You may know your stuff when it comes to diamonds (Hello, 4 Cs!), but it’s worth brushing up on different types of settings, too—these two ring details go hand in hand, after all. With help from Brilliant Earth, a leader of ethically sourced bridal and fine jewelry, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of the most popular types of engagement ring settings, from prongs to pavés and everything in between.

Pros: Perfect for a solitaire (or single) diamond (the most popular stone type), a prong setting allows for the most light exposure—giving the center stone maximum sparkle factor. It’s a clean and timeless ring setting that works for almost all stone shapes. It also easily accommodates a wedding band and may cost less due to its simple design. Cons: Gemstones set with prongs tend to be elevated, which showcases the stone, but might not be your first choice for an everyday ring (e.g., an engagement ring), especially if you’re active and worry about hitting your ring on things. Pros: A halo is one of the best ways to get more bling for your buck. This type of setting offers the illusion of a larger center stone without the price tag. The accent stones also add texture and dimension to a solitaire stone. Cons: A low-sitting halo can make it more difficult to find a wedding band that sits flush against the engagement ring. If you’re obsessed with having a halo, but want to avoid this issue, look for a ring designed with a higher-set diamond and surrounding halo. Pros: A pavé setting elevates a simple band to something extra special. Many people upgrade their engagement rings with a pavé after an anniversary or other marriage milestone. Cons: With diamonds set into the band, resizing a pavé ring can prove challenging compared to a plain band. Brilliant Earth also points out that engagement rings featuring such little diamonds can require more maintenance. You might be making more trips to the jeweler for cleanings and inspections than you would with a solitaire ring. Pros: The sheer number of stones allowed by this type of setting means more room for creativity. Sapphires, rubies, or emeralds make for beautiful additions to this multi-stone setting. It’s not just for looks, either: Three-stone rings are said to symbolize a couple’s past, present, and future. Cons: The accent stones may steal the limelight from the center diamond or make it appear smaller than it really is. It can also be tricky to find three diamonds of identical (or even near-identical) color and clarity. You may need to select a higher color or clarity center diamond if you’re aiming to perfectly match the two accent diamonds. And remember, the higher the color and clarity, the more expensive it is. Pros: This setting is ideal for anyone with a very active job or lifestyle (e.g., nurses, doctors, gym rats) but is also popular in general for its modern, minimalist appeal. The simple setting creates a perfectly smooth edge and keeps the gem extremely secure. Cons: Bezels cover more of the diamond’s girdle and sides, so you’d need to splurge on a larger diamond for the same visual effect as a prong setting. Skip a bezel if you’ve always wanted to flaunt a diamond from all sides. RELATED: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home