The Tiffany setting is widely considered the most famous engagement ring style in the world. Its timeless solitaire silhouette feels ubiquitous among bridal jewelry and in popular culture. Its relevance runs the gamut from President Franklin Roosevelt purchasing Eleanor’s ring from Tiffany & Co. all the way to Charlotte’s unforgettable “all righty” proposal in Sex and the City.
What Is the Tiffany Setting?
The Tiffany setting features six prongs and a round brilliant-cut diamond in the center. It was trademarked by Charles Tiffany in the 1880s.
This silhouette “lifts the diamond off the band and into the light, allowing it to sparkle and take center stage,” says Tiffany & Co. chief gemologist Victoria Wirth Reynolds.
Meet the Expert
Victoria Wirth Reynolds is the chief gemologist and vice president of global merchandising at Tiffany & Co. She received a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in 1991 and has worked at Tiffany & Co. since 1987.
Ahead, learn more about the Tiffany setting and what to look for in six-prong engagement rings.
Pros and Cons of the Tiffany Setting
There are very few reasons not to fall in love with this timeless setting. The sparkle that radiates off a diamond in it is second to none. If you love the look of the Tiffany setting but want a bit more flair, tons of six-prong engagement rings have a similar feel to the trademarked setting. However, if you are looking for a ring that is a bit more ornate and unique, the setting may feel too simple.
As with any prong setting, there is always the potential for snagging. Generally, this only happens to prongs that are not properly finished. With the brilliant craftsmanship from the jewelers at Tiffany & Co., this is fairly unlikely to occur; however, if you are looking to venture outside of Tiffany & Co. for a six-prong setting, make sure to work with an experienced jeweler.
What to Look for in a Tiffany Setting
- How much do engagement rings with a Tiffany setting cost? It's no secret that Tiffany & Co. fairs on the higher end in the world of engagement rings. Prices start around $14,300 for the simplest one-carat diamond Tiffany setting, but if you opt for a pavé band or one with more diamonds, it can reach up to $23,400.
- Can I purchase a Tiffany setting outside of Tiffany & Co.? This specific setting has been patented and is only sold through Tiffany & Co., although you can find alternative six-prong engagement rings at many retailers.
- What metal does this setting look best in? The Tiffany setting is available in platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold, with platinum typically being the most popular choice among brides-to-be. At the end of the day, though, it is all up to personal preference.
How to Care for Your Tiffany Engagement Ring
Purchasing a Tiffany engagement ring comes with ring care for a lifetime. "This includes a complimentary service, which not only ensures that your diamonds or gemstones are cleaned, but it also includes routine checks (every six months) that the stones are secure in their settings," says Reynolds.
If you're cleaning the ring yourself, start by soaking it for about 20 minutes in lukewarm water and a dash of gentle dishwashing soap. After that, scrub with a soft-bristled brush and rinse underwater. Since the Tiffany setting features six prongs to hold the stone, your ring should be secure for long-term wear. Remember to continue checking your prongs, and store your ring away from other jewelry pieces to avoid any scratching or damage
The History of the Tiffany Setting
Founder Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced the Tiffany setting in 1886 with the “vision to create a ring that highlighted the beauty of Tiffany’s brilliant-cut diamonds,” Reynolds says. “Over 130 years later, the Tiffany setting is still the world’s most popular engagement ring.”
One reason this setting was such a game-changer is bezel settings dominated at the time it was created. “Before the Tiffany setting, diamond rings were typically set much lower on the finger, held in place by very short prongs or bezels embedded within the band,” Reynolds explains. “The Tiffany setting was the first to lift the diamond into the light.”
And now, shop Tiffany setting rings, plus more six-prong engagement rings.
Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring in Platinum
The iconic ring that started it all. It doesn't get more timeless than the original Tiffany setting engagement ring.
Price at time of publish: From $15,600
Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
If platinum doesn’t jive with your personal style, consider an 18K yellow gold band instead.
Price at time of publish: From $16,900
Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring
If you’re a sucker for all things rose gold, why not incorporate it into a ring you’ll wear forever?
Price at time of publish: From $17.000
Tiffany & Co. Pave Tiffany® Setting Engagement Ring
This Tiffany setting stuns with a pavé diamond band. It was created on the 130th anniversary of the original Tiffany setting.
Price at time of publish: From $24,000
Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring With a Channel-Set Diamond Band
This eye-catching Tiffany setting features a band of channel-set diamonds that add maximum sparkle to this already glittering setting.
Price at time of publish: From $18,800
Ashley Zhang Victoria Brilliant Cut Engagement Ring
The beauty of a solitaire engagement ring is its versatility; it pairs with all types of wedding bands for a variety of bridal aesthetics.
Price at time of publish: From $5,000
Anna Sheffield Round Hazeline Ring
Though the Tiffany setting implies a solid band, consider a six-front solitaire ring with a pavé band if you want to break the rules a bit.
Price at time of publish: $15,300
Marisa Perry Six-Prong DE Solitaire Ring
This ring features a 2.08-carat round brilliant cut diamond set in 18k yellow gold, a timeless pick for a bride-to-be with classic taste.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Lauren Addison Knife-Edge Brilliant-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
This engagement ring is modern minimalism at its finest. The brilliant-cut center stone is the true star.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Anthony Lent Cupping Hands Ring
This engagement ring by Anthony Lent is an incredibly unique twist on the six-prong setting. The center brilliant white diamond is held by beautifully crafted hands in 18K gold.
Price at time of publish: $11,800
Kataoka Diamond Rose Ring-Milgrain
Clusters of diamonds flank the six-prong center diamond. The band is engraved with milgrain detailing, giving a vintage touch to this ring.
Price at time of publish: $11,280
Angara Six Prong-Set Round Morganite Cathedral Engagement Ring
If you are looking to switch out a traditional diamond with a gemstone, consider this rosy morganite ring. The stone is held in a six-prong cathedral setting with a diamond pavé band.
Price at time of publish: $1,589
Brilliant Earth Six-Prong Luxe Ballad Diamond Ring
Pavé bands are the perfect way to add some extra sparkle to a classic setting. This ring features scalloped pavé diamonds three-fourths of the way around the ring.
Price at time of publish: $1,250 setting only