When you tell people that the Diamonds in a given mounting are "Invisible Set" Diamonds, you tend to get some weird reactions.
It's a phrase that's fairly new to the Jewelry industry. It's only been around for about 12 years or so, but not too many people have heard of it.
Because of the precision necessary to create invisible settings, each ring must be fashioned for specific stones and should not be adjusted for alterations of any kind!
A Closer Look
Let's find out what Invisible Set Diamonds really are!
Invisible Set Diamonds are Diamonds that look like they are being held in by nothing. (See Picture) Most Mountings have Prongs, Channel, Bezel, or Bead that hold them in place... But Invisible Set Diamonds are not held in by any over-lapping Metal. No Prong-Work, No Beads, it's just smooth rows of glorious never-ending Diamonds.
What holds in Invisible Set Diamonds?
The Answer: Metal!
Hidden Metal to be exact!
It all starts with the Diamonds. You see, Invisible-Set Diamonds are not normal Diamonds at all. They may look like regular princess cut stones (diamonds), but they are very, very special. The Pavilions (Base of the Diamonds) of these stones are cut with notches and grooves that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, or hardwood floor, into a Metal Frame or Matrix. They SNAP into place and form a beautiful smooth wall of Diamonds!
It's Slick, it's Stunning, and contemporary. it sounds absolutely wonderful doesn't it?
Actually, NO! You will always worry about durability
We at the Diamond Connection we strongly believe that
Invisible Set Diamonds are the worst types of mountings to ever created.! Stay away from them!
The Diamonds fall out!
Yes, that's right. These mountings have had problems from day one. Customers bring these Mountings back into the store all the time because their stones are loose and wobbling around or the Diamonds just simply fell out of the Mounting. They fall out like pieces of a puzzle. Not good!
Now don't get it wrong, We are not saying there aren't good Invisible-Set Mountings out there. (We have just never seen one!) You may have one that will last forever. But you would be the lucky one. I'm only talking from experience and seeing these rings come in for repair one after another.
Here's the real Problem:
Jewelers can't fix these type of Mountings. (Remember that when you need to get it sized! If they bend the Metal Frame, it's goodbye Diamond!)
And Because these Diamonds are cut with grooves, Jewelers can't just set another Princess Cut Diamond in its place. Jewelers don't even stock these Special Cuts of Diamonds.
Plus, because the Diamonds are unique Cuts, it's not like you could re-set them into new mountings later! Invisible Set Diamond Mountings have to be sent back to the manufacturer to have another Diamond specially Cut and fit into the Mounting.
There's no way around it. (Unless your Jeweler rigs your mounting by somehow fitting in a normal Diamond and Gluing it in place!) Either way, you may be without your ring for weeks. And then, who knows how long that new Diamond will last?
Proceed With Caution
Make sure that if you do buy an Invisible Set Diamond Ring that it comes a Manufacturer's Life-Time Guarantee so it's covered if something were to happen to it. (You're going to need it!) Because with these types of Rings, any Protection is just great peace of mind!
Instead of calling these Rings "Invisible Set", they should just call them "Invisible!" Because sooner or later, that's what your Diamond will be... I-n-v-i-s-i-b-l-e!
