Although it’s a bit unfair to say there is one single ‘best’ setting for emerald cut diamonds, there are definitely ways that the setting can complement the shining abilities of the stone. With that said; we’re going to explore a few different settings for emerald cut diamonds among our antique and vintage diamond jewellery collections and see which ones bring us the most joy.
Let’s get started.
Collet Settings
A collet setting is the name for when the metal used to set the stones in place sits directly alongside the stone. Collet settings are good because they ensure the stones are securely in place – the last thing you’d want is to walk around all day only to get home and realise that one of your gemstones has fallen out.
The downside with a collet set ring is that with some gemstones – like diamonds – the setting can prevent some of the light from getting through the stones. Diamonds shine their best when there’s lots of light getting to them, refracting through their various facets. Since collet sets block some of that light, the diamonds can struggle to sparkle at their maximum potential. When the diamonds in question are emerald cuts, however, the collet setting isn’t much of a downside. The geometric, elongated facets of the emerald cut diamonds is very good for grabbing any bits of light that are around to create a dazzling effect.
Claw Settings
The claw setting is essentially what it sounds like. The setting metal is crafted into a certain number of claws, usually even numbers between 4 and 12, and the stone is held in place in the grip of the metal claws. This example has four claws to each diamond, with the claws between stones being formed from single, multi-pronged claws. Where the collet setting keeps some of the light out of the gemstones, the claws allow light to enter the stone from every angle. Keeping the stones held in claws makes for beautiful jewellery, but it can pose the risk that you could lose a stone. The claws of jewellery – particularly rings and bracelets – come into contact with a lot of influences that can catch and bend the claws.
This is why it’s important for you to get your jewellery checked annually.
At AC Silver, we provide our customers with a complimentary service of professionally cleaning and checking their vintage and antique jewellery. We check for any damaged or altered claws, guaranteeing that jewellery is maintained properly. This is an essential for any everyday pieces you might wear such as engagement rings.
Claws with a Difference
The ring on display here is another claw setting, but it’s something of a different breed to the previous example. This setting is referred to as a pierced decorated mount, describing the actual shape the setting metal takes around the diamonds. The individual diamonds are set with 4 claws, holding them secure and close together. The central stone of this trilogy ring is an emerald cut diamond. The pierced decorated mount / claw setting combo is ideal for this emerald cut because it allows the peak amount of light to enter the stone. The central diamond is set higher than the supporting stones, letting the light in from the top, sides, and the bottom.
A claw setting of this style is the perfect thing for emerald cut diamonds. It allows heaps of light into the stone, whilst the supporting stones sit in a way that holds the diamond more securely than a single stone would be on its own.
Whether it’s a collet setting, a claw setting, or something else entirely, an emerald cut diamond is beautiful in its own right. The most important thing is that you like the appearance of the piece, and you’re sure to get it checked at least once a year. Other than that, you truly can’t go too wrong with which setting you choose. Which do you thinks is the best setting for emerald cut diamonds?