# Stone settings: types and how to choose

> A setting holds the stone in the jewel: prong, bezel, channel, pavé, tension, invisible and flush; how each works and which to choose for the stone and use.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/stone-settings-types/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-08
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/engaste-de-piedras-tipos/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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A setting is the way a stone is held in a piece of jewelry. It determines how much light the stone gets, how secure it is and the look of the piece.

![Six types of stone setting in side view](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/setting-types.en.svg "Setting types: how each holds the stone")

## The main settings

- **[Prong](https://www.711grados.com/en/prong-setting/):** small metal claws hold the stone; lets light through.
- **[Bezel](https://www.711grados.com/en/bezel-setting/):** a metal rim surrounds the stone; the most secure.
- **[Channel](https://www.711grados.com/en/channel-setting/):** stones line up between two walls of metal.
- **[Pavé](https://www.711grados.com/en/pave-setting/):** many small stones, set very close.
- **[Tension](https://www.711grados.com/en/tension-setting/):** the stone is held by the pressure of the band itself.
- **[Invisible](https://www.711grados.com/en/invisible-setting/):** stones join with no visible metal between them.
- **[Flush](https://www.711grados.com/en/flush-setting/):** the stone sits level with the surface.

## Cluster settings

They combine settings and stones: the [halo](https://www.711grados.com/en/halo-cluster-and-three-stone-settings/) surrounds the center stone with a ring of small stones; the **cluster** groups stones to give the impression of one larger stone; the **three-stone** represents past, present and future.

## How to choose

For daily wear, a bezel or flush setting protects best; to show off the stone, prongs; for a band of brilliants, channel or pavé. The hardness of the stone also counts: a soft stone needs protection.

## How it is done

The seat is opened with burs and the stone put in; then the prongs, bezel or walls are closed with pushers, punches and burnishers. It is work of great precision.

## How to choose between settings

- **Maximum light:** prongs.
- **Maximum protection:** bezel or flush.
- **Many small stones:** pavé or channel.
- **Minimalist look:** tension or invisible.

## Checking a setting

With the loupe ([loupe](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-loupe-and-microscope/)), check that the prongs touch the stone, that there is no play or worn metal, and gently move the jewel near your ear: if you hear a rattle, the stone is moving.

## See also

- [Prong setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/prong-setting/)
- [Bezel setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/bezel-setting/)
- [Channel setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/channel-setting/)
- [Pavé setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/pave-setting/)
- [Tension setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/tension-setting/)
- [Invisible (mystery) setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/invisible-setting/)
- [Flush (gypsy) setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/flush-setting/)
- [Halo, cluster and three-stone settings](https://www.711grados.com/en/halo-cluster-and-three-stone-settings/)