Where engineering meets craftsmanship, tension set rings offer a distinctive and elegant jewellery design. The unique feature of a tension setting is the way it secures a gemstone using the pressure exerted by the metal band, creating a striking floating appearance. This modern technique highlights the gemstone by allowing light to hit it from multiple angles, showcasing its brilliance and sparkle.
Design and Mechanism
Construction:
Tension settings use harder, more rigid metals such as platinum. These metals provide the necessary pressure to secure the gemstone without adding bulk to the band, which could otherwise diminish the gem's appearance.
The metal undergoes a process called work hardening, where it is hammered and treated to increase its hardness, yield, and tensile strength. This ensures the metal can securely hold the gemstone while maintaining a sleek profile.
Visual Effect:
The tension setting creates a floating effect, making the gemstone appear as though it is suspended within the band. This design allows the gem to receive light from all angles, enhancing its glistening intricacies and brilliance.
Benefits
Aesthetic Appeal:
The simplicity of the tension setting design emphasizes the gemstone, offering a modern and sophisticated look. The clean lines and minimal metal visibility create a striking visual impact.
Enhanced Gemstone Brilliance:
The setting maximizes light exposure, making the gemstone sparkle more intensely compared to traditional settings.
Practical Considerations
Gemstone Suitability:
Tension settings are ideal for durable gemstones like diamonds. The high pressure required to secure the stone makes it necessary for the gemstone to be hard and resilient.
Ring Sizing:
Precision is crucial in creating a tension set ring. At Neil Rayment Goldsmiths, CAD technology is used to ensure exact measurements and a perfect fit. While tension settings are very secure, they can be less flexible when it comes to resizing compared to traditional settings.
Advantages
Security:
Despite the floating appearance, tension settings are secure. The design requires significant force to loosen the gemstone. For added security, a hidden bezel can be incorporated, which not only reinforces the setting but also allows for a broader range of materials, such as 18ct yellow gold.
Modern Look:
Tension settings offer a clean and contemporary design that sets the gemstone apart, providing a distinctive and elegant look.
Tension settings combine engineering precision with elegant design, offering a modern and secure way to display gemstones. Whether incorporating hidden bezels for added security or showcasing large stones, tension settings provide a unique and sophisticated option for jewellery enthusiasts.
