When purchasing a gemstone, it is essential to consider the setting that will hold the stone. Different settings can enhance or detract from the look of a particular gemstone. The most popular settings for gemstones include prongs, bezels, and channels. They can be made from various materials, including gold, silver, and platinum. It is always important to consider the type of metal used to ensure that it will be durable and complementary to the gemstone.
What Are Gemstone Settings?
When shopping for gemstone jewelry, you often see the term “setting” used. But what does it mean? A setting is how the stone is attached to the piece of jewelry. There are many different types of settings, and the one used will usually depend on the type of stone used.
Main Types Of Gemstone Settings
1. Gemstone Settings : Prongs
Prongs are the most popular type of gemstone Settings for diamond engagement rings. A prong setting uses metal claws to hold the gemstone in place. This type of setting is very secure and allows a lot of light to enter the gemstone, making it sparkle. They are also relatively easy to clean and maintain.
There are different types of prongs, including four-prong, six-prong, and eight-prong settings. The most popular type of prong setting is the six-prong setting, which is also known as the “Tiffany” setting.
Prongs can have a significant impact on the value of a gemstone. The more prongs there are, the more expensive the setting will be. Prongs also add to the weight of the setting, which can make the ring more expensive.
The downside to prong settings is that they can be delicate and damaged if not handled with care. They also require a lot of maintenance and can become worn over time. This type of setting is not recommended for people who are hard on their hands or have active lifestyles.
2. Gemstone Settings : Bezel
Bezel settings are one of the most popular ways to set a gemstone in jewelry. The bezel is a metal rim that surrounds the gemstone and holds it in place. Bezels can be made of any metal, but gold and platinum are the most popular choices. It is crucial to choose a bezel that is the same metal as the rest of the jewelry so that it does not stand out. Bezels can be plain or decorative and can be set with any gemstone.
Bezel settings are secure, and the gemstone is less likely to fall out or be damaged. They are also suitable for protecting delicate gemstones, such as opals. Bezel settings can be more expensive than other types because they require more metal. The height of the bezel can also affect the price. A higher bezel will make the gemstone appear more prominent, but it will also use more metal. They are a good choice for any gemstone, and they can be made to look very elegant or very modern.
3. Gemstone Settings : Channel
Channel settings are a type of gemstone setting that involves creating a channel in the metal of the jewelry piece into which the gemstone is set. The gemstone is then held in place by the metal of the channel. This type of setting can be used with various gemstones and is considered a very secure way to set a stone.
One benefit of channel settings is that they allow for a clean look since no metal is visible around the gemstone. It can be a good choice for those who want their gemstone to be the piece’s focus.
Channel settings can be more difficult to resize than other types of settings, so it is vital to ensure that the ring or other piece of jewelry is sized correctly before having it set. Channel settings are also not as strong as some different types of settings, so they may not be a good choice for an active person who is hard on their jewelry.
Channel affects the value of the gemstone in a few ways. First, since the channel metal holds the stone in place, there is less chance that the stone will become loose and fall out. It can be a big concern with other settings, such as prong settings. It makes channel settings a good choice for those looking for a more secure setting.
Another way channel settings affect the gemstone’s value is by protecting the stone from impact. The stone is more exposed and vulnerable to damage with other types of settings. With a channel setting, the stone is better protected from impacts.
4. Gemstone Settings : Pave
Pave settings are a type of gemstone setting where the gemstones are set very close to each other in a geometric pattern. This setting is often used for diamonds, allowing for more sparkle and brilliance. Pave settings can also be used with other gems, but they are not as commonly used because it can be challenging to set smaller gems in this type of setting.
It is important to note that pave settings can affect the value of gems. Because the gems are set so close together, it is more difficult to see any blemishes or inclusions on the gemstone’s surface. It means that pave settings can often make a gemstone appear cleaner and more sparkly than if it were set in another type of gemstone. As a result, this increases the value of the stone.
5. Gemstone Settings : Pressure
The pressure setting is a type of gemstone that uses pressure to secure the gemstone. The metal is pushed against the gemstone, holding it in place. This type of setting is less common today, but it can be used to create a very secure setting for a gemstone.
It is important to note that pressure settings can be difficult to resize, so it is crucial to get the ring sized correctly before applying this type of setting. This setting can also be more challenging to repair if the ring is damaged. It affects the gem value because it can be difficult to resize or repair.
When choosing a pressure setting, it is vital to ensure that the gemstone is adequately secured. You should also be aware of the risks involved in having this type of setting. If you are not comfortable with the risks, you may want to choose a different kind of setting for your gemstone.
6. Gemstone Settings : Invisible
There are a few different types of invisible settings, all designed to keep the gemstone in place without any metal showing. It’s a good choice for those who want their gemstone to be the star of the show or those who are allergic to metals.
The most common type of invisible setting is the tension setting, in which the metal band applies pressure to the stone to hold it in place. The stone is usually exposed on the top and bottom, making it vulnerable to damage.
Another popular type of invisible setting is the flush setting, where the gemstone is set into a hole in the metal and then flush with the surface. This type of setting can be used with any gemstone but is especially well-suited to diamonds.
An invisible setting can increase the value of gemstone settings because it allows more light to enter the stone, making it appear brighter and more brilliant. It can also make the stone appear larger, as there is no metal around the edges to distract from its size. In addition, invisible settings can be less likely to snag on clothing or catch on hair, making them more comfortable to wear.
“When shopping for gemstone jewelry, you often see the term “setting” used. But what does it mean? A setting is how the stone is attached to the piece of jewelry.”
7. Gemstone Settings : Illusion
An illusion setting is a gemstone setting where the gemstone appears floating in the air. It is achieved by using prongs hidden behind the gemstone, giving the appearance that the gemstone is held in place by nothing but air. They are often used for small gemstones with a lot of detail, as they can be challenging to set in traditional settings.
An illusion setting is a great way to show off your gemstone, especially if it is unique or rare. However, because the prongs are hidden, it can be more difficult to clean and care for your gemstone. It is essential to be careful when cleaning your gemstone, as the prongs can be easily damaged.
The value of a gemstone can be affected by its setting. An illusion setting can make a gemstone appear larger and more delicate, increasing its value. However, because the setting is more difficult to care for, it may not be worth as much as a gemstone in a traditional setting.
8. Gemstone Settings : Cabochon
It’s not all about the cut of a gemstone that determines its value. The setting, or how the stone is set into jewelry, can also significantly impact. Here, we’ll look at cabochon settings and how they can affect the value of your gemstones.
Cabochon settings are perhaps the simplest of all settings and are very popular for use with semiprecious stones. In this type of gemstone setting, the stone is mounted onto the jewelry piece with a small metal dome over the top. The stone is not faceted or cut into any particular shape and is usually left in its natural state.
Cabochon settings can be used with stones, not of the highest quality. Since the stone is not cut or polished in any particular way, flaws and imperfections can be easily hidden. It makes cabochon settings an excellent option for those on a budget. They can also highlight a stone’s natural beauty, allowing its true colors and patterns to shine through.
Cabochon settings are trendy for semiprecious stones, as they can easily hide flaws and imperfections. The setting can also help to highlight the natural beauty of the stone, making it more valuable. It makes the gemstone settings perfect for those on a budget, as they can save money while still delivering beautiful results.
9. Gemstone Settings : Hammer
The hammer setting is a gemstone that uses a metal bezel to hold the stone. The bezel is then “hammered” or “clinched” onto the stone to secure it. This setting is often used for larger, heavier stones that need extra support.
It is one of the most secure settings for your gemstones, as the metal bezel creates a strong barrier around the stone. It makes it difficult for the stone to fall out or become loose over time. However, hammer setting can sometimes damage the stone if not done correctly. The stone can fall out if the metal bezel is not clinched tightly enough. And if the bezel is hammered too hard, it can crack or chip the stone.
Overall, hammer setting is a very secure way to set your gemstones. It makes it a good choice for settings with a lot of wear and tear, such as rings or bracelets. However, because it can damage the stone if not done correctly, it is essential to ensure that your jeweler is experienced in this type of gemstone setting. It will ensure that your gemstone is secure and protected.
Conclusion
Different settings can affect a gemstone’s value in different ways. Some gemstone settings may make the gem appear more brilliant, while others may make it more durable. Ultimately, the best setting for a gemstone is the one that best suits the wearer’s needs and preferences. Keep in mind that the value of a gemstone is also affected by its weight, clarity, color, and cut. So, consult with a qualified gemologist before making a final purchase.
