Stone Settings Buyers Guide


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Prong Settings

Prong Settings

The most popular and most classic way of setting any kind of gemstone. The prong setting uses metal prongs that are curved over the girdle of the stone of choice whether it be a diamond or gemstone. The prong setting can be used with multiple metal prongs based on the customer's wish. This style is often preferred for the greatest exposure of any stone in any jewelry setting. The most frequently style used in engagement rings and stud earrings. Also another added benefit to the prong setting is the reduction of the metal appearance while viewing the piece. When this happens there is much more fire in the piece with added light. For more information on the different prong settings click here.

Channel Settings

Channel Settings

In a channel setting the stones are put in between a channel and held firmly by two strips of simultaneous metal. It is a most effective setting for an array of stones with a uniform size in a row so to the eyes of a customer the diamonds look the same. It widely used in tennis bracelets and many fancy diamond rings. The channel set is lauded as one of the most safest and stylish setting due to its increased use of metal.

Bezel Settings

Bezel Settings

The most safest and secure setting in the jewelry industry. This setting covers the entire stone with a metal of preference. It wraps around the stone with a strong grip and a very fine finish. It is an ideal setting for smaller stones set in white gold or platinum as it give off the illusion of a bigger size. Round stones are the most frequent set in the bezel setting.

Half Bezel Settings

Half Bezel Settings

A half bezel or semi-bezel setting only partially covers the stone unlike the full bezel. The metal doesn't engulf the stone completely and it is ideal for those customers who would like some visibility for their diamond. It is most frequently used for wedding bands and bracelets.

Pave Settings

Pave Settings

The pave setting is often called "kindness to the eyes". It is composed of numerous smaller diamonds held tightly together with mini prongs to create a full sheet of brilliance and endless sparkle. It gives an illusion of a bigger piece at a distance and is most frequently used in rings and earrings.

Shared Prong Settings

Shared Prong Settings

The shared prong setting has all the qualities of a regular pronged setting except for the fact that the prongs hold together more than 1 stone. It's highly useful when trying to use the least amount of metal possible and exposing the diamond or gemstone to more light. This gives the stone much more fire to its appearance.

Tension Settings

Tension Settings

As the name suggests the tension setting is a pressurized based setting to hold your stone in a very firm way. It is a setting which uses no prongs but rather a channel or a bar. The special thing about the tension setting is that the metal which the stone is set in has a spring inserted in each of its sides and pressure is exerted. Then there is edging done on the metal for the assumed stone to fit perfectly between the channels. It gives of the illusion that the diamond is floating in midair which is a very desirable look. It is often used in many engagement rings.

Bright-Cut Settings

Bright-Cut Settings

This setting takes place in the bridge of the ring which is generally where the center stone rests. There is a smaller stone on either one side of the bridge or two. It is done to decorate the band and add a little extra glimmer to the piece.

Illusion Settings

Illusion Settings

The illusion setting is when diamond or gemstone meet metal and together they give off the illusion that they are synchronized with one another. The purpose is provide a larger look for the diamond which the metal is a catalyst for. The stone is place in the collet of the metal. It was originally designed by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933.

Gypsy/Flush Settings

Gypsy/Flush Settings

This setting thrusts the stone within the metal and the metal engulfs all but the top of the stone. The metal is used to securely the lock the stone in the band. It is a frequent setting choice for wedding bands and even men's rings.

Fishtail Settings

Fishtail Settings

An interesting setting that replaces the prongs with 4 triangular cut from a preexisting shank which firmly holds the gemstone of choice in place. From a distance it looks like a fish's tail.

Scallop Settings

Scallop Settings

A setting which simply uses the shank as prongs to hold the stones firmly. An example is a fishtail setting.

Trellis Settings

Trellis Settings

This is often a setting used as a gallery to support the gemstones set in the design. It does so using open latticework.

Bar Settings

Bar Settings

A simple setting which places the stone securely between two metal parallel bars with the sides of the stones open. The metal is the choice of the customer.