Channel setting
Channel setting is a technique in which a row of gemstones sits closely in a narrow groove between two parallel metal walls. The stones lie side by side with little or no visible spacing. They are not held by individual prongs.
Features and use
GIA describes channel setting as common in rings, especially for accent stones and rows of small gems. The metal walls protect the edges and produce a smooth surface that is often less likely to catch on fabric than projecting prongs.
Not the same as pavé
In pavé, small stones are usually held by tiny beads or prongs of metal. In a channel, the row is supported by the opposing walls. Check for missing stones, damage to the channel walls, loose stones and earlier repairs. Resizing can be difficult when the channel extends far around a ring. The technique alone is not proof of age.
