Types of Stone Setting
Introduction
A stone can be defined as anything that is hard, solid, nonmetallic mineral matter. The stones are normally made of unique blend of colors and minerals(Bourgeois ,2017).Stones usual derive their purpose and usefulness from its properties. For instance, some are used in the building decorations and the making of Jewels. In the modern world, various types of stones have gained a lot of value due to the need for beautification for houses and the human accessories. For various art reasons the stones can be made into different types and shapes to suit the occasion or the purpose, it is intended to serve. Therefore, the need to know the various types of stone setting comes hand in hand. The main reason for setting the stones into different shapes is to give it best look and to communicate art information.
The various types of setting include prong setting, pave setting, bezel setting, channel setting and invisible setting. There are various stone settings in today’s world market. In addition, these stones are composed of unique materials that have undergone man-made processes before being smoothened into finished products. While the stones undergo various processes to have the desired setting one has to know the stone product. For example, the products could be either from marble, granite, quartz among many others. The work of art calls for man-made know how which leads to proper fabrication using specific manufacturing processes. These processes ensure that different types of stone will perform according to the design criteria of the manufacturer. Nonetheless, the stones settings are generally for the purpose of making attractive Jewels and to give a way of forming shapes that are aligned to specific tasks.
Prong Setting
It is also known as the claw setting which is generally a four or a six-dimension V-shape setting. It is one of the most known in the world, as it is easy to make, and relatively cheap compared to other stone settings. The setting is characterized for allowing least amount of light to pass through it. Its gemstone has maximum brilliance. Additionally, this setting is used for all types of jewelry and bridal rings. The figure 1.1 image below describes it clearer
Pave Stone Setting
As the name suggests the setting is from the word pavement. It is normally characterized by surface style on the jewelry. For the artwork to be outspoken in the setting it accompanied by diamond coverings(Cogswell,2017). Its shape is triangular to hold stones lower and closer to give out the brilliance on the jewelry. Finally, its setting produces best results with white gold and diamond. Fig 1.2
Bezel Stone Setting
This is an old stone setting driven from metallic strip technique. For the setting to be complete and have a proper beauty it is soldered with the head that wraps the gem to hold it in position. The bezel setting can be categorized in two ways. That is bezel full shape and the semi-bezel.
Moreover, the setting requires proper balancing for all the angles. This gives the setting a better stability. Bezel setting is used for any type of stone. However, the setting is mostly used in the fragile gemstone(Sarid, 2014). The feature it possesses makes it possible consideration for men. The setting is best in making earrings, necklace, and bracelets. The fig 1.3 (Cogswell,2017).
Channel Stone Setting
In this type of setting the stones are set side by side to hold metallic walls. The setting for the gemstone is between the ages of two metal strips. The stone setting provides the image of floating stones in the jewelry item. Consequently, the setting often produces a maximum amount of light making it adorable. Additionally, the shape and structure are U shaped. The shape often protects the gemstone from exposure, wear and tear and hard rocks. The stone setting is suitable for diamonds with round or oval ages. Finally, the channel setting is for provision for the smooth finish. Figure 1.4 demonstrate the channel setting. Fig 1.4 (Rosewood,2017)
Invisible Setting
In this setting, the stones are set put in a manner that is able to hide the stones that might appear on the jewelry. This is done to hide the continued interrupted surfaces. Additionally, the stones are arranged in griddle to hold them in place. The setting makes it appropriate for multiple stone arrangement. However, it is brighter and clear than the pave setting. It is set with straight edges for positioning to avoid leaving spaces in between(Cogswell, 2017). Fig 1.5 shows the invisible stone Setting.
Bead Setting
This is a type of setting which follows the insertion of stones on holes made on metal surfaces which are drilled. It is always bright and takes the bead shaped alignment of stones(Geva,2016). Normally, it is often made with the stones placed in a row to give the long shape of the beads and edge shape. Nonetheless, if the setting is not followed completely its results in the pave shape setting. Fig 1.6 of the bead stone setting.
Bar Stone Setting
This is the type of stone setting which closely looks like the channel. The setting is only different from the channel by the use of thin metal bars which are exposed in between the gemstones. It possess total image as compared to channel setting. The bar setting differs with channel seeting on the basis of less brightness compared to the channel setting technique. Fig 1.7 shows the bar setting technique(Rosewood,2017) .
Tension Stone Setting
This is the recent and the most technical setting. This is because it is relatively new. The setting uses pressure to hold the stone in between. The metals are spread apart leaving the tiny space for the griddles. Additionally, the technique requires strong metals to provide strong metallic pressure which holds the stone in position. In summary of the setting, it is only appropriate for hard gemstones like diamond and sapphire(Rosewood,2017). See fig 1.8 below
Conclusion
The stone settings are depedant on the type of jiwelry to be made and the nature of the stone to be used. That is,the components of the stone dictates the expected setting to be used . Moreover, the settings used automaticllyprovide the kind of look and pattern an item will have or posses.In conclusion , the setting of stone is directly depandant on the pattern, the brightness, the nature of the stone and the technique used. Stone setting will only give the best pattern and art work with a proper techique applied to it. Man made know how gives the best art work with the right technique