Cathedral Setting
ca·the·dral set·ting | kə-ˈthē-drəl se-tiŋ
noun
An elegant setting whose intention is to display the center stone as a focal point
There are a variety of different settings for engagement rings and gemstone rings. The cathedral setting is a popular setting for three-stone rings, used either as engagement rings or a statement piece. With this setting, the center stone, which is larger than the two accent stones on either side of it, is flanked by metal arches that come up the shank of the ring. This creates a raised profile for the larger, center stone so that it is elevated when compared to the two side stones of the three-stone ring, which are smaller in size. When it comes to three-stone engagement rings in a cathedral setting, many jewelers say the three stones represent your past, present and future, with your future - the larger center stone - being the focal piece of the ring. Another reason that the cathedral setting is popular, especially with engagement rings, is that this setting makes the center stone look larger. This can both help an engagement ring of a smaller carat weight look bigger, or add more focus to a large diamond center stone in a cathedral setting.