The Anatomy of a Setting

A diamond is only as beautiful as the setting that holds it. The setter's task is to secure the stone while letting as much light as possible reach it.

The Claw Setting Fine metal prongs hold the stone at its girdle, leaving it open to the light from nearly every angle. It is the most classical, and the most revealing, of settings.

The Bezel Here a rim of metal encircles the stone. More protective and more modern, the bezel suits a piece meant to be worn every day.

The Hand of the Setter Each seat is cut by hand under magnification. A setting done well disappears; the eye sees only the stone, and the light it returns.