What Is a Bypass (Floating) Diamond Setting?
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated October 4, 2026
Short answer: A bypass setting is a ring where the band does not close into a full circle under the stone. Instead, two arms curve around from opposite directions and hug the diamond, one on each end. Prongs still hold the stone, but because nothing connects in the middle, the diamond looks like it is floating right over the finger. It is also called a floating setting.
Know this before you buy your ring. This one surprises people every time we show it.
Read the video transcript
Make sure you know this before you buy your ring. This right here is called a bypass setting. So it looks like there's two arms coming around and hugging the diamond, and the diamond is just floating right over the finger. It's such a unique setting. It's not a bezel, because there's prongs coming up and holding the diamond in place, but it kind of looks like that diamond is floating right there in the middle of the ring.
How does a bypass setting work?
The two ends of the band pass each other instead of meeting. Each arm wraps one end of the stone. Prongs come up from the arms and hold the diamond in place, so it is not a bezel, but from the top it looks like the metal is cradling the stone with nothing underneath.
Why does the diamond look like it floats?
In a normal setting you see a head or basket under the diamond. In a bypass the arms hold it from the ends, so the stone sits in open space between them. With an oval like the one in the video, the curve of the arms follows the curve of the stone.
Which shapes work best?
Long shapes suit it most: oval, pear, marquise and emerald, because the arms have a clear end of the stone to wrap. Rounds work too and look more like a swirl.
Is a bypass setting secure?
Yes, when it is built with proper prongs. The arms protect both ends of the stone and the prongs do the holding. As with any setting, have the prongs checked once a year.
Will a wedding band fit next to it?
Bypass rings have a curve, so a straight band can leave a gap. A matching curved or contoured band is the usual answer. We plan the band at the same time as the ring if you ask.
Who does a bypass setting suit?
Someone who wants a solitaire that does not look like everyone else's, with a modern, sculptural feel and no extra diamonds.
Curious how a bypass would look with your stone?
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What is the difference between a bypass and a toi et moi?
A toi et moi has two stones, one on each arm. A bypass usually has one centre stone held between the two arms.
Is a floating setting the same as a bypass?
People use both names for this style, where the diamond looks like it hovers between the arms.
Can a bypass setting be engraved?
Yes. The outside of the arms has room for hand engraving, which suits the curved shape.
How much does a bypass engagement ring cost?
A fully custom ring from us starts at about $4,000 USD, and most of the rings we build land between $4,000 and $5,000. Our Ready To Order settings start at $1,299 CAD, plus the diamond. The centre stone moves the price most: in September 2026 a 2 carat lab grown diamond ran about $2,500 CAD and a 3 carat about $2,700 CAD. Real numbers are in our cost guide.
Is a bypass ring good for an engagement ring?
Yes. It is a solitaire with a sculptural band, and with proper prongs it wears like any other solitaire.
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