An engagement ring is not simply a jewel, it's a meaningful symbol of commitment, responsibility, love of a man towards his chosen one. A bezel set engagement ring will make this precious token of engagement last forever, and the valuable gemstone symbolizing your past, present and future love will never get damaged or lost. But what is it and where it comes from?

Let's speak a bit about tradition. Giving an engagement ring to the fiancée is a habit dating back thousands of years. For ancient Romans the ring was the symbol of a sentimental relationship: even if it was just a simple iron or golden circle, every engagement or wedding ceremony was solemnly ratified with a ring. For the Visigoths, it was nothing less than a contract. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise of marriage began in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring set with a diamond as a token of love. This royal tradition has lived on over the centuries and the giving of a diamond ring has become as much of a milestone as the engagement itself.

Most of these rings were set in a bezel. This is probably the oldest setting for stones, and it is amazing to consider that this simple and versatile setting has been in use for thousands of years. A bezel setting consists simply of an elevated metal collar surrounding a gemstone. After the gemstone is placed in the bezel, the edges of the metal are pressed down over the edges of the stone, creating a rim that holds it securely in place. Numerous examples of this kind of setting can be seen in jewelry stores, and if you want to see ancient bezels in active use, many museums have a section of old jewelry which will often include bezel-set stones.

There are a number of advantages to the bezel setting. One of the main advantages of such an engagement ring setting is that it is great for active people who don’t want to remove their ring every time they do something. In fact, the gemstone is held much more securely than it is with traditional prong settings. Plus, the bezel setting has no rough or sharp edges, making it a worry-free ring. Actually, it is one of the most secure possible settings for a stone, as when it is well-made, it will keep the gem firmly in place without the risk of loss. A bezel setting also protects the stone from nicks and dirt, and this setting can be used in a wide variety of ways, making it extremely versatile.

A full bezel completely surrounds the stone while partial ones have cutouts and only cover parts of the edge. The bezel itself may be a simple plain design or may be very intricate. Either way, the bezel can add dramatically to the beauty of the ring. In fact, if you are looking for beautiful bezel set engagement rings then don’t be surprised when you find out how many different styles there are to choose from.

After thousands of years the bezel set still remains the most secure yet one of the most beautifully sophisticated and elegant settings. Not a surprise it is still one of the most popular choices for the modern betrothed.