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Kind of settings
Prong Setting
This is very common in a solitaire ring and its purpose is to emphasize the diamond. The advantage of this setting, is that the diamond is located high "on the top" of the ring and is exposed to maximum light, resulting in maximum appearance of brilliance, fire and scintillation.
The base of this setting is known as "Head" or "Basket". The prongs that hold the stone should be located in a way that they will hold the stone safely, without hiding its glow. The number of prongs that hold the stone changes from one ring to another. To avoid being caught on clothes or skin, the prong ends should be curved.
Bezel Setting
Flat setting. To embrace the diamond, a collar is found in this setting. This collar (hoop) is a slightly higher that the diamond itself. This is a very fashionable and elegant setting, and prongs are not placed on top of the diamond.
Cluster Setting
This way of setting is used to set a large number of stones. In this setting the diamonds are placed in different levels (heights). The setting is random and is dependent on personal taste and the type of diamonds.
Pave setting
This way of setting is also used to set a large number of stones (usually smaller stones than those in cluster setting). In this setting, the stones are placed in small holes, drilled in the metal. This is a very gentle setting and requires highly skilled jeweler, making the setting very high in value.
Channel setting
Usually used in an engagement ring. This setting allows a "clean" strip of diamonds (mostly rounds) with minimal spacing between diamonds. It is also suited to a diamond ring with prong setting. In this setting the diamonds are not exposed to impact.
Kind of metals
Gold
The chemical qualities of the gold grants its sparkle, allowing an ideal condition in making many kind of shapes in the metal, even flat it to a very thin shape. Gold does not get stained, dirty, rusted, or eaten.
Most gold jewelry is comprised of an alloy of mixed metals. The main goal is to improve the jewelry's endurance and to give is different colors from yellow to white.
The density (or concentration) of the gold is measured in Karats from 1K to 24K.
The higher the karat, the higher percentage of pure gold in the final alloy, and of course the higher the price is. For example: 14K gold means 14:10 relation between gold and other metal found in the alloy.
The human body does not absorb gold, therefore these alloys are not toxic and are even hypoallergenic.
Platinum
This is a white metal that is not easily scratched and has high endurance against corrosion. In most jewelry made of platinum, there 95% concentration of pure platinum. It gives the diamonds sparkle, mostly in white diamonds.
Platinum is a rare metal, therefore is more expensive than gold.
Titanium
Mostly known as an industrial metal. Pure titanium has gray glowing. It is low in density, high in endurance and tolerance against corrosion. It is light weighted and hypoallergenic, therefore very common in the jewelry industry and watches in specific.
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