what do settings do to color?

[Brightshiny]

I'm new to this exciting hobby. I have my jewelry enthusiast kit and I'm beginning to amass a small collection of gems, project ideas, etc.

It's hard to imagine what gems will look like when they are set. Is there a guide to how dark a stone will get in a bezel setting? or how much sparkle will still be there after it's set in prongs? How does color get washed out or enhanced through settings? And what difference does the setting color make to the overall look of the gems?

Help me avoid mistakes? thanks very much!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I've seen gems sort of run the gamut between how they look unset and set. I think it depends a lot on cut quality. In general, the better the cut, the less the color can be influenced by external factors (aside from light). But then tone plays a big part as well. You also want to consider the type of mounting... prong, bezel, etc. Sometimes bezels can seem to darken a stone a bit because there is less light entering through the sides. But again, if well-cut, light should enter and refract through the crown. Metal shade can likewise influence a gem's perceived color. When I set my lavender spinel in rose gold, it warmed up. I've no doubt if I set it in a white metal, it would appear cooler.

Does this help at all?

 

[Brightshiny]

I've seen gems sort of run the gamut between how they look unset and set. I think it depends a lot on cut quality. In general, the better the cut, the less the color can be influenced by external factors (aside from light). But then tone plays a big part as well. You also want to consider the type of mounting... prong, bezel, etc. Sometimes bezels can seem to darken a stone a bit because there is less light entering through the sides. But again, if well-cut, light should enter and refract through the crown. Metal shade can likewise influence a gem's perceived color. When I set my lavender spinel in rose gold, it warmed up. I've no doubt if I set it in a white metal, it would appear cooler.

Does this help at all?

thank you. this is exactly what I was looking for. Clearly, I need to learn more about cut and focus on that. Mostly I've been going with "does it look pretty?" as my guideline.

I think I understand now why the precision cuts are so popular here. They look slightly weird to me in photos, but if I want a bright bezel-set stone, then they're probably a good choice.

 

[Autumn in New England]

thank you. this is exactly what I was looking for. Clearly, I need to learn more about cut and focus on that. Mostly I've been going with "does it look pretty?" as my guideline.

I think I understand now why the precision cuts are so popular here. They look slightly weird to me in photos, but if I want a bright bezel-set stone, then they're probably a good choice.

Actually, the "does it look pretty" standard is really useful! I mean, that's the ultimate goal right? It's just a matter of training your eyes to know how each factor (color, clarity, cut, etc.) contributes to the overall beauty of a gem. Feel free to post a photo/video of any stone you're considering, and we'll give it to you straight! Good luck!!