| The setting for
your stone is like a picture frame: it holds and protects the stone, and
enhances its beauty. Most fine jewelers offer several different setting styles.
As you search for the perfect piece of jewelry, it helps to know that different
settings will complement your stone and your lifestyle. For example, a high
prong setting on an engagement ring raises a diamond and makes it stand out
beautifully. But if you lead an active lifestyle, a lower prong setting or a
bezel setting, which holds the stone closer to your finger, may be more
practical.
Common types of settings:
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Prong
Four or 6 evenly spaced prongs of precious
metal encircle the stone and
hold it securely in place. |
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Bezel
The stone is placed in a lip of precious metal
that is hammered around the edge of the stone. |
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Channel
A number of small gems are set in a groove
that is carved into the metal. |
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Invisible
Stones are grooved in the ring and set close
together without visible prongs. |
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Pavé
From the French word meaning "to pave," many tiny
diamonds or cubic zirconia are imbedded close together to "pave" the surface of
the jewelry so it shimmers. |
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Bar
Bars of precious metal hold the stones in a
channel-set fashion. |
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Chevron
V-shaped prongs hold the points of a
marquise or princess-cut
stone. | | 
