Cathedral Engagement Rings Might Be Your Perfect Match
— by Cullen Jewellery — Reading time 6 minutes
When it comes to engagement ring settings that combine grandeur with romantic symbolism, few designs rival the cathedral setting. Named after the soaring arches of gothic cathedrals, these engagement rings elevate the centre stone – both literally and metaphorically. Keep reading to discover why this architectural-inspired design continues to enchant couples generation after generation.
What is a Cathedral Setting
A cathedral setting gets its name from the structural elements of the setting that mimic the arches in doorways and ceilings of gothic-style cathedrals. The design has similar arches and pillars that elevate the centre stone, creating a grand, bold and romantic look. These graceful metal arches rise from either side of the band, sweeping upward to cradle and lift the diamond or gemstone above the band. This elevation is the defining feature of cathedral rings – the centre stone sits higher than it would in standard settings, held aloft by these architectural elements.
The Benefits of a Cathedral Setting
Cathedral settings offer numerous advantages that make them enduringly popular choices for engagement rings. Understanding these benefits helps you appreciate why this design has remained a favourite for generations.
The number one benefit of a cathedral setting is that its elevation helps your centre stone catch more light than lower-profile settings. With all the small spaces around the stone created by the arches, light filters in and bounces off every facet, creating exceptional sparkle and brilliance.
Another main benefit of cathedral engagement ring settings is that they offer a lot of protection for the centre stone. This is especially true when the arches extend to the stone's girdle (the widest part of the stone), creating a protective framework around the diamond. The arches are more than decorative – they symbolise strength and support, key foundations of any lasting relationship, while also providing literal structural reinforcement. If you are looking for a larger, heavier centre diamond, the cathedral setting will certainly protect and support it effectively.
And lastly, it allows for a lot of creativity. Our Bennie Radiant Bezel Solitaire with Cathedral Setting is a beautiful example of our cathedral settings at Cullen Jewellery. The hidden pavé above the arches is a great place to hide some customisation, like birthstones or coloured gemstones.
Do Cathedral Settings Make Diamonds Look Bigger?
The answer is yes – cathedral settings employ several optical principles that enhance the perceived size of diamonds.
The setting lifts the centre stone above the band, making it appear larger and more brilliant. This visual elevation draws the eye upward, creating the impression of greater diamond presence on the finger. With a cathedral ring setting, no one can miss your centre stone – it sits high and has arches pointing straight to it.
Is a Cathedral Setting High or Low?
Cathedral settings are generally one of the highest profile settings, meaning that the centre stone is elevated higher off the band than other settings. This elevated positioning is the defining characteristic of cathedral designs, creating that distinctive architectural appearance for which they're famous.
The height of cathedral settings can vary significantly depending on design choices. Subtle cathedral settings feature modest arches that raise the stone slightly above the band, creating gentle elevation without excessive height. These work well for those who want cathedral aesthetics with more practical, lower profiles. Our Kiana Solitaire with Hidden Halo and Floating Cathedral is a great example of a lower-profile, more demure cathedral setting. It’s dramatic, but still subtle.
Dramatic cathedral settings feature sweeping arches that lift the stone substantially, creating impressive height and maximum visual impact. These designs make bold statements and are perfect for those who want an unmistakable presence and architectural grandeur.
From diamond cathedral engagement rings showcasing brilliant stones to sapphire cathedral engagement rings offering rich colour you can work with Cullen Jewellery to design an engagement ring specifically for you. Get in touch to book an appointment with our team.
