The "Bezel setting" has been used for hundreds of years. The bezel is simply a band of metal which is shaped into the size and shape of the gem and then soldered into place on the metal of the jewelry. The next step is to place the prepared stone into the bezel, or metal band and the metal is pressed down over the edges of diamond which locks it into place.

A cabochon stone, which is a gemstone that is not faceted, usually relies on the shallow angle cut into the side of the stone which helps the metal to stay in place. With a clear faceted stone, such as a diamond, a shallow groove is cut into the bezel itself. The girdle or widest part of the gem stone is placed in the girdle and the metal bezel is pushed down over the girdle. It is the pressure of the bezel over the edge of the diamond which keeps it in place.

Bezel settings use a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of the diamond in a complete metal edging. This type of diamond rings setting is the most secure fastener for the stones. The bezel setting also protects the diamond better than other types of settings, such as the prong setting. Diamond rings with bezel settings give the rings a more elegant, understated and streamlined appearance.