Channel Setting
Stones held in a groove between two walls of metal, with no prongs between them.
The stones sit shoulder to shoulder in a channel, gripped along their girdles by the two raised walls.
It is the most snag-free way to set a row, which is why it is used on wedding bands and anything worn constantly.
Baguettes and princess cuts suit it best, because straight edges sit flush against each other.
When you are buying
Channel setting protects stones well but is hard to resize, since cutting the shank distorts the channel. Get the size right first time.
Pave Setting
Many tiny stones set close together with minimal metal showing, so the surface reads as continuous sparkle.
Bezel Setting
A metal rim wrapped around the edge of a stone or pearl to hold it. The most protective setting there is.
Baguette Cut
A small rectangular step cut, used almost entirely as a side stone flanking a larger centre.
Shank
The band of a ring, everything except the setting and stones. Where resizing happens.
Prong Setting
Small metal claws gripping a stone at its edges. Maximum light, minimum protection.