DCA DCA Ring Settings & Jewelry Metals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'pavé' mean in jewelry design?
- Small diamonds set closely together to create a surface covered in stones (Correct answer)
- A single large diamond mounted on a high platform
- A setting that fully encases the diamond in metal
- Alternating large and small stones in a row
Correct answer: Small diamonds set closely together to create a surface covered in stones
Pavé (from the French word for 'paved') refers to a setting where tiny diamonds are set very close together with minimal visible metal, creating a surface that appears 'paved' with stones.
Question 2: What is the difference between 'white gold' and 'platinum' in jewelry?
- White gold is a gold alloy that requires rhodium plating; platinum is a naturally white precious metal (Correct answer)
- White gold is more expensive than platinum
- Platinum is a type of white gold with higher purity
- White gold is harder and more durable than platinum
Correct answer: White gold is a gold alloy that requires rhodium plating; platinum is a naturally white precious metal
White gold is yellow gold alloyed with white metals (like nickel or palladium) and plated with rhodium, while platinum is a completely separate, naturally white precious metal that is denser and more durable.
Question 3: What is a 'tension setting' in diamond rings?
- The diamond appears to float between two ends of the band held by metal pressure (Correct answer)
- The stone is secured with a tight bezel around the girdle
- Multiple diamonds are set in a row under spring tension
- The prongs are tightened mechanically after setting the stone
Correct answer: The diamond appears to float between two ends of the band held by metal pressure
In a tension setting, the diamond is held in place by the spring tension of the band metal pressing against the sides of the stone, making the diamond appear to float.
Question 4: What is 'sterling silver' and how is it marked?
- 92.5% pure silver, marked .925 (Correct answer)
- 100% pure silver, marked .999
- 75% pure silver, marked .750
- 80% pure silver, marked .800
Correct answer: 92.5% pure silver, marked .925
Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), and is marked with .925 to indicate its purity.
Question 5: In a 'flush setting' (also called a 'gypsy setting'), how is the diamond held?
- The diamond is set into a drilled hole in the metal so its table is level with the metal surface (Correct answer)
- The diamond rests on top of four raised prongs
- The diamond is glued into a recess in the metal
- The diamond is surrounded by a thin channel of metal
Correct answer: The diamond is set into a drilled hole in the metal so its table is level with the metal surface
In a flush setting, the diamond is set into a drilled hole so that the table of the diamond sits level with (flush to) the surface of the metal band.
Question 6: What is the purpose of 'milgrain' detailing in jewelry settings?
- Decorative beaded edge created by tiny metal beads rolled along the setting border (Correct answer)
- A technique for setting multiple diamonds without prongs
- A method to increase the security of a bezel-set stone
- A polishing technique that creates a mirror-like finish
Correct answer: Decorative beaded edge created by tiny metal beads rolled along the setting border
Milgrain is a decorative edge detail consisting of tiny, continuous metal beads or balls that create a textured border, commonly used to give vintage or antique-inspired jewelry a period-appropriate look.
DCA DCA Ring Settings & Jewelry Metals 2
What does 'pavé' mean in jewelry design?