A look at popular Types of Gem Settings

The most tempting feature about wearing a gem is that it can be cut and set into many distinct and beautiful shapes and settings. Popular gem retailers offer enticing options when it comes to stone settings. Be it an engagement ring or a ring for an anniversary, there is a stone setting style for each occasion. You can consider the following combination of settings for your diamond or emerald-encrusted ring and jewellery assortment.

o    Pave Set
o    Four prong
o    Six prong
o    Multiple prong
o    Full Bezel
o    Half Bexel/ Semi bezel
o    Flush
o    Millegrain pave set
o    Channel Set

Four, Six and Multiple prongs:

Four prongs is a very popular form of gem setting that is done on lighter stones. It is employed for gems to allow maximum light refraction. Prongs on the gemstones resemble claws that are bent around the centre stone at equal distances. Four prong gem setting accommodates gems of all shapes and sizes. The popular shapes that are set with four prong style are:

–    Princess cut
–    Medicine wheel cut for sapphire
–    Round brilliant cut
–    Carved leaf rings

Six prong is a more protective gem setting style similar to four prongs, but with six claws. Multiple prongs on the other hand is used for smaller gems that require more support especially when encrusted on lighter metal bands or rings. It has multiple claws, usually in the series of 2s, 3s and 4s.

Full Bezel and half bezel:

It is a royal gem setting style that is done on centre stones that are deeply encrusted into a combination metal or any other material. It protects the gemstone that are embedded into and encircled by metal. Emerald gemstone, amethyst, garnet and turquoise are set in full bezel and accommodate shapes in square, oval and flat faces.

Semi-bezel is exclusively made for diamond rings weighing more than 4 carats. It allows maximum light penetration at all angles as compared to the same stone set in full bezel. Conventionally, bigger the gemstone, greater are the chances that it would be set in semi bezel.

Flush sets:

Flush set is used for gemstones of darker hue like garnets, amethyst, lapis lazuli and onyx. Moonstones, rubies, cat stones and diamond are other rocks that are conveniently accommodated in flush sets. It is styled on bands and pendants slightly lower than the surface of the base material to protect them from damages and scratches. They resemble an encrusted wall.

Pave sets: Conventional and Mille grained

Gemstones paved on a metal base are placed very close to each other and separated by thin frames. The little beads of metals keep the smaller gemstones from detaching under force or fall. It also allows adjustment of gemstones when the metal expands due to heat. It is preferred for diamonds and rubies cut in bead or cushion sets.

Pave sets with mille grains are done for beaded gemstones to harmonize with traditional paves. It is usually employed for diamond rings set in royal antiquated designs.

A look at Top 7 Anniversary Gemstones

Celebrate the special moments in life with elegant items. What better than the exquisite rock pieces for every anniversary of togetherness! There are thousands of different varieties of gemstones, but only a handful of them are actually called Anniversary Gemstones. Gemstones are not only precious items of collection, they also have special meaning when gifted to your loved ones. Be it the first anniversary or the Golden Jubilee, gifting an Anniversary gemstone is truly a step towards eternal companionship.

Here are 7 anniversary gemstones that are not just auspicious, but also unique, brilliant and of course, special in their own way.

1.  Garnet:

Garnet is available in multiple colours. It is the 2nd anniversary gemstone. The most preferred stone for gifting on the anniversary is Red Garnet. Other options are yellow, green and pink garnets. This hard stone can be used in amulets, rings, lockets and in beaded necklace form. Red garnet blends well with white metals like silver, white Gold and platinum.

2.  Pearl:

Both natural and cultured pearls display clarity of thoughts and transparency in relationship. Gifting natural pearl on an anniversary event is known to transform the relationship into an everlasting companionship. Just like the mollusc converts the sand gravels and pebbles into a beautiful pearl, the gemstone is used as an anniversary to convert challenges into improvement.

3.  Sapphire:

Blue sapphire gemstone is the choicest anniversary gemstone for the fifth year celebration. Other shades are equally auspicious like pink, white and violet shades. Untreated sapphire is not preferred as it has fractures and blemishes in its structure. For anniversary purpose, sapphire stone manufactured using heat treatment and diffusion is fitted into rings and beaded necklaces.

4.  Diamond:

Yes, the woman’s best friend is also a prominent anniversary gemstone. Diamond rings weighing 3 carats and more is a part of anniversary collection for celebrating 10 years of togetherness. Engagement and wedding rings with diamond studs are obvious winners. 60th anniversary is referred to as the “Diamond Jubilee.”

5.  Ruby:

If you are looking for a symbolic gemstone that represents love, compassion and genuineness, ruby is the apt anniversary stone. It is gifted on 15th anniversary. With a decade and a half of togetherness between you, your partner definitely deserves to own a heavy red ruby stone as a token of achievement.

6.  Onyx:

Do you wish to gift something to your man? Well, onyx is a popular gemstone used in men’s jewellery. Big onyx stones accentuated by diamond cuts and encrusted on metallic rings make up for a formidable anniversary gift. It is the 8th anniversary gemstone and a stylish trend.

7.  Emerald:

A variety of the beryl, emerald is an enticing gift for centennial celebrations. If your partner is ruled by planet Mercury and born under the zodiac of Taurus or Cancer, this is the most suitable gift for a major event in life. It soothes the nerves before a mega event and of course looks beautiful and engaging.

Other gemstone options for anniversary are amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Chrysobery gemstone, jade, Citrine, Aquamarine gemstone and Peridot.