What is a tension set ring? A tension set ring is one where the entire ring acts as one large spring holding the diamond in place. There is no metal bridging the gap where the diamond is being held. If you were strong enough to pull it apart the diamond would come out. Because the diamond appears to float in air and due to the lack of metal underneath the diamond, you get a beautiful unobstructed view of the stone. Light enters the diamond from all angles and sparkles more in a tension ring then a traditional diamond ring would.
Of course tension rings need to be designed very tough. A true tension ring will be very beefy and undergo special alloying, hardening and treatment processes for super strength. The rings are made with heavy gauge metal because the more metal the stronger it is, a flimsy 2 gram ring just won't cut it. This is why tension rings in general are more expensive then traditional rings beause they use two to three times the metal. The alloys used are also specially made for tension rings. Whether it's a 14K (58.5% pure) alloy or a 950 (95.0% pure) alloy of precious metals, the remaining part of the alloy is made up of very strong metals. When the ring is being made, the metal is cold-worked and hardened, and then once the ring is set it is heat-treated for additional hardness.
