Jewelry Design Stone Setting Techniques

Question 1

What is a 'bezel setting' in jewelry?

Accepted Answer

A metal rim or collar surrounding and holding the gemstone

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Channel setting

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Many small stones set close together with tiny prongs or beads, covering the surface

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To create a ledge that supports the stone at the correct height

Answer

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.

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Practice Test

Jewelry Design Stone Setting Techniques