Traditional wedding bands used to have a few diamond stones in the front, however adding a pop of color makes the ring worth making statements of its own. When picking an emerald wedding band to pair with your engagement ring, make sure to consider different wedding eternity band setting styles. Some of the most popular setting styles used in wedding bands include french-pave, prong set, channel set, and flush set.
The setting style is as important as the stone itself, if not more. Remember that the way emeralds are placed into your wedding band will influence the overall appearance of the stone.
From the sparkle and color of the gem to its security, the setting is important in every aspect. So, dive deeper to discover the top settings for your emerald wedding band.
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Prong Setting
Prong settings consist of three or more metal arms that extend upwards to grip and secure a gemstone. These metal rails, known as heads, are attached to wedding bands through soldering or welding. The head is crafted in a form that corresponds to the shape of the emerald it supports and must be precisely sized to prevent loose stones or misfit settings.
Prong settings offer significant design flexibility, enabling jewelers to create simple or intricate pieces as desired. They are commonly used for faceted gemstones, as the prongs not only secure the stones but also allow optimal light penetration.
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Bezel
A bezel setting is a metal edge that surrounds and holds a gemstone. While it offers greater protection and security compared to prong or channel settings, it limits the amount of light reaching the stone. Bezel settings are often employed for smooth and unfaceted emeralds. They can also be used with smaller or flawed gems to conceal imperfections. Notably, most bezel settings are crafted by hand to fit the gemstone being set precisely.
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Pave
‘Pavé’ refers to the intricate technique of setting gemstones tightly together, resembling cobblestones. Creating a pavé setting is highly demanding and reserved for master jewelers.
The process involves drilling minute holes into the metal. The stones are then placed within these holes. Tiny prongs are then raised using a V-shaped chisel and pressed around the gems’ circumference.
In this setting, emeralds are arranged in various patterns, including honeycomb, and are held by claws rather than parallel walls. This creates a sparkling, textured surface. Pavé setting is adaptable and often combined with other settings to enhance the overall design of an emerald wedding band.
When executed expertly, this setting produces a captivating display. Light effortlessly bounces off the aligned facets of the gems, creating a mesmerizing effect.
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Channel
In the channel setting method, emeralds are held in place between two parallel metal bars. With no additional parts separating them, the gemstones create a continuous row of brilliance. In wedding bands, the channel setting can extend around the ring’s circumference or only halfway around.
Channel setting is ideal for smaller emeralds and provides excellent protection from wear and tear since the edges aren’t exposed. Baguette, square, round, and oval-shaped gems fit best in this setting. Other shapes may not be as securely held in place.
However, this setting is prone to losing stones due to their lower security compared to other types. Bending the ring for something like lifting heavy objects can dislodge the gems. When opting for a channel setting, select one with a sturdy metal band and ample protection around the gemstones for enhanced security.
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Bar
The bar setting is a variation of the channel setting. Instead of parallel walls, it uses tiny vertical bars to hold gemstones in place. This creates a more dazzling, gem-studded appearance.
The bar setting ensures that more light can reach the sides of the gems. It is particularly common in emerald wedding bands for men.
Conclusion
Remember that the setting of your gemstone will highlight its specific characteristics. So, make a well-informed decision while investing in an emerald wedding band.
