Setting Types

Prong

A prong setting - which usually has 4 or 6 prongs - is one of the most popular settings on the market, and is used for all types of faceted stones.

Shared Prong

Similar to the Prong setting, the Shared Prong gets its name from prongs of metal placed between two stones where the same prong is holding both stones on either side of it in place.

Bezel

A versatile choice used for any type of stone, the bezel setting sees the diamond set deep inside of the mounting while the metal is folded over the edge of the stone to create a strip that holds the diamond in place. This is a very secure and smooth setting style that works well for people that need to wear gloves for their occupation. 

Many people believe that if you set a stone this way, it will make it look lifeless because they think it needs light to enter from the side of the stone.  This is not true.  A well cut stone will reflect the light from a bezel setting just as well as from prongs.  It's all about the proportions and cut of the stone.

Half Bezel

This setting utilizes essentially the same approach as the Bezel setting, except a Half Bezel is when the stone’s girdle is not fully covered.  Another great option for nurses or medical professionals that wear gloves everyday.

Channel

Another setting that can be used for any type of stone, the channel setting sees the goldsmith creating a channel - as the name would suggest - and then cut seats in it where the diamond will sit. After each diamond is placed in the new channel, the goldsmith secures the stones in place by hammering the upper sides of the channel walls.

The channel setting also offers a smooth form of setting compared to prongs.

Pavé

With pavé settings, several small gemstones - usually diamonds - are set closely together, separated and held in place by small beads of the setting metal. This produces what resembles a continuous string of diamonds or other gems on its surface.  This is a beautiful and sparkly look and has become extremely popular over the past decade or so.  The downside to setting tiny gemstones with tiny prongs of metal is that they don't hold up to wear and tear as well.  If you have a ring with lots of tiny stones, you can anticipate that some will get loose and fall out. It's just the nature of the beast.

Suspended or Bar 

A suspended mounting is when a stone is held in place by two walls.  There is still a base under the stone to give the ring ample support to hold the stone securely. Sometimes diamonds or a colored stone can be set under a suspended stone in our Spectral Fire feature that creates a beautiful effect.