In this first episode of The Engagement Ring Podcast by Melanie Casey Jewelry, fine jewelry designer Melanie Casey of melaniecasey.com breaks down everything you need to know about bezel engagement rings.
Discover why bezel settings are one of the most secure and protective ways to set a diamond, how bezels can make a diamond appear larger, and why this style bridges antique elegance with modern minimalism. Melanie explains the craftsmanship behind a proper bezel, the versatility of different diamond cuts in bezels, and how this low-profile design makes everyday wear effortless.
Topics covered in this episode include:
- What a bezel setting is and its history in fine jewelry
- Why bezel engagement rings are considered more secure than prong settings
- How a bezel changes the look and appearance of your diamond
- Modern vs. vintage bezel styles — from solitaires to rose cuts
- Practical benefits of bezels for daily wear
If you’re considering different engagement ring settings, this episode will help you understand whether a bezel engagement ring is the right choice.
Explore Melanie Casey’s full collection of bezel engagement rings at melaniecasey.com
Episode Transcript
Imagine a diamond framed in precious metal so that
(00:03):
it has more visual impact, ismore secure and protected in its
setting, and has a clean,sophisticated look rooted in
history. This design style isnot often seen on the streets.
Instead, it's the engagementring style of choice for
tastemakers and designers. Ifyou don't want your ring to look
like everyone else's, a sleek,modern, and classic bezel
(00:25):
setting is the choice. I'mMelanie Casey, the designer
behind fine jewelry brand,Melanie Casey Jewelry.
Today, we're diving into one ofthe most timeless engagement
ring settings with a sleek,modern twist, the bezel. In this
episode, I'll explain what abezel setting is and how this
setting bridges antique elegancewith contemporary minimalism.
(00:49):
Whether you're drawn to sleekmodern designs or inspired by
vintage styles, you shouldconsider a bezel set diamond for
your engagement ring. The bezelisn't new. It's actually one of
the oldest ways to set a diamonddating back to ancient
civilizations like Greece andRome.
What's interesting is how it'sstill just as relevant today,
seamlessly shifting from antiquedesigns to modern minimalism. So
(01:14):
why would you choose a bezel setengagement ring? There are a few
reasons that make this stylereally stand out. First, design.
A bezel can lean antique andromantic or clean and modern.
It adds a finished detail akinto framing a piece of art.
Second, craftsmanship. Bezelrequires expert levels of
(01:35):
craftsmanship to executeproperly, which is one reason
it's more commonly found in thecollections of artists and less
so in big box stores. When I'mdesigning a bezel, we use three
d scanning technology to makeyour exact stone fit perfectly
into your ring setting down to afraction of a millimeter. This
level of detail is whatseparates a truly beautiful
(01:57):
bezel from one that looks messyor unfinished.
Then there's the way a bezelmakes your diamond look. Because
the stone is framed in metal, itoften appears larger and more
defined. If you choose acontrasting metal, like yellow
gold around a bright whitediamond, the effect is even more
dramatic. And of course, we haveto talk about structure and
security. When set withprecision by a master jeweler,
(02:19):
the bezel is one of the mostsecure and protective settings
you can choose.
The diamond is held snugly inplace along the entire outside
edge, so you don't have to worryabout loosening or snagging. A
properly set bezel settingcannot be unset without complete
destruction. If you want toseparate your stone from your
ring, you have to choose. Tounset a bezel set stone, the
(02:40):
gold has to be literally cutaway, or you have to smash the
focal stone to release it fromthe setting. Bezel settings
bring the drama to the jeweler'sbench.
This is an advanced stonesetting technique that takes a
highly trained and skilled handto execute properly. Finally,
practicality. Bezels are smoothand low profile, which makes
(03:01):
them perfect for everyday wear.They won't catch on sleeves,
gloves, or hair. They just blendseamlessly into daily life.
It's really that rarecombination of beauty, security,
and wearability that makes thebezel setting such an exciting
option. Let's talk about designchoice because not all rings are
created equal. In my collection,the solitaire style bezel
(03:22):
setting is timeless and classic.It's all about simplicity. The
stone takes center stage withonly the setting and band
supporting its moment in thespotlight.
It's elegant and alwaysappropriate. This style holds
any faceted diamond shape andsize from a 0.3 carat oval cut
to a six carat marquee cut. I'dlike to take a moment to
(03:45):
highlight a completely uniqueoption, the rose cut bezel.
Think soft, romantic, antiqueappeal. The gentle vintage glow
of the rose cut worksbeautifully with the clean edges
of a bezel, creating a designthat feels warm sophisticated.
If antique styling isn't foryou, you may be drawn to a
modern sleek design instead. Theemerald cut bezel formation ring
(04:08):
is minimalist perfection,especially in an east west
orientation. This style hasclean geometry and structure.
The linear facets and strongangles echo the metal frame
offering a bold modernindustrial aesthetic without
shouting. All of our bezeldesigns have a balance of thick
and thin.
Each of them has unique designelements that are purposely
(04:29):
modern and heavy, yet also lightas air. You have to look at each
setting from every side to getthe full impact of the design.
The finest details can bediscovered when you take your
time and carefully considerevery detail of the ring
settings in our collection. Inshort, whether you're after
classic minimalism or quietdrama, your bezel choice subtly
(04:52):
and powerfully changes the toneof the ring. So that's a look at
bezel engagement rings.
We've covered what makes themsecure, versatile, and
practical, and how differentcuts and designs completely
change the feel of the ring. Ifyou'd like to see some of my
favorite bezel designs, headover to melaniecasey.com and
(05:14):
explore the collection. You'llfind everything from timeless
delicate solitaires to boldmodern settings and even ideas
for wedding band pairings.Thanks for listening and let me
know what topic I should discussnext. I'll see you in the next
episode.
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