The tension set engagement ring was created by designer Friedrich Becker for the company named Niessing in the late 1960s. Tension setting is responsible for producing really tight springs that is boasted to last for centuries - that is, these springs will not lose their spring power. This setting is used to create channels, bezels, prongs, and other mounting devices.

When this setting is used in making rings, the mounting is not obvious - that is, all you will see is the gem itself. It will appear that the gem is set on the ring by a thread. But the reality is it is more secure than the traditional mounting. Instead of using mounting, the gemstone is held in place by the entire ring rather than the usual prong claw which has a thickness of
a small fraction of an inch.

It is called tension set because the gem is held in place by tension. To visualize, the ring has an opening and the stone is set there then held by the tension created by the open ends of the ring. Through this method, the stone has a better exposure.

The advantage of having tension set rings is that it is exquisitely attractive because it is unique. Moreover, it can be customized according to one's liking. The most common material used are platinum and titanium for a modern look. Jewellers also claim that the stone is very secure and one does not need to worry about losing the gem.

The disadvantage of this type of ring is that resizing will be such a task for the jeweller because there is a risk of breaking the tension, making the stone loose.