Having a regular settings check for your precious items of jewellery is periodically essential, to ensure that stones are secure within their settings.
Of course, a diamond will last forever but, items of jewellery such as engagement rings that are normally worn continuously, are everyday encountering situations where they are being knocked or brushed against.
Wearing an item on a regular basis makes it more susceptible to wear and tear, affecting the settings or mounts that hold stones in place; this gradual attrition can weaken the settings leading to the stone becoming loose with the danger of it being lost. A settings check can help guard against this. Of course, jewellery insurance like ours at Assetsure can guard against the loss of a stone but it can never replace the sentimental value attached to an item.
Jewellery Insurers are aware of this weakening over a period of time and thus for jewellery over a certain value, they often, as a condition of a policy wording, insist that you have a settings check carried out by a qualified jeweller on a regular basis, the time scale, is usually every couple of years.
Types of Jewellery Setting
A jewellery setting or mounting is used in the construction of an item and is used to hold a stone or stones securely in place. Settings are used in many different types of jewellery such as rings, pendants, and earrings.
Settings usually have a metal base and as well as being used to hold stones in place, they have a second use and that is to enhance the ring and the beauty of the stones being used. If you have purchased an expensive diamond, you will want to make sure that any setting used in a ring will enhance the appearance of the stones. There are many different types of jewellery settings, including:
- Bezel – A traditional jewellery setting technique which is used to set cabochon stones. Either a bezel wire or bezel cups can be utilised for the bezel setting technique in jewellery.
- Claw – A very recognisable stone setting type which is also referred to as the prong setting. This technique is where a diamond or coloured gemstone is set in between two or more claws. The technique allows as much light as possible to reach the stone in the item of jewellery.
- Channel – This is usually a wedding ring design and is ideal for adding a little extra design to your item of jewellery.
- Flush – A jewellery setting whereby the seat in the jewellery is the exact same size as the stone. When the item is created, there isn’t much room for error. This technique is fairly similar to the channel setting however it only focuses on using one stone.
- Grave Setting – Uses small stones that are held in place by very small prongs. It can help give the appearance of a large, encrusted diamond however it’s been placed together using loads of smaller stones.
And there are many more jewellery settings these are just a few.
There are many articles online which will inform you the difference between the different settings and will help you choose the one that best suits your needs. A jeweller who is making a bespoke ring for you, will of course, be able to give you guidance. They will also be able to advise you the merits of having a ring reconstructed using a different setting.
Having a settings check carried out
A setting check is relatively inexpensive, and most jewellers will be able to provide this service for you.
The jeweller can, if required, clean the item for you first and then check the settings after the cleaning. In some cases, it is also possible to have settings checked remotely using image enhancing software and this type of settings check service may suit you if it is not convenient to visit a jeweller.
However, if you are having a settings check carried out to satisfy the terms and conditions of an insurance policy, you will need to check with the insurers if a certain type of service is acceptable to them.
Reporting your Jewellery settings check
If your insurance policy contains a settings warranty, you may need to provide evidence that a check was carried out prior to a claim being settled. When the check has been completed, simply ask the jeweller to supply you with written dated evidence on their headed paper. This can then be forward to your insurer as evidence. Remember to make a diary note of when you will next need the settings checked again.
Assetsure provide Insurance for items of jewellery, you can insure a single item of jewellery or collections. We can also introduce you to firms that will be pleased to carry out a settings check for you.
