5 Most Popular Gemstone Setting Types That You Should Know
Category: Collection | Date: 1/12/2023
WHAT IS MEANT BY THE SETTING TYPE?
Setting type refers to the metallic platform that secures a gemstone in place. The setting style is designed to enrich the magnificence of the stones and the charm of a jewelry piece. If you're wondering about the popular gemstone settings, we've selected the five most common and widely used setting types.
MOST FAVORITE: PRONG SETTING
Prong Settings is one of the most extensively used and popular settings. This setting style features either 4 or 6 prongs bent over the gemstone's girdle. In addition, this setting offers a perfect orientation for the gemstone, wherein the gem receives maximum exposure to light from top to bottom. This variety of gemstone settings is majorly preferred for engagement rings, solitaire earrings, or tennis gemstone bracelets as it offers more exposure to the gemstone and lowers the appearance of the metal. A prong gemstone setting can be used for all kinds of faceted stones. In addition, this setting offers just the right height, completely straight, centered, and secure to the gemstone. A unique dual-prong setting is used for large gemstones that require extra security and support.
SECURE THE GEM: CHANNEL SETTING
This variety of gemstone settings involves a gemstone suspended between two bars or metal stripes, called channels. This gemstone setting style features stones fitted into the channel and secured by a continuous metal strip on both sides. The stones are aligned edge to edge along the groove and held by hammering the upper sides of the channel walls. Channel settings can be used to hold a variety of faceted stones - round, brilliant, princess cut, emerald cut, baguettes, etc. Channel gemstone setting is a widespread type for sapphire rings and tennis bracelets.
GUARDED ALL SIDES: BEZEL SETTING
A bezel setting refers to the setting wherein a gemstone is surrounded by metal and used to mount stones such as cabochons. This variety of gemstone settings includes a thin rim of metal, which circles the stone entirely or partially. The rim is sometimes bent inward toward the stone to assist the adhesive hold it in place. Bezels hold a variety of edges, such as straight edges, scalloped edges, or be molded into any shape to hold the stone. The bezel setting is often used with round-shaped gemstones and performs well with other gemstone shapes.
LESS METAL LOOK: PAVE SETTING
The name of the gemstone setting is derived from the French word "Pave," meaning to be paved. In this variety of gemstone settings, the small gemstones are set very close together, and the surface appears to lack metal holding the stones. Such settings with tiny gemstones create a surface of radiance and shine to enhance the jewelry's effect. Pave setting type is preferred for wedding rings and earrings as the surface of the ring will display encrusted stones, thus giving a sparkling effect.
CLOSE ENCOUNTER: PRESSURE SETTING
This variety of gemstone settings is one of the oldest mountings that utilizes the pressure from the surrounding metal and gemstone in place. More than seven brilliant round-cut gemstones are clubbed together in this setting, and the center gemstone is surrounded and held by other gems. For pressure setting, the perimeter of the gemstone is of high importance since even the slightest difference creates a possibility that the gem may fall. Pressure setting offers a look and feel of a round brilliant solitaire gemstone and hence is popular.
