GIA GIA Diamond Setting Styles & Jewelry Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'head' refer to in the context of a diamond ring's anatomy?
- The polished flat top surface of the diamond
- The mounting that holds the center stone, typically comprised of prongs and a basket (Correct answer)
- The metal band that encircles the finger
- The decorative side stones flanking the center diamond
Correct answer: The mounting that holds the center stone, typically comprised of prongs and a basket
The head (also called the mounting or basket) is the component of a ring that holds and displays the center stone.
Question 2: In jewelry design, what is a 'halo' setting?
- A setting where the center stone sits elevated above the band on a tall prong structure
- A ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones encircling the center stone to enhance its apparent size (Correct answer)
- A setting style in which the stone is completely enclosed by metal on all sides
- A two-tone metal design where white and yellow gold alternate around the band
Correct answer: A ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones encircling the center stone to enhance its apparent size
A halo setting surrounds the center diamond with a frame of smaller diamonds, making the center stone appear larger and more brilliant.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'gallery' in a diamond ring setting?
- It is the decorative engraving on the exterior of the band
- It is the open framework beneath the center stone that allows light to enter from below (Correct answer)
- It refers to the total surface area of the crown facets
- It is the registration number assigned by GIA to a graded stone
Correct answer: It is the open framework beneath the center stone that allows light to enter from below
The gallery is the open metalwork beneath the stone that allows light to pass through the pavilion for optimal brilliance.
Question 4: A 'cathedral' setting is best described as which of the following?
- A setting where the diamond is hidden beneath a metal dome
- A setting with arching metal shoulders that rise up to cradle and elevate the center stone (Correct answer)
- A low-profile setting where the stone sits close to the finger
- A setting with no prongs in which the stone floats between two points of tension
Correct answer: A setting with arching metal shoulders that rise up to cradle and elevate the center stone
A cathedral setting features sweeping arched metal shoulders that rise alongside the center stone, evoking the lines of Gothic cathedral architecture.
Question 5: When a customer asks about a 'solitaire' ring, what does this term specifically mean?
- A ring featuring three stones of equal size
- A ring featuring a single center diamond with no side stones (Correct answer)
- A ring where diamonds are set in a straight line along the band
- A ring featuring a diamond surrounded by colored gemstones
Correct answer: A ring featuring a single center diamond with no side stones
A solitaire ring features one single diamond as the focal point, with no additional side stones, emphasizing the beauty of that single gem.
Question 6: What is a 'three-stone' ring traditionally said to symbolize?
- The four C's of diamond quality abbreviated into three values
- The past, present, and future of a relationship (Correct answer)
- The three GIA grading criteria: cut, color, and clarity
- Faith, hope, and prosperity in financial investment
Correct answer: The past, present, and future of a relationship
Three-stone rings, also called trilogy or trinity rings, traditionally represent the past, present, and future of a couple's relationship.
GIA GIA Diamond Setting Styles & Jewelry Design 2
What does the term 'head' refer to in the context of a diamond ring's anatomy?