# Invisible (mystery) setting

> In the invisible setting, cut stones are placed together with no metal between them, held by grooves in their base; patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/invisible-setting/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-17
- Updated: 2026-09-26
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/engaste-invisible/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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The invisible (or “mystery”) setting joins cut stones, usually princess cuts, with no visible metal between them. They form a continuous surface of color and sparkle.

![Steps of the technique: Cut the stones, Make the grid, Slide, Close the ends, Check, Polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/invisible-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## How it works

Each stone has a groove cut in its base (pavilion). The stones slide onto a hidden metal grid beneath, which holds them.

## History

It was patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 under the name “serti mystérieux”, and became famous in flower and leaf jewels of rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

## Difficulty

It requires stones cut to measure with great precision, so it is an expensive technique.

## Care

It is fragile: avoid knocks and ultrasonic cleaning.

## Step by step

1. **Cut the stones.** With a groove in the girdle.
2. **Make the grid.** Build a mesh with rails.
3. **Slide.** Insert the stones along the rails.
4. **Close the ends.** Fix and seal the row.
5. **Check.** Verify there is no play.
6. **Polish.** Finish the surface.

## Tools and materials

- Stones with a grooved girdle
- Metal grid
- Microscope or loupe
- Precision tools

## Common mistakes

- Stones of different sizes.
- Grooves too shallow.
- Excessive heat.
- Trying to repair it without a specialist.

## See also

- [Stone settings: types and how to choose](https://www.711grados.com/en/stone-settings-types/)
- [Pavé setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/pave-setting/)
- [Channel setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/channel-setting/)