WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN CHANNEL-SET JEWELRY
In a channel-set piece of jewelry, gemstones are set in rows between rails of gold.
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A common misconception for channel-set jewelry is that a strong and secure setting has rails which extend over the edges of the gemstones. Once again, excessive metal covering gemstones rob them of their beauty without contributing security to the setting.
The height of the rails and the depth of the cut into the rails for seating the gemstones determine the quality and strength of a channel setting. As with prong-setting, if a gemstone seat is too deeply cut, the strength and security of the setting is compromised.
Level gems and even spacing are other things to look for in high-quality channel-setting.
