The Tiffany setting, introduced by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1886, was designed to elevate the diamond, allowing it to capture and reflect light in a way that maximized its brilliance. This was achieved by using slender prongs, typically six, to hold the diamond above the band, ensuring the gemstone took center stage.
At its core, the Tiffany setting is all about showcasing the diamond. The minimal use of metal in the prongs means more of the diamond’s surface is exposed, allowing for increased light entry and exit, resulting in unparalleled sparkle. While the term “Tiffany setting” is trademarked by Tiffany & Co., its immense popularity has led to the term “Tiffany-style” being used generically to describe any multi-pronged solitaire setting. When considering a Tiffany setting or Tiffany-style ring, it’s essential to understand that you’re not just investing in a piece of jewelry but a piece of history. The setting is available in various metals, with platinum being a popular choice. Prices for a genuine Tiffany setting engagement ring start around $14,300, but can reach up to $23,400 or more, depending on the intricacy and diamond quality. However, for those looking for the elegance of the Tiffany style without the associated price tag, many reputable jewelers offer similar designs that capture the essence of this timeless setting.
You can read more about the price difference without the quality difference in our Tiffany and Co. review. One secret of these rings’ lower cost? No brick and mortar buildings to upkeep. The rings we selected to share are from online jewelers exclusively. Another secret? You aren’t paying for the brand. You can’t put your “little blue box” on display for friends. This status is important to some people. We will let you decide if that status is worth $10,000 or more.
Here is a list of the Tiffany settings. You can jump to each style with a click to see which one suits you.
Why you should trust us
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.
The Tiffany Setting
When you think of an engagement ring, we’d almost guarantee the picture that pops into your mind first is The Tiffany Setting. Regardless if you’ve seen an exact copy before, this setting is as classic as it gets. Your phone emoji for “ring” is probably in the same style as The Tiffany Setting. As this Forbes article accurately states, the term “Tiffany setting” has reached Kleenex status — as in, it’s used colloquially to refer to any multi-prong solitaire ring.
Introduced in 1886, the Tiffany Setting is a solitaire diamond held in place with 6-prongs above a simple band. It’s popular with good reason. The placement of the diamond within the 6-prongs ensures the most diamond surface area is available to the eyes. That means the most sparkle. It’s a powerful visual trick that many love.
The six prong design of the Tiffany Setting also offers some practical advantages when it comes to holding the diamond in place:
“Six prongs hold a diamond more securely in place. If a prong is accidentally sheared off in a four-prong setting, the center stone can easily fall out (and get lost). If a prong breaks in a six-prong setting, chances are the center stone will remain firmly in place.” Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
The Tiffany Setting at a glance:
- Width of approximately 2 mm
- Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger
- Accommodates round diamonds only
- 6-prong head
- Metals include platinum, 18K yellow gold or 18K rose gold
The Tiffany Setting band is a simple one. They offer the option to upgrade to a pavé band or a diamond channel-set band.
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Classy Alternatives to The Tiffany Setting
Tiffany and Co. was the first company to produce this type of setting. But just as Levi Strauss & Co. isn’t the only company to make denim jeans, most jewelers have an option for a 6-prong diamond ring.
The rings we chose are all about 2 mm wide with the classic 6-prong head. The metal choices are more abundant than The Tiffany Setting yet the anatomy of the ring is similar.
With a 1 ct diamond, these rings are going to cost about $5,000. That is about $10,000 less than a Tiffany and Co. ring.
Blue Nile offers this gorgeous Petite Nouveau Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring that comes in 14K white gold and platinum.
To cut the cost even more, this Classic Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K white gold, 18K white and yellow gold and platinum is a great choice as well.
We also love this Classic Six-Prong Low-Dome. The style resembles the setting above yet with a lower profile and more square prongs. It’s perfect for someone who uses their hands a lot and doesn’t want to knock their diamond around. The diamond sits lower to the hand, leaving it less exposed than in the non-low-dome variation. This setting comes in 14K white gold, 18K yellow gold, and platinum.
This Six Prong Knife Edge Solitaire is a timeless representation of engagement. For a lower cost alternative, the Presentation Solitaire from James Allen is dainty and classy.
Tiffany Novo
The Tiffany Novo ring has a timeless essence with a romantic spirit. The slim prongs and band of slender micro-pavé-set diamonds give this feminine ring a gorgeous, sentimental feel.
The Tiffany Novo setting at a glance:
- Width of approximately 2 mm
- Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger
- Accommodates oval, round, cushion, princess cut, and emerald cut diamonds
- 4-prong head
- Metals include platinum only
Classy Alternatives to Tiffany Novo Setting
Many jewelers showcase the same amorous sentiment of the Tiffany Novo Setting.
The Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring from Blue Nile has the same romantic flair as the Novo with the shimmering band and 4-prong head. The head becomes a basket (just like the Novo) if you choose a cushion-cut diamond.
Also lovely is the James Allen Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring which comes in all diamond shapes and types of metal.
Tiffany Soleste
The Tiffany Soleste ring is brilliant. A halo of smaller diamonds hug the center diamond. Light refracts to create a dazzling presentation of shimmer.
The Tiffany Soleste setting at a glance:
- Width of approximately 2 mm
- Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger
- Accommodates oval, round, cushion, princess cut, emerald, heart shape and pear shape diamonds
- Halo head
- Diamond band
- Metals include platinum only
- Several yellow-diamond options
- A few options for a double-halo
Classy Alternatives to Tiffany Soleste Setting
The dazzling design of the Tiffany Soleste ring is common with many jewelers. We love all the sparkle and have a few favorites resembling this setting. These settings accommodate both a white diamond or a fancy yellow diamond for extra flair.
The French Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring from Blue Nile has the lovely detail of tiny “Vs” cut into the prong settings. These “Vs” give the appearance of a continuous row of diamonds without metal.
We love the Blue Nile Studio Heiress Halo Diamond Engagement Ring with the unique prongs nestled in the blaze of sparkle.
This Cushion Outline And Pavé Gallery Engagement Ring is fantastic with the nostalgic outline of a cushion-cut diamond paired with the light and brilliance of a halo setting.
Double the shimmer and double the halo with this Diamond Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring ring from James Allen. We enjoy the distinction but it does differ from the Tiffany Soleste with the split-shank.
Tiffany True
The Tiffany True ring is modern and geometric with a unique T-shaped setting. Opt for the square mixed-cut diamond (unique to Tiffany and Co.) or a round diamond. The clean lines and subtle unique details of this setting capture the hearts of a contemporary style.
The Tiffany True setting at a glance:
- Width of approximately 2 mm
- Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger
- Accommodates round diamond and square mixed-cut
- 4-prong head
- Metals include platinum only
- Available with pavé band
Classy Alternatives to Tiffany True Setting
The mathematical feel of the Tiffany True Setting is unique. If you enjoy the cutting-edge, innovative attitude of this setting, a cushion-cut or asscher-cut diamond is a great option. If you have your heart set on the square mixed-cut diamond, you can always buy the diamond from Tiffany to place in a different setting.
The Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring has linear appeal with the asscher diamond.
The pazzaz of a cushion-cut diamond in the 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting is modern with lovely sharp lines.
Tiffany Harmony
The Tiffany Harmony ring pushes the center diamond front-stage. With the unique band that tapers where it meets the center stone, everyone knows where to look. The idea behind the name is the lyrical union created when two people commit to marriage.
The Tiffany Harmony setting at a glance:
- Width varies between 2 mm (where it tapers) and 3 mm at widest point
- Diamond can be 0.18 carats or larger
- Accommodates round diamonds only
- 4-prong head
- Metals include platinum and 18K rose gold
- Available with a diamond band
Classy Alternatives to Tiffany Harmony Setting
We love the melodious character of the Harmony setting.
This stunning Rounded Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring has the same musical feel in your choice of metal.
We are also big fans of the Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring. With the contoured shoulders perfectly poised, your center diamond is sure to stand out.
There is no doubt that Tiffany & Co. rings are gorgeous and one feels special just opening THE blue box. However, if you don’t have the budget for this luxury, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a similarly looking ring. And you don’t have to be alone in the process. Our experts are always happy to help anyone who needs it. Just contact us and we’ll guide you through.
For more great information on your quest for the perfect engagement ring:
- How Much Should You Spend on Your Engagement Ring
- Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings
- 1 Carat Diamond Ring Buying Guide
- 2 Carat Diamond Ring Buying Guide
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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