Glossary of Stone Setting Terms
Stone setting is a crucial part of jewelry making and is a skill that enables jewelry makers to work with a range of stones to make some truly wonderful pieces of jewelry. Knowing where to start in the world of jewelry making can be quiet daunting which is why we’ve compiled a list of useful terms that we think may help you when starting. We’ve compiled a basic list of just a few things we think would be useful for you to know when starting your stone setting journey.
- Bezel Setting – A stone setting technique where a metal rim is created to hold the stone securely in place.
- Prong Setting – A stone setting technique where metal prongs are used to hold the stone in place by gripping its edges.
- Channel Setting – A stone setting technique where stones are placed side by side within a metal channel, with no metal separating them.
- Pave Setting – A stone setting technique where small stones are set close together, covering the entire surface of the piece.
- Flush Setting – A stone setting technique where stones are set into a hole drilled into the metal, so that they are level with the surface.
- Tension Setting – A stone setting technique where the stone is held in place by the tension of the metal band, with no prongs or bezel.
- Gypsy Setting – A stone setting technique where the stone is set into a hole drilled into the metal, with the surface of the stone flush with the metal.
- Cluster Setting – A stone setting technique where multiple stones are set close together, creating the appearance of a single larger stone.
- Illusion Setting – A stone setting technique where metal is used to enhance the appearance of a stone, making it appear larger or more brilliant.
- Bar Setting – A stone setting technique where metal bars are used to hold stones in place, with one bar on each side of the stone.
- Grain Setting – A stone setting technique where metal beads or grains are used to hold the stone in place, with multiple beads surrounding the stone.
- Tapered Baguette Setting – A stone setting technique where tapered baguette-shaped stones are set on either side of a larger center stone.
- Half Bezel Setting – A stone setting technique where a metal rim is created to hold the stone securely in place, covering only half of the stone.
- Split Prong Setting – A stone setting technique where the prongs are split into two or more sections, creating a more delicate and intricate appearance.
- Invisible Setting – A stone setting technique where stones are set into a metal framework with no visible metal between them, creating the illusion of a continuous surface.
- Micro Pave Setting – A stone setting technique where very small stones are set close together, often requiring the use of a microscope.
- Hammer Setting – A stone setting technique where metal is hammered over the edges of the stone to hold it securely in place.
- V-Prong Setting – A stone setting technique where metal prongs shaped like a “V” are used to hold the stone in place.
- Barion Cut Setting – A stone setting technique specifically designed for barion cut stones, with the setting tailored to match the stone’s unique shape and proportions.
- Cabochon Setting – A stone setting technique specifically designed for cabochon-cut stones, with the stone set without any facets or angles.
Source: The Bench from Cooksongold