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The John Atencio Jewelry Glossary The John Atencio Jewelry Glossary
Glossary › Channel Setting

Glossary: Channel Setting

Celebrated for its secure gem placement and contemporary aesthetic, the channel setting is a cornerstone of modern jewelry design. Here's everything you should know about this popular stone setting technique and some tips for choosing a piece that fits your taste and style.

What is Channel Setting?

Channel set refers to a stone-placement technique used in jewelry design, where one or more gemstones are nestled into a 'channel' or groove crafted within the piece. This setting method involves securing the stones by flanking them with two continuous strips of metal, resulting in an elegant and secure design without the need for individual prongs. 

What is a Channel Set Diamond Ring?

Given its versatility and safety, the channel setting is a popular choice for a variety of jewelry pieces, including bracelets, diamond wedding bands, and diamond engagement rings. A channel-set ring's seamless elegance and robust security make it a popular design for engagement and wedding rings, where durability meets a sophisticated aesthetic. In addition to securing the gem, this setting style provides an alluring unbroken line of stones or a unique showcase for a single gem. 

History of Channel Setting

A time-honored technique in jewelry craftsmanship, channel settings carry a rich historical significance. While the technique of setting stones within metal has ancient roots. The origins of the channel setting technique can be traced back to the late 19th century. During the late Victorian era, jewelry design underwent a significant transformation.

The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in manufacturing techniques, enabling jewelers to experiment with new styles and ring settings. As jewelry became more accessible to a wider audience, demand grew for designs that were both visually appealing and practical. That said, the channel settings of today are most strongly associated with the Art Deco period, where they began appearing more and more in fashion jewelry. Channel settings were particularly favored for accent stones, such as baguette or square-cut diamonds, which were frequently used in Art Deco jewelry. 

Characterized by geometric angles and clean lines, the channel setting offers a perfect blend of antiquity and modernism, which continues to resonate today. The timeless and practical aesthetic makes the channel setting a popular choice for modern fashionistas, who covet elegant pieces that are more secure than a prong or bezel settings. 

Differences and Similarities to Other Settings

Channel setting shares similarities with both prong and bezel settings while maintaining distinct characteristics that set it apart. Like a prong setting, a channel setting involves securely housing gemstones within the design. But unlike a prong setting, it does not use individual prongs or claws to separate the stones. This helps create a continuous, smooth look that is often preferred in engagement rings and wedding bands. 

Channel settings also bear a resemblance to bezel settings, where the gemstones are completely encased in metal. That said, the key difference lies in the fact that the channel setting does not entirely enclose the stones in metal, allowing them to sparkle more freely. 

John Atencio uses the channel setting in many of his fine jewelry designs and engagement rings. The unique features of the channel setting can be seen in many of John's stunning jewelry designs across collections such as Devotion, Lines, Orion, and Oyster. 

How a Channel Setting Works

While seemingly simple, a channel setting demands precision and expertise in jewelry craftsmanship. The process begins with the creation of a meticulously carved groove or 'channel' in the metal, tailored to the size and shape of the stones to be set. 

The chosen stones—which could range from diamonds and gemstones to synthetic stones—are then precisely positioned within this channel. The stones are securely held in place by the flanking walls of the channel, which can be made from a range of metals, including (but not limited to) gold, silver, platinum or tungsten. This process culminates in a clean, continuous line of stones, delivering an elegant and secure jewelry setting that is quintessential to channel set pieces.

Benefits of a Channel Setting

The channel setting comes with a multitude of benefits, chief among them being its remarkable security and durability. The design significantly reduces the chance of stones coming loose, a feature that makes it an ideal choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other pieces that are worn on an everyday basis.

The encasing metal walls not only hold the diamonds or alternative stones in place; they also shield them from potential scratches and damage. This makes the channel setting a great fit for people who lead active lifestyles or engage in hands-on work. Beyond its practical advantages, the channel setting is revered for its elegance and sophistication, offering a seamless and refined look often desired in precious jewelry pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands. 

Choosing the Right Channel Set Piece

When selecting the right channel set piece, it's important to consider several key factors. Begin by deciding the type of metal that resonates with your taste and lifestyle. Popular options include gold, silver and platinum, which all bring their own unique aesthetics and durability.

Similarly, the choice of stones—whether diamonds, gemstones or lab-grown alternatives—should align with your personal preference and budget. When shopping, look for well-secured stones with consistent alignment and even spacing in the channel, and avoid pieces where the stones seem loose or poorly set. 

Lastly, gain an understanding of quality standards and pricing for channel set pieces to help you make a confident, informed decision. It helps to seek advice from the jewelry consultants at John Atencio, who can help you make an informed choice based on your taste and lifestyle. 

The Care and Maintenance of Channel Set Jewelry

Prized for its durability and elegance, channel set jewelry, including channel set engagement rings, is fairly simple to maintain. You can keep your pieces looking great with regular home cleanings using warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. That said, it's also important to get an annual check-up with a professional jeweler for a thorough cleaning and inspection to look for loose stones.

John Atencio provides a gentle jewelry cleaner specifically formulated for delicate jewelry. He also offers in-store inspections and complimentary cleaning over the lifetime of your John Atencio jewelry. This not only ensures that the piece looks amazing; it also includes thorough examinations to make sure the gemstones are secure in their settings. 

A living legend in the jewelry industry, John Atencio offers striking channel set jewelry for every look and style. Browse online or visit a nearby John Atencio location, where our attentive experts can help you find a uniquely beautiful piece that suits your one-of-a-kind style.