Stone Setting Part 2 | Which Setting Should I Choose | Gillian’s Jewellery

How to choose the right stone setting for your jewellery

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right stone setting for your jewellery. 

Stone Type

Some gemstones are more fragile than others, and you will need to choose a setting that will protect them from damage. For example, diamonds are very hard and can be set in a variety of settings, but opals are more fragile and should be set in a setting that will protect them from shock.

Stone Shape

As we mentioned on the Diamond: How To Choose One post, there are a lot of different shapes of diamond, it works very similarly with any other gemstones.  It all depends on personal preference.  Some gemstones are more suited to certain settings than others. For example, round diamonds are often set in claw settings, while cabochon-shaped stones are often set in bezel settings.

Stone Size

Stone size is also another consideration, not just the actual size, but the way we set the stone would affect how big they look as well.  This will be discussed in another post.  Larger stones will usually need a setting that is strong enough to support their weight. For example, a large diamond ring will need a setting that is made from a strong metal, such as gold or platinum.

Look and Feel

Needless to say, personal preference on the look and feel of the whole piece, especially custom handmade jewellery, is a huge factor for consideration. Some settings can look more formal than others.  So how you want your handmade jewellery look sometimes depends on the purpose of that piece. For example, a prong setting is a classic and elegant setting, while a pave setting is a more modern and trendy setting.

Budget

Fifth, you need to consider your budget. Stone setting can be expensive, so you need to make sure you are comfortable with the cost before you make a decision.

Bonus Tips: Caring for your stone-set jewellery

Stone-set jewellery can be a beautiful and valuable addition to your wardrobe, but it is important to care for it properly in order to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips for caring for your stone-set jewellery:

• Avoid wearing your jewellery when you are doing activities that could damage it, such as swimming, exercising, or doing housework.
• Store your jewellery in a jewellery box or case when you are not wearing it.
• Have your jewellery cleaned and polished by a professional jeweller on a regular basis.
• Avoid getting your jewellery wet.
• Do not use harsh chemicals on your jewellery.
• Be careful not to drop or hit your jewellery.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your stone-set jewellery looking its best for many years to come

Next… Part 3 – Claw Setting & Rubover Setting – What you need to consider

Click Here: What you need to consider when choosing the right Claw Setting (aka Prong Setting) and Rubover Setting (aka Bezel Setting)