How To Set A Diamond

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, the most valuable of which are worth tens of millions of dollars. Their intrinsic value comes from their rarity, beauty, and durability. It's for these reasons that, once found, diamonds are often used in jewelry. These diamonds must then be placed, or 'set,' into rings or other objects. Setting diamonds can be complicated, and there are many different ways to do so that have an impact on the outcome of the piece.

Ways To Set Diamonds

Diamonds can be set in many ways, but only a few are commonly used. These common types of diamond settings are:

Prong.
Tension.
Channel.
Bezel.
Pave.

Prong set diamonds are extremely common due to their use in engagement rings. They are set by using a metal 'claw' with grooves that are pushed around the diamond to hold it in place. Channel diamonds are placed so that they are flush with the exterior metal, a common choice for wedding bands. Bezel and pave set diamonds are similar to those that are prong set, though they are more securely placed.

Tension set diamonds present the greatest differences. They are set in an opening between metal and held in place by sheer force.

How Are Diamonds Set?

Diamonds are set by being forced into carefully crafted grooves or holes. Often, once fit into these grooves, the surrounding metal will then be pushed tightly around the gem. This is the case with prong and channel set diamonds, for example. In other circumstances, like with bezel set diamonds, alloys can also be used to get the perfect fit.

Because of their uses and scarcity, perfecting the use of diamonds is a practice that can lead to extreme profits. Indeed, knowing about diamond setting techniques is only one part of a much larger industry. To learn more about diamonds and see expertly crafted, beautiful pieces of jewelry, contact us for more information!