... looking for a non-Kretchmer Omega, like this!

'I ask not for a larger garden, but for finer seeds.'
- Russell Herman Conwell

Manks

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On 12/19/2003 7:38:28 AM Manks wrote:

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Stunning.

Forgive my ignorance, but how does the stone stay in place? Obviously, there is pressure either side, but it looks like it could twist, knock out or chip at the edges and drop out.

I am sure that none of these problems occurr but I would like to know why.

Manks
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Hey Manks,

The tension mountings can actually cover more of the girdle than other types of settings, thus resulting in a little better protection than some prong settings.The precious metals are especially hardened by what is referred to as 'work-hardening'.  This work hardening is accomplished by pressure or by thermal treatment.  This special treatment to the precious metal results in the precious metal having a certain springiness which will grip the diamond without the necessity of a bezel or claws. The diamond is basically (PRESSURE SET) pressed by the girdle on each side by the ends of the ring. Some companies use different amounts of pressure. Recently when reviewing a certain company I read they used 60 pounds of pressure on each side. Each metal end has a small groove called the 'seat' into which a small section of the girdle fits.  These settings are very secure but because a good portion of the girdle is exposed, the diamond  might be prone to chipping so insurance with this type of setting is a good idea...

Josh Rioux
Haines, Alaska
*The Colored Gemstone Nut*

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On 12/5/2003 7:43:22 PM Sandee wrote:

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I love tension settings ... currently looking for Kretchmer alternatives to the style pictured here. Ideas??Suggestions??
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Actually I have not seen anything like this by another maker of gold tension settings. As far as I know Absolute Titanium customizes some of its tension settings with little white and colored diamonds placed as the buyer desires: well, their models are not like this and I doubt about having anything made in gold there. i would not have something as specialized as a tension setting 'experimented' upon by a random jeweler...

This 'sprinkled' style is becoming popular though. One designer made this his trademark a while ago: Etienne Perret. Their business is well acustomed to working remotely and ery accomodating of customers' ideas, but I have no idea wether they make tension settings.

Best of luck!

Ana "The greatest experts are only as good as the sum total of what they have seen." [Souren Melikian]