Jewelry Settings Terminology

If you are a jewelry lover, learning as much as you can about the different settings and terminology used to make a jewelry piece can be important. Here is some help with your setting terms so next time you go to buy a piece, you know what to expect.

* Bar Setting - This type of setting utilizes a strait bar that is typically shared by two to three gemstones to hold the gemstones in place.

* Bezel Setting - In a bezel setting them gemstone is completely surrounded by metal on all sides and can be used with just about any shape or sized gemstone.

* Channel Setting - This type of setting is often seen in bridal jewelry but can also be seen in other styles of jewelry too. The gemstones are place side by side and set into a channel of metal with no other metal separating them.

* Cluster Setting - This type of setting is often seen in cocktail rings and cocktail earrings. A jeweler will take several small stones and surround a larger gemstone with them. This is a great way to utilize small gemstones and make a solitaire appear much larger since it is surrounded by many smaller gemstones.

* Gypsy Setting - You will often see men's rings utilizing this type of gemstone setting. A single gemstone is set into a thick band of metal.

* Prong Setting - This type of setting is when a gemstone is set into metal and has "prongs" or "claws" holding onto it.

* Tension Setting - This type of setting is gaining popularity with those who don't like a lot of metal surrounding their gemstones.  In this type of setting, the gemstone is held into place by the "pressure" of the metal it has been set into.