In this article, I will discuss several types of jewelry stone settings by hand only. Stone setting methods can be done by machines too, but now we select the handmade method to make craftsmen check each channel one by one to lock the stone firmly.
In fact, there are many more types of stone settings, but I choose only the most popular 5 types, Please read below.
Typically, there are at least three stems holding a stone, and the tip of each stem must press firmly to the stone.
Pros: As the most popular setting, the Prong setting is often used for fine jewelry because this kind of setting allows light to pass through clear stones, making the stones transparent.
Cons: edges of the stems may attach hair or clothes.
A craftsman will make the metal edge higher than a stone, the edge completely encircling a stone.
Pros: Considered a safe setting, the bezel setting won’t let a stone easily fall down. Additionally, it doesn’t have any stems to attach to your hair or clothes.
Cons: Unlike a prong setting, this method doesn’t let much light pass through, making a stone look less sparkly.
Several stones will be arranged to be a long line. There is no barrier between each stone.
pros: This setting doesn’t have any stems to attach your hair or clothes.
Cons: This process needs a skillful craftsman, or else stones will fall down. Additionally, changing jewelry sizes, whether expanding or reducing, may cause all stones to drop.
Several small stones aligning on a panel are locked by small stems beside.
pros: because of a panel containing several stones, jewelry will look very shiny and sparkling.
Cons: This process is considered the least safe because there are many small stems that require a very skillful craftsman to set up each small stone. Setting by a machine will save much more labor cost for this method but the chance of stone falling may increase.
This process is similar to a bezel setting, but the metal edge will be approximately equal to a stone.
pros: Because metal surrounds a stone, a stone is safe and doesn't fall off.
Cons: This method requires accuracy and proper force to press a stone without any fractures.