Settings, Mountings, & Galleries
Curious about the parts that make up fine jewelry? Learn the key differences between settings, mountings, and galleries—and how they work together to support and showcase gemstones beautifully.
What Really Holds Your Gemstone Together
The Hidden Art Behind the Sparkle
When admiring a beautiful piece of jewelry, especially one with a sparkling gemstone, most people focus on the stone itself. But behind that sparkle is careful craftsmanship involving several essential components that hold and display the gem. Understanding the difference between settings, mountings, and galleries can help you better appreciate the artistry involved in jewelry making, whether you’re buying, repairing, or customizing a piece. While these terms are often used interchangeably, each plays a distinct role in both the function and appearance of jewelry.
What is a Jewelry Setting?
A setting is the part of the jewelry that physically holds the gemstone in place. It’s the technique or structure designed to secure the stone while showcasing its beauty. There are several popular types of settings: prong settings, which use small metal claws to grip the stone; bezel settings, where a metal rim encircles the gem; channel settings, which nestle stones between two strips of metal; and pavé settings, where tiny stones are set closely together with small prongs or beads.
The purpose of a setting goes beyond security—it influences how much light enters the stone, how much of the stone is visible, and the overall style of the piece. A well-chosen setting enhances sparkle, matches the design aesthetic, and provides durability for everyday wear or special occasions.
What is a Mounting in Jewelry?
A mounting refers to the entire metal framework of a piece of jewelry before any stones are added. It includes the setting but also encompasses the shank (band) of a ring, the body of a pendant, or the base of an earring. Essentially, it’s the jewelry’s skeleton. For example, if you’re selecting a diamond separately from a ring, the ring without the stone is considered the mounting.
Mountings serve a structural purpose, acting as the foundation into which gems are placed and secured. They can also give you a good idea of the jewelry’s final look and feel—before the sparkle is added. Many jewelers offer mountings as customizable options, allowing buyers to pair their preferred metal type and design with the gemstone of their choice.
What is a Gallery in Jewelry?
The gallery is the decorative and often functional area beneath the setting, usually viewed from the side. This part of the design can include elegant details like filigree, cutouts, or engraving. Though it’s not always immediately visible, the gallery plays an important role in the piece’s overall aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Functionally, the gallery helps elevate the setting, allowing more light to reach the gemstone from below and enhancing its brilliance. It can also reduce the weight of a large piece or increase comfort by improving how it sits against the skin. While it may be a subtle detail, a thoughtfully designed gallery can add artistic flair and uniqueness to any piece of fine jewelry.
Understanding the difference between settings, mountings, and galleries reveals the intricate design process that goes into crafting a beautiful piece of jewelry. The setting secures and displays the stone, the mounting forms the foundation of the piece, and the gallery adds elegance and function beneath the surface. Whether you’re shopping for a new piece, having one repaired, or just curious about the craftsmanship behind the sparkle, knowing these terms can give you a deeper appreciation for the jewelry you love.
While You’re Still Here…
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Resources:
- Parts of a Ring: The Anatomy of an Engagement Ring: https://www.borsheims.com/
- Jewelry Settings or Jewelry Mountings Explained: https://www.barlowsgems.net/
- Blog outline and revising assisted by AI resources such as Google Gemini.