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Q. Should I buy
a 4 or 6 claw setting for my brilliant cut diamond?
A.
This depends on what you like. Smaller stones, less than 0.50
carat, are greatly affected appearance-wise by the type of setting.
Four claws tend to make make them look more square while six claws
cover more of the stone. If you want only four claws then opt
for a platinum setting as it is stronger than gold. Six claws
will hold the stone more securely in the event that one fails
which is a possibility.
Q. How important
is the setting?
A. Well, like tires to a car, it is the most under-rated part
of the whole package. It is the only thing that hangs on to your
investment. Cheap settings are made of stamped yellow gold. The
more expensive ones are hand crafted. Some shanks and settings
are cast and then assembled by hand. Cheaper rings are cast in
one piece with a rhodium plated setting. This looks alright until
the rhodium plating wears off and the yellow gold shows through.
Be sure to find out what the setting is made of and don't be afraid
to spend extra on the setting you want.
Q. How long will
my setting last?
A. It depends on what you do and what the setting is made
out of. It is wise to have it inspected annually so that any worn
claws can be replaced before they completely wear off.
Q. Is my diamond
covered under my homeowner's insurance?
A. You should check, but probably not. Most policies will
allow you to "list" jewelery valued at under £500. It is
always best to obtain a valuation for your ring. This has detail
of every aspect of the setting and diamond. In the unlikely event
that the ring is lost, you have all the details for the insurance
company.
Now that
we have discussed settings, lets turn our mind to other things.
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Silver 
