Setting diamonds separately between vertical bars of metal is another way to set diamonds or precious stones.This is done by using short strips of precious metal, like sleepers on a railway track, placed between the stones. Classic yet contemporary, in bar settings the sides of the gemstones are open, optimising brilliance and scintillation (sparkle).
Bar settings are similar to channel settings but the difference is that channel settings enclose the diamond on all sides. Bar settings, however, leave the diamond exposed on two sides whilst being held in place by the metal bars that secure the stones on the other two sides. Bar setting gives a different visual effect to channel setting. The advantage is exposure to more light, the disadvantage, less protection for the stones.
This setting can compliment a centre stone or stand-alone for an impressive wedding band or stackable ring. See the photo below of a bar-set eternity band.
This setting is best suited to rings featuring baguette, emerald, oval, princess, round and square-cut gems.
