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- What is a Bar Setting
- The advantages and the disadvantages of a Bar Setting
- Differences and Similarities to Other Settings
- How to Clean a Bar Set Jewelry
A bar setting is a popular technique that results in stunning gemstone jewelry. This setting stands out due to its unique design, which employs vertical bars to secure the diamond or gemstone in place, thereby creating a design that is both highly stable and visually delicate—mesmerizing and dramatic yet minimalistic.
ColoritaJewelry is a leading enemaled and inlaid jewelry design expert in the jewelry industry, renowned for our exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs. As a wholesale enamel jewelry suppliers and custom silver jewelry manufacturers, we offer an extensive collection of pieces that cater to various tastes and preferences.
If you’re intrigued by the bar setting, continue reading as we provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know before making a purchase.
What is a Bar Setting?
The bar setting is unique in how it holds the diamond or gemstone in place on the jewelry. Unlike prong or bezel setting where the stone is held by metal tips or frames, here the stone is held in position by two long, thin vertical bars carefully placed on either side of the stone.
The concept of the bar setting is similar to that of channel settings – the gemstone is held within the groove of two bars. The difference, however, is that channel settings are often longer and hold more gemstones. Channel settings are also set horizontally, where as bar settings tend to be vertically set.
The advantages and the disadvantages of a Bar Setting
Bar setting method exposes the gemstone with minimal metal obstruction, allowing a large amount of light to interact with the gemstone. This results in a highly brilliant stone in a stable and secure setting. However, it also has some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Versatility:
The bar setting offers unparalleled versatility. Due to its dramatic and statement-making appearance, it can function effectively as a standalone band or complement a center stone design. This makes it an ideal choice for crafting exceptionally brilliant jewelry pieces.
Light Interaction:
In the bar setting, the gemstone benefits from receiving more light than in most other settings, which significantly enhances its brilliance and scintillation. Utilizing this setting allows gemstone jewelry to sparkle with intensified light reflection.
Stability:
Contrary to its seemingly delicate appearance, the bar setting is remarkably stable, ensuring that gemstones remain securely in place. Invisible grooves meticulously carved into the bars play a crucial role in securing the gemstone, maintaining both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Visibility:
The visibility of the gemstones is heightened in the bar setting, as they appear to be suspended by merely two bars. These bars contain subtle, invisible grooves that are expertly cut to hold the gemstone securely in place while maximizing its exposure, thereby amplifying its visual impact.
reasonable design
Since the gemstones are seated flush with the tops of the bars, there is a reduced likelihood that the stones will snag on objects. In this setting, the stones do not protrude, unlike in a prong setting where they would.
Budget Friendly and Cost-Effective
Bar set jewelry is quite budget-friendly and cost-effective for several reasons. Firstly, less expensive gemstones are ideal because the setting minimizes the appearance of imperfections and enhances the look of small stones. Secondly, each stone does not need to be set individually in this type of setting.
Disadvantages:
Fragility
As the stones are more exposed, there is a higher higher risk of chipping or damage from hard impacts. Having the jewelry periodically checked will ensure its stability and integrity isn’t compromised.
Resizing Challenges
Like a channel setting, resizing a bar setting can be a challenge. However, this tends only to apply if the bar setting circles the entire surface of the jewelry.
Less Security
A bar setting is secure, but it doesn’t have the same level of security as a channel or bezel setting.
Differences and Similarities to Other Settings
Bar Setting vs Channel Setting
Though similar in appearance, these settings differ significantly. Channel settings enclose diamonds from all sides, while bar settings position gemstones between vertical bars, nesting them in grooves and overlapping with metal using a hammering tool. Bar settings require gemstones with a Hardness level of 9 or above.
Bar Setting vs Bezel Setting
Both are snag-free and secure options for precious colored gems and diamonds. Bar settings are preferred for displaying larger gemstone areas due to their vertical metal bars, unlike bezel settings where each gem is separated by a bezel frame.
How to Clean a Bar Set Jewelry?
Cleaning jewelry that features gemstones, particularly around the setting (or the head of the ring) and the stones themselves, can pose quite a challenge due to the accumulation of dirt. Bar settings, with their numerous spaces and grooves, necessitate frequent and meticulous cleaning to maintain their brilliance.
However, compared to channel settings, bar set jewelry proves to be easier to clean. This is because the open sections in bar settings allow for easy access to the areas surrounding the gemstone. On the other hand, in channel settings, removing dirt that gets trapped under the gemstone can be exceedingly difficult.
The cleaning process for bar settings mirrors that of other jewelry settings—utilize warm water mixed with mild soap and a soft cloth. One expert tip is to employ an electric toothbrush equipped with a soft brush head for efficient and swift results.
Notes
While round gemstones are the most commonly used shape for bar settings, technically any gemstone shape can be utilized. Uncommon shapes gemstone can also create unconventional and attention-getting looks when set in a bar setting.
If you are looking for suitable bar setting jewelry or want to find a reliable inlay service for your gemstones, look no further than Colorita. You can find high-quality jewelry on Colorita’s official website or experience their excellent customization services. Browse through https://coloritajewelry.com/ to find exceptional jewelry for yourself.
