Engagement Ring Setting Height: Medium, Medium Low or Low

In this guide

    By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 27, 2026

    Short answer: There are three setting heights. Medium has a bridge under the stone with the prongs starting above it, so a straight wedding band stacks flush; 80 to 90 percent of our rings are medium. Medium low sits a little lower and the band touches the prongs. Low has no bridge, and the stone sits right above the finger.

    If you want a straight wedding band to sit flush later, this decision matters more than any other.

    What is a medium setting?

    There is a bridge, the prongs start above the bridge, and the diamond sits above that. You need this if you want a straight wedding band to stack flush. It is what 80 to 90 percent of our clients choose.

    What is a medium low setting?

    Still a bridge, but the prongs come out of the sides of the bridge. The diamond sits slightly lower. A straight wedding band will touch the prongs and will not stack flush, so you may want a curved or contour band.

    What is a low setting?

    No bridge at all, just a low basket. The diamond sits right above the finger. The wedding band hits the basket, so it needs a curved band or a gap.

    Which one should I choose?

    Medium, unless you really want the stone low and are happy with a curved band. And remember the bridge is one of the best places for hidden detail: engraving, small diamonds or birthstones.

    Want us to look at your idea?

    A free 30 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.

    Book a free callSee our process

    Questions we get about this

    Will my wedding band sit flush with my engagement ring?

    With a medium setting height, yes. With medium low or low you will usually need a curved band.

    What is the bridge on a ring?

    The part under the head, between the band's two sides, hidden from the top view.

    Are low settings less likely to snag?

    Yes, they catch less, but they limit wedding band options.

    Do you make matching wedding bands?

    Case by case. We focus on custom bands designed to fit your ring.

    Keep reading

    Share

    More ring guides

    Price, timing, diamonds, settings and metal, answered with numbers from the rings we build in Toronto.

    See all guides
    ★★★★★

    Rated 5.0 by 166+ couples on Google

    Real couples, real rings.

    Megan W with their custom Smiro ring “They took the vibe in my head and turned it into the exact ring. She said yes.” Megan W · Past project Emily D with their custom Smiro ring “Stress-free start to finish. They sent renders until it was exactly right.” Emily D · Past project Julian with their custom Smiro ring “Found them on TikTok and talked to the actual makers. The stone is unreal.” Julian · Past project Nagrup S with their custom Smiro ring “The detail is even better in person. Worth every minute of the wait.” Nagrup S · Past project Kishori O with their custom Smiro ring “Absolutely amazing studio. They delivered above and beyond what we expected.” Kishori O · Past project
    Read all 166+ reviews →

    Rings we have made for couples

    Moval-Cut Diamond Ring with Tulip Petals

    Moval-Cut Diamond Ring with Tulip Petals

    A 2.05ct moval in a 6 petal east west tulip setting, platinum, with a hand engraved north star beneath the bridge. From Sam's sketch to the finished ring.
    Old Mine Cushion Diamond Ring

    Old Mine Cushion Diamond Ring

    A 2.5ct old mine cushion, newly cut in the antique style, set in 14k yellow gold with a hidden halo and low profile basket. Why Simon asked for an old mine by name, and how we built it.

    Approve your ring Before Production

    Get accurate 3D renderings before saying 'Yes'.

    +40 years of experience

    Expert Canadian craftsmanship you can trust.

    Family Owned Business

    Second generation and family-run for over 40 years.

    Insured Door to Door Shipping Included

    Fully insured, secure door to door delivery.