Closed Settings Can Give Gems Maximum Protection

The closed setting has no prongs. It is one of the oldest and most basic types of gemstone mounting dating back to the Renaissance. In closed settings, gems are held tightly in place by a collar of precious metal. They protect gems extremely well since none of the edges are exposed to hard knocks or general wear and tear. Here are several popular types: Bezel Setting. A thin strip of metal completely surrounds the gem. Bezels can have straight or scalloped edges and can also be molded into any shape to accommodate the stone. Gypsy Setting. Popular since the 19th century, the metal at the top of this ring setting is heavier than the shank and is worked over the edge of the gem’s girdle to hold the stone in place. Channel Setting. Gemstones of the same size are set girdle-to-girdle between two parallel outer walls with no metal between them. The setting thus presents a continuous row of sparkling gems. Pavé Setting. Pavé is the French word for paved. This setting uses numerous small gemstones of identical size set closely together with no visible metal. This produces a paved effect which may be either flat or dome-shaped. Illusion Setting. A mounting with a scalloped metal border designed to create the illusion that a diamond or other colored gem is larger than it actually is. Comes in many different styles. Bar Setting. Similar to the channel setting except that each gemstone is held by a small bar that is visible between the stones. The sides of the gems are open to the light, maximizing their sparkle.