Settings

Good settings show off the gemstone or diamond to its best potential.  Some settings are more expensive than others.

Pavé Setting

Pavé setting (PAH-VEY) is an enchanting choice for engagement and wedding rings.  For a distinct and glamorous look, a large center stone is usually complimented with smaller diamonds.  Pavé is derived from the French word which means "pavement".  Pavé setting appears like a sparkling street paved with cobblestones with a tight grouping of identically sized stones laid across a surface.  In Pavé setting the metal is less visible with small diamonds encrusted on the metal surface resembling a single surface of diamonds only and not metal band.  To fill in the gaps between the stones and to separate those while holding the stones in place, tiny beads of metal are used which further accentuate the look.

Prong Setting

The prong setting is sometimes called a claw setting.  It is the most commonly used gemstone setting and is especially popular for solitaire engagement rings.

Whether you are buying an engagement ring, a wedding ring or an everyday wear, prong setting showcases the stones perfectly adding grace to your jewelry.  The diamond or other gem is inserted into three or more metal prongs that form a basket-like base, then the ends of the prongs are bent over and shaped so that they rest against the crown, just past the stone so that it is held in place snugly.  The number of prongs could vary, from 3 or 4to 6.

This setting allows more light to enter the stone thus accentuating its brilliance and luster.  Prong setting secures the stone letting the stone take center stage.  The advantage of prongs is that they make more of the gem visible.  Further, prongs make it easier to clean your jewelry.  V-shaped prongs offer protection for pointed edges of gemstones, such as the ones you'll see on heart and marquise shaped gems.

Bezel Setting

Bezel setting is a vintage technique of setting gemstones into jewelry.  Bezel setting has an elevated collar of metal wrapped around the stone.  Bezel setting provides great protection to the stone.  It secures the edges and the corners of the precious stone making it safe and comfortable for everyday wear.  Bezel settings are for the people who like subtle effect and prefer practical jewelry at the same time.

Apart from the full bezel, partial bezel or semi-bezel is also a popular setting for jewelry.  Semi-bezel gives the ring a contemporary look.  Princess and emerald cut stones are the most popular choices for bezel setting.  Further, softer stones are preferably bezel set.

Channel Setting

A continuous flow of small gemstones suspended between two bars of metal in a row is called Channel setting.  Channel setting is amongst the securest and the most popular methods of setting stones into jewelry as the channels protect the gemstones extremely well from chipping girdles.  It provides more protection to diamond, mostly round shaped ones.

The tennis bracelet is a classic example of channel setting.

Cluster Setting

As the name suggests, cluster setting allows for presenting a cluster of multiple stones.  But this type of setting is more used for gemstones rather than diamonds.  Often used in designs like a flower and butterfly.  From a distance, it gives the appearance of a single large gemstone than a group of small ones.

Tension Setting

This is one of the more modern settings.  The metal is spread apart and the gem is slid into grooves on the inside of the metal.  A special pressure is created which holds the gem securely in place, and the appearance is of a stone floating in air.  This is appropriate for gems that display greater hardness-diamonds, rubies and sapphires.

Gypsy Setting

Also known as flush setting; this is a very popular setting style.  In this variation a window is cut into the base, the gem set into it and secured underneath.  The crown of the stone reaches over the base, subtly reflecting the light.