There are 6 major settings when it comes to rings, each with their own uniqueness. These settings consist of the 6 Prong, 4 Prong, Double Prong, Semi-Bezel, Bezel, and Halo. It is worth noting that many jewelers use cast settings. These are pre-made gemstone settings that can be soldered in place on your design. The reason jewelers use cast settings is that making a setting is incredibly time-consuming. Not to mention it’s a real art. AT IO Collective we only make our own settings! We do not buy premade settings or use bought cast settings. This way you can ensure that your ring is unique and one of a kind, designed just for your center stone.
Let’s go over the various and lesser-known kinds of setting types for your stones set into the metal! In our design, we use 4 or 6 prongs and we love using pave setting for a seamless diamond look.
Shared Prong
Similar to the Prong setting, the Shared Prong gets its name from prongs of metal placed between two stones.
Bezel
The bezel setting is a versatile choice used for any type of stone. A bezel setting sees the diamond set deep inside of the mounting while the metal is folded over the stone to create a strip that holds the diamond in place. A Half Bezel setting utilizes essentially the same approach as the Bezel setting, except a Half Bezel is when the stone’s girdle is not fully covered.
Channel
Another setting that can be used for any type of stone, the channel setting is created by literally making a channel (hence the name.) The jeweler os goldsmith then cut seats in the channel 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.
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 very popular setting in engagement rings.
Bar
Similar to the Channel setting, the Bar setting is compiled of diamonds that are set between bars. They are first nested in grooves and then overlapped by metal using a hammering tool. This requires gemstones to have a hardness level of 9 or above.
Fishtail Setting
A setting technique consisting of four prominent triangular corners cut from the existing shank that holds the gemstone in place. When viewed through the finger view it looks like the tail of a fish!
Bead Set
A method for securing a gemstone where a small bur of metal is raised with a graver and pushed over the edge of the gemstone.
Gypsy/Flush-Set
A setting technique in which the gemstone is embedded within the band and the metal from the band is used to secure the gemstone, leaving only the top of the gem visible.
Scalloped-Set
A technique for setting gemstones in which the prongs are created from the shank. A fishtail is one example of a scalloped setting.