How secure is a hammer-set stone?

[ButterBean]

I am considering putting 3 stones into a gold band. They would have NO prongs or beads holding them in, though! One vendor called it gypsy, another vendor called it hammer setting. Are these other methods secure? And how exactly would the diamond stay in? Is it glued somehow?

That doesn''t sound good, does it? Any insight would be helpful... thanks in advance.
BB

 

[angeline]

Hey ButterBean! I don''t know anything about hammerset stones, just wanted to give you a heads up about your other thread in SMTR on the band. I found one that looks like it might be it.

 

[ButterBean]

You did? That''s great - where did you see it?

 

[angeline]

On the Calvin''s Jewelry website, it''s a Varna band. I posted a pic on your other thread, take a look.

 

[purrfectpear]

Date: 8/21/2008 9:39:12 AM
Author:ButterBean
I am considering putting 3 stones into a gold band. They would have NO prongs or beads holding them in, though! One vendor called it gypsy, another vendor called it hammer setting. Are these other methods secure? And how exactly would the diamond stay in? Is it glued somehow?

That doesn''t sound good, does it? Any insight would be helpful... thanks in advance.
BB

No, hammer set diamonds aren''t glued

A small hole is drilled into the ring and a cone shape seat is countersunk. The diamond is set in the seat and then they burnish it into place with a burnishing tool. This brings a tiny bit of the gold or platinum over the girdle of the diamond. Just enough to hold it in.

 

[ButterBean]

Hey, Purrfectpear,
Thanks for your explanation. It does make sense now, and I''m REALLY glad to hear it wasn''t glue!!

So, it''s similar to a bezel, then? That would be quite secure I would think. Thanks very much.
BB

 

[elrohwen]

I have two gypsy set stones on the inside of my band and I think they''re very secure. The stones are flush so there''s nothing that can catch on them and it is like having a little bezel around the edge holding them in.

 

[ButterBean]

I like that idean, Elrohwen. My FF says, only half joking I suspect, "why would you even want a big diamond - it will make your hand feel heavy and snag your clothes." Silly man.

Though he does have a point about snagging. - BB

 

[strmrdr]

yes its like a bezel.
Done properly they are very secure.
If not enough metal is pushed over them then it isn''t very secure.
Like anything else it comes down to workmanship.

 

[AprilBaby]

I think hammerset is just beautiful!