SETTINGS AND MOUNTINGS

Stones maybe set or mounted in metal in various styles. The two basic styles are open, or a jour, and closed. In an open setting, the stone is set in prongs or claws. The prongs the stone in as few places as possible, and the entire is visible in all directions.

A belcher setting is an open ; that is relatively flat, while a Tiffany setting is high, permitting maximum amount of light to reflect and refract in the a closed setting, there are no prongs. The stone is set in a cavity the metal. The cavity is the same size and shape as the and the rim is fashioned in such a way that it holds the stone n the setting.

The inside of the cavity may be totally enclosede may be a hole, permitting some light to pass through their the stone (or coin) is set flush with the setting, the mounting is called a gypsy mounting. Gypsy mountings are popular for men's. Another type of mounting is called pave or en pave. Small stones are set in prongs over a closed backing, giving a paved or studded effect.

TYPES OF JEWELRY

Other terms you may see or hear in buying jewelry and in looking at advertising are used generally to describe the jewelry. These terms are used with all kinds of jewelry, from jewelry of precious metals to costume jewelry and from jewelry of metal alone to jewelry of metal and gems or of beads.