Jewelry Design Stone Setting Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'bezel setting' in jewelry?
- Prongs holding a gemstone from the sides
- A metal rim or collar surrounding and holding the gemstone (Correct answer)
- Gemstones set flush into drilled holes
- A channel of metal holding a row of stones
Correct answer: A metal rim or collar surrounding and holding the gemstone
A bezel setting uses a thin band of metal (the bezel) surrounding the entire perimeter of a stone and folded over its girdle to secure it, offering excellent stone protection.
Question 2: In a prong or claw setting, what is the minimum number of prongs typically used to secure a round brilliant diamond?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 6
Correct answer: 4
A minimum of four prongs is used to secure a round brilliant cut diamond in a prong setting, though six-prong 'Tiffany' settings are also very common.
Question 3: What type of setting holds gemstones in a continuous groove of metal with no prongs between each stone?
- Pave setting
- Channel setting (Correct answer)
- Tension setting
- Gypsy setting
Correct answer: Channel setting
Channel setting secures a row of gemstones between two parallel metal walls (channels), with no metal between individual stones, creating a clean, smooth appearance.
Question 4: What is a 'pavé' setting?
- A large single stone set in high relief
- Many small stones set close together with tiny prongs or beads, covering the surface (Correct answer)
- A flat-surface inlay of stones
- Stones set in a grid pattern with shared prongs
Correct answer: Many small stones set close together with tiny prongs or beads, covering the surface
Pavé setting uses many small gemstones set very close together and held by tiny bead-prongs, covering the metal surface so densely it appears 'paved' with stones.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'seat' cut into a bezel or tube when setting a stone?
- To add decorative texture inside the setting
- To create a ledge that supports the stone at the correct height (Correct answer)
- To strengthen the metal structure
- To allow light to pass through the bottom of the stone
Correct answer: To create a ledge that supports the stone at the correct height
Cutting a seat inside a bezel or tube creates a precise ledge or shelf that positions the stone at the correct height before the metal is burnished over the girdle.
Question 6: Which setting style holds a stone using spring tension between two opposing metal walls with no prongs or bezels touching the top of the stone?
- Flush setting
- Tension setting (Correct answer)
- Bar setting
- Illusion setting
Correct answer: Tension setting
A tension setting holds the stone suspended between two metal walls using the spring tension of the band, allowing light to enter the stone from all angles.
Jewelry Design Stone Setting Techniques 1
What is a 'bezel setting' in jewelry?