Workshop Stories
A Touch Of Sparkle - Melee Stone Setting Ideas
2025 – 04 – 09
Melee stone settings have long been admired to enhance a piece’s overall design and brilliance. These small, meticulously chosen diamonds or gemstones are often used to add intricate details, highlight a central stone, or create a dazzling effect around the piece.
At KOBO, we offer two versatile options: Secret Settings, designed for the inner side of the ring, and Outer Settings, crafted to adorn the exterior of the band.
Birthstones by Month —
Inspired by a beautiful tradition in Japan, couples often incorporate their partner’s birthstone on the inside of their rings, symbolizing that their partner will always be close to them, no matter where they are. In addition to their partner’s birthstone, some may choose to include the stone for their wedding or anniversary month, adding an extra layer of personal significance.
As many precious gemstones associated with certain birth months have a lower Mohs scale hardness, we are unable to offer outer settings for these stones. Outer stone settings will be limited to select gemstones only.
Stones available for Outer Settings —
Recommended stones for outer settings include Diamonds (white or colored), Rubies, and Sapphires only. These stones have a higher Mohs hardness, making them more durable and resistant to scratches and damage from everyday wear.
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At KOBO, we offer various setting styles, each offering a distinct aesthetic. Whether you are looking for a subtle, elegant touch or a bold statement, this article will explore the different melee stone setting styles offered and showcase popular designs over the years.
4 PRONG
A classic setting that features four metal prongs that securely hold the gemstone in place, offering a classic and timeless design. Additionally, four tiny dots are placed around the base of the prongs to further secure the stone, enhancing stability while adding a subtle decorative touch.
This setting combines both strength and elegance.
Popular applications for 4 Prong Setting —
Popular placements include:
- Stones set between double twists for an ornate and intricate look.
- A single stone placed on the outside for a timeless and elegant appearance.
A hidden “secret stone” on the inside, symbolizing your other half and adding a meaningful, personal touch.
FLUSHED
A flush setting involves placing the stone directly into the band, so that the top of the gemstone is slightly recessed with the surface of the ring. The stone is held in place by the band itself, with the metal pushed over the edges of the stone to secure it.
This setting creates a sleek, modern look and is ideal for those seeking a low-profile design.
Popular applications for Flushed Setting —
This setting is often favored by those who prefer a clean and minimal aesthetic for their rings, without ornate details. The flush setting provides a sleek, recessed look for the chosen diamonds or gemstones, resulting in a timeless and crisp design.
4 POINT STAR
A 4-point star setting features four prongs with pointed carvings arranged in a star-like pattern to securely hold the gemstone in place. Each prong is positioned at a point of the star, creating a visually striking design that enhances the stone’s brilliance and adds a unique, symmetrical touch to the piece.
This setting often gives the ring a bold, eye-catching appearance, and is perfect for those who prefer a Renaissance-inspired charm.
Popular applications for 4 Point Star Setting —
One of the most sought-after settings in the studio, the star setting adds a celestial touch to a simple band, exuding elegance with a vintage charm. The intricate star carving enhances the stone’s appearance, making it look more prominent and striking.
BRIGHT CUT
A modern and sleek setting that features stone set with a minimal metal frame around the edges, allowing the light to pass through the facets, which maximizes the stone’s sparkle. This style is often used in intricate designs to enhance the stone’s brilliance and create a clean, contemporary look – for a distinctive feel, you can even opt to have the frame carved in a diamond shape.
The bright cut setting is ideal for those who want a design that highlights the natural beauty and shine of the stone.
STRAIGHT CARVING
Featuring a simple, clean design where the stone is securely held in place with metal that is carved straight along the band, creating a smooth, streamlined appearance. The metal is often carved or etched to fit the shape of the stone, ensuring a secure setting while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
This setting style is ideal for those who appreciates the allure of a half-eternity design, adorned with your choice of diamonds or precious gemstones.
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If you have other creative ideas with the settings provided above, we warmly invite you to contact us and share your vision. Together, we can discuss the feasibility of bringing your unique design to life.
Join us today to craft a truly memorable keepsake, tailored just for you.