Gem Setting
There are many ways of securing a stone in a metal mounting. The prong setting
is the most commonly used.
Prong
This setting holds the gem in a manner that resembles a small ball held in your fingertips. Small metal teeth or prongs grip the outer edges of the gem and secure it.
Fishtail
In setting a row of stones, the prong between two adjacent stones is split so that half can go to hold each stone The curving of the metal to the side leaves a notch in the center, giving the appearance of a fishtail.
Channel
A row of stones, with their edges almost touching, are held between two ridges of metal. The ridges grip the outer edges of the stones.
Bezel
A metal rim is simply soldered into place to hold the gem.
Bead
The gem is secured by tiny beads of metal.
Pave
Small beads of metal are worked up from the mounting to hold the gem in place.