After a brief hiatus, we are back to our weekly segment analyzing the different types of gem settings for rings. Since we took a look at the prong setting, a weird and wacky news item demonstrated one of its disadvantages. A pro golfer hit a ball off-course and struck someone right on the ring, knocking a stone out of its prong setting. To be fair, that amount of force may well have knocked any stone out of place, no matter how it is held in. But everyday activities can also dislodge a diamond, so let’s see what other settings do a better job of keeping the stones secure.
The channel is an interesting choice: it situates a whole row of polished diamonds, generally of the same size, in a row, locking them in place with girders on each side. The row of stones can continue right around the entire circumference of the ring, and since the continuous row of stones visually symbolizes eternity, it can be an obvious choice for a wedding ring, when the wearer wants to proclaim their long-term commitment to a partner.
Covering the girdles of the whole row of stones may be enough to keep the diamonds in place, but sporty-types may want to go the extra mile and have individual stone seats fashioned for every gem, keeping them extra snug and secure. This takes extra work and costs extra, as well.
