If there’s one setting that looks both sleek and chic, it’s the bar setting. You may not see this stone setting around very often, but when you spot one, it can take your breath away. Bar set jewellery pieces are a combination of function and high-end fashion. They stand out from the crowd for their unique and fresh look. Also, they are immensely sparkly! Considering bar-set jewellery for your next purchase? Here’s all you should know about this setting:
What is a Bar Setting?
The way a bar setting holds the diamonds or coloured gemstones in place is quite unique. It secures them between two parallel metal walls, leaving the other sides exposed. This creates a neat and arresting look that no other setting can provide. Although bar settings are common for engagement and wedding rings, they are seen in necklaces and earrings too. They work well with round, square and baguette shapes. Read on to know all about the advantages and disadvantages of a bar setting and why it is an impressive choice.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bar Setting:
The Advantages:
- Bar setting is used to secure a solitaire, side stones, or a row of gems on a stackable band and to form a halo as well as to design earrings and pendants.
- As the bar setting only touches the gemstones on two sides, it leaves them exposed to more light, resulting in increased sparkle and brilliance.
- Each gem receives its own individual spotlight as the gems are separated with metal bars.
- The diamonds or gemstones in a bar setting enjoy more visibility due to less metal obstruction. They can also appear larger in size than they are originally.
- As the gemstones sit flush with the bars and don’t protrude, there is very little possibility of snagging.
- It is a modern and uncommon setting style, which is ideal if you want a non-traditional ring.
The Disadvantages:
- In a bar setting the gemstones are exposed more, so there is a slightly higher chance of the gems getting chipped or damaged. But only if they are subject to a hard blow which is common in several settings and not just with the bar setting.
- If the bar setting completely circles the circumference of the ring, then resizing can be challenging.
- Compared with channel or bezel setting, bar setting is less secure.
Bar Setting vs Other Settings
1. Bar vs Channel
Bar and channel settings share a similar concept when it comes to mounting gemstones. Both make use of metal walls instead of prongs to secure them firmly. There is, however, one significant difference between the two – a channel setting encloses the gems from all sides while the parallel metal walls in a bar setting leave two other sides exposed. The former is a more secure setting and the latter allows for the gems to exude enhanced radiance.
2. Bar vs Bezel
Bezel setting surrounds the gemstone with a metal rim, which results in optimal security and protection than any other setting. But it does impact the visibility of the gemstone and its interaction with light. So, the gemstone looks slightly smaller and less brilliant. On the other hand, bar-set gems look more brilliant and give an illusion of slightly larger stones.
3. Bar vs Pave
In a pave setting, the gemstones are set in close proximity with one another whereas a bar setting separates them with metal bars. Also, a pave setting uses tiny prongs to hold the gems that can get caught on to loose threads and hair. Conversely, the bar setting is prong-free and snag-free. Moreover, a bar setting is more than just a setting. It adds visual interest to the jewellery with its beautiful symmetry. As for pave setting, the metal is barely visible and the accents mostly take away all the attention.
In Conclusion
The bar setting is not only off-beat but also lends a show-stopping sparkle. If you want your jewellery to have a well-secured setting with a tinge of modern appeal, then the bar setting is a great choice. Like all other stone settings, this one too comes with its pros and cons. But what matters is your personal choice. So, if you want to include a bar-set piece in your collection, then do explore our collection at Angara.
