A cathedral setting engagement ring mimics this grace and elegance by introducing its own arches to frame the focal point of the ring – the central diamond or gemstone – with beauty and honor.

Understanding What is a Cathedral Setting

A cathedral setting, then, includes arches that frame the engagement ring mounting. Just as cathedrals around the world all exhibit unique architecture, however, cathedral settings also have many variations, including:

Tapered Concave Arches

• Different arch degrees, from very small arches to dramatic curves that frame a high setting.
• Either convex or concave curves to the arches.
• Square, rounded, or tapered edges to both the length and the point of the arches.
• Different arch widths proportionate to the ring band or the size of the gemstone.
• Arches that may or may not nestle between the prongs holding the central gem.
• Solid or split band arches.

Regardless of the rest of the ring’s design, the critical feature that determines what is a cathedral setting is these arches. At the same time, a cathedral ring can have many other features to make it as distinctive as the bride-to-be who wears it.

Popular Cathedral Ring Features

A couple interested in a cathedral setting has many options to personalize and customize their engagement ring. Popular ideas include:

Bezel Cathedral Setting

• Pave setting rings with diamonds accentuating the arches.
• Filigree or engraving details along the side of the arch; heart shapes are particularly popular.
• Additional gems set into the side of the arch.
• Four or six prong settings to hold the central stone. Other types of settings including tension settings and bezel settings are also popular, though more difficult to find.
• Adding diamond ring wraps, enhancers, or guards to accentuate the arches or to add arches to a plain diamond solitaire engagement ring.

Stone Shape

Round diamonds are the most popular diamond shape for cathedral settings, which goes along well with the diamond shape meaning of classic elegance and romanticism of round gems. More unique designs may use princess cuts or even marquise shaped diamonds, or couples can build an engagement ring with the stone of their choice. When using alternative shapes, the arches may need to be sculpted or tapered to coordinate with the stone, which can be more expensive but leads to a well balanced, beautiful ring.

Pros and Cons of Cathedral Settings

Before choosing a cathedral setting, couples should understand the pros and cons of this popular design.

Pros

Classic Cathedral Arches

There are many benefits to consider when examining cathedral and arch settings.

• The arch provides a small degree of protection to the center stone, particularly if the arch extends to the stone’s table or girdle.
• Arches add height and distinction to a ring for less expense than adding multiple accent stones.
• Arches can accentuate the carat size of a small ring, making it seem larger.

Cons

At the same time, cathedral settings can also cause problems.

• Open arches can be difficult to clean as dirt and oil build up in small niches and crevices.
• High arches may snag more easily on external obstacles.
• Arches can be disproportionate or ostentatious when paired with a large diamond or multi-stone ring.

By understanding the pros and cons of cathedral settings, couples can choose which design best suits their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

What is a cathedral setting? It is a beautifully elegant, classic engagement ring design that positions the center stone in a graceful place of honor highlighted by distinctive arches. With many variations of this design available from most jewelers, couples interested in the regal elegance of a cathedral setting can easily find just the right ring design for their upcoming nuptials.