GIA GIA Diamond Setting Styles & Jewelry Design 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which setting style holds a diamond using small metal claws or prongs that grip the girdle of the stone?
- Bezel setting
- Prong setting (Correct answer)
- Channel setting
- Pavé setting
Correct answer: Prong setting
A prong setting uses metal claws (typically 4 or 6) to grip the diamond's girdle, maximizing light exposure.
Question 2: A bezel setting encircles the diamond with a rim of metal primarily to achieve what benefit?
- Maximize brilliance by exposing the pavilion
- Protect the diamond's girdle and reduce the risk of chipping (Correct answer)
- Allow the most light to enter from the sides
- Display the culet for grading purposes
Correct answer: Protect the diamond's girdle and reduce the risk of chipping
The bezel setting's full metal rim protects the girdle and edges, making it ideal for active wearers.
Question 3: In a channel setting, stones are secured by placing them in a groove between two parallel metal walls without any prongs between gems. What is a key advantage of this style?
- Stones can be easily removed for cleaning
- The smooth surface protects stones from snagging on fabrics (Correct answer)
- Each stone is independently adjustable
- The setting maximizes individual stone visibility
Correct answer: The smooth surface protects stones from snagging on fabrics
Channel settings create a smooth, snag-free surface because there are no prongs or metal between the stones.
Question 4: Which ring style features a wide metal band with the diamond set so its table is flush or nearly flush with the band surface?
- Tension setting
- Flush (burnish) setting (Correct answer)
- Cluster setting
- Cathedral setting
Correct answer: Flush (burnish) setting
A flush or burnish setting recesses the diamond into the metal so it sits level with or just below the surface of the band.
Question 5: A tension setting holds a diamond in place using the compressive force of the metal band itself. What is the primary concern a GIA-trained sales professional should communicate to customers?
- The diamond will show more inclusions due to metal reflection
- Resizing is difficult and may require professional reassembly of the setting (Correct answer)
- The setting blocks light from entering the diamond's crown
- Tension settings only work with fancy-shaped diamonds
Correct answer: Resizing is difficult and may require professional reassembly of the setting
Because tension settings rely on precise metal compression, resizing must be done by a specialist and can be complex.
Question 6: Pavé settings are characterized by multiple small diamonds set closely together with minimal metal visible. What effect does this style create?
- Emphasizes a single center diamond's color grade
- Creates a surface that appears to be paved or covered in diamonds (Correct answer)
- Reduces the overall carat weight appearance of the piece
- Highlights the culet of each individual stone
Correct answer: Creates a surface that appears to be paved or covered in diamonds
Pavé (from the French word for 'paved') creates a glittering carpet effect by setting many small diamonds closely together.
GIA GIA Diamond Setting Styles & Jewelry Design 1
Which setting style holds a diamond using small metal claws or prongs that grip the girdle of the stone?