What Is channel setting?

Very simply, channel setting is where diamonds or other gemstones are carefully placed next to each other in a channel or “groove” then the metal is forced over the stones in order to hold them in place.

One of the advantages of this type of setting, such as in the picture of the princess diamond channel band to the right, is that there are no prongs. No prongs to catch on things or wear away. All of the stones are “recessed” into the actual ring affording them better protection from everyday wear and tear. Channel setting will typically involve multiple stones but the technique can also be utilized to secure single stones in a pendant for example.

Another type of channel setting is what is called bar channel setting. The picture to the left illustrates a bar set channel band. Instead of a single groove or channel, the stones are placed in individual channels creating small “bars” between the stones which are forced over the stones in order to secure them.

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