A flush setting, also known as a gypsy or burnish setting, sets the diamond into a drilled hole in the band of the ring so that the diamond sits “flush” within the band.
To achieve this effect, the jeweller hammers the metal around the circumference of the diamond to hold it securely in place. However, because the jeweller must hammer the metal with the stone in place, this setting is not suitable for softer stones, such as opals or turquoise, which could crack or chip in the process.
This type of setting is a popular choice for wedding bands, especially men’s wedding bands, as the diamond is embedded in the band of the ring and is therefore protected from chipping or falling out. This, obviously, gives the wearer a valuable sense of security. There is also no chance of the sharp edges of the stone catching on skin or fabric.
Any shape or size of stone can be set in this style, providing the metal band is deep enough to support it. However, if the stone is larger in size than 2mm, it will require a bezel on the ring to support the depth of the stone. This will require more metal which will add to the cost. It is worth noting that it is easier to set round stones, as opposed to irregular shaped stones, in a flush setting as these will require more complex drilling to enable a custom fit.
This type of setting can prove to be value for money when setting small stones, shallow stones, or budget stones with inclusions. In this way, the inclusions can be concealed below the surface, making them less visible to the naked eye.
