Bezel Engagement Rings: Pros, Cons, and Full vs Half Bezel
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio · Updated October 22, 2026
Short answer: A bezel wraps a rim of metal around the diamond instead of prongs. The pros: it is the most protective, snag-free setting, and the corners and points of the stone sit inside metal. The con: more metal at the edge, and a thick bezel can make a stone look smaller, which is why we keep ours thin. A half bezel covers two sides and leaves two open so light gets in. Our bezel settings start at $1,499 CAD, and complete bezel rings with a 2 carat lab grown diamond at $3,250.
Here are the trade-offs as we explain them on a call.
What is a bezel setting?
A rim of metal wrapped around the diamond, in place of prongs. A full bezel goes all the way around. A half bezel holds the stone on two sides and is open on the other two. Every shape we make it in is on half bezel engagement rings.
What are the pros?
- Protection. It is the most protective setting we make. Every edge of the stone sits inside metal, which matters most on shapes with corners or points. An emerald cut's four cut corners are where it chips, and a bezel keeps them covered.
- Nothing to snag. No prongs to catch on hair, sweaters or gloves.
- A clean, modern outline. The metal traces the shape of the stone.
What are the cons?
- More metal at the edge. A thick bezel can make a stone look smaller. A thin one keeps the full outline, so ours are thin, and ultra thin when you want as much stone showing as possible.
- Less light from the sides with a full bezel. A half bezel is open on two sides so more light gets in.
- A different look. If you love claws or tulip petals around the stone, a bezel replaces them with a smooth rim.
Full bezel or half bezel?
| Full bezel | Half bezel | |
|---|---|---|
| Metal around the stone | All the way round | Two sides |
| Protection | Every edge covered | Two sides covered |
| Open sides | None | Two, so more light gets in |
| Engraving | A full bezel basket becomes its own canvas under the stone | Leaves a smooth edge to carve along |
Both can sit over a tulip basket or a hidden halo. See a full bezel with a tulip basket underneath, and two finished emerald cuts in bezel set emerald cut rings.
Will a wedding band sit flush with a bezel?
That comes down to the setting height, not the bezel. Our mid-profile bezel settings are made so a wedding band stacks flush. A low profile bezel sits closer to the finger, so plan the band with it from the start. The trade-offs are in setting height: medium, medium low or low.
What does a bezel engagement ring cost?
| Bezel ring | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Full bezel with split shank, setting only | From $1,499 |
| Half bezel with hidden halo, setting only | From $1,499 |
| Emerald cut, half bezel, low profile, with a 2 ct lab grown stone | $3,250 |
| Cushion, full bezel on a cathedral, with a 2 ct lab grown stone | $3,300 |
| Cushion, full bezel with a hidden halo, with a 2 ct lab grown stone | $3,600 |
| Moval three stone, full bezel, with a 2 ct lab grown centre | $4,800 |
14K gold, listed October 2026. Setting-only prices do not include the centre diamond.
Every bezel ring we list is in bezel engagement rings.
Thinking about a bezel? We can show you both.
A free 20 minute video call with our team. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callGet a free estimateFrom our collection
Cushion Full Bezel Hidden Halo
Cushion Full Bezel Cathedral
Emerald Half Bezel Low Profile
Emerald Full Bezel Cathedral
Questions we get about this
Is a bezel setting good for an engagement ring?
Yes, if protection matters to you. It is the most protective, snag-free setting, and it keeps the corners of the stone inside metal.
Does a bezel make a diamond look smaller?
A thick one can. A thin bezel keeps the full outline of the stone, which is why we keep ours thin.
What is a half bezel?
A bezel that holds the stone on two sides and leaves the other two open, so more light gets in.
How much is a bezel engagement ring?
Our bezel settings start at $1,499 CAD in 14K gold, and our complete bezel rings with a 2 carat lab grown diamond start at $3,250.
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