How to Judge the Quality of Your Gemstone’s Setting

Now that you have found the perfect gem, all you need to do is make sure it is displayed well and held securely in place.

To judge the quality of the jewelry setting, pay close attention to details. Is the metal holding the stone even and smoothly finished so it won't catch on clothing? Is the stone held firmly and square in the setting? Is the metal well polished with no little burrs of metal or pockmarks?

Inexpensive jewelry often is very lightweight to give you a bigger look for the money. If a piece is lightweight, pay special attention to the prongs holding the stone: are they sturdy? Do they grip the stone tightly? You won't be happy about the money you saved in gold cost if you lose your stone!