By IQnewswire 
The first thing that catches one’s eye when looking at piercing jewelry is the sparkly look of the stone or the shiny look of the metal. But the reality is that one of the biggest decisions that goes into creating the design of the jewelry happens on a smaller scale, specifically in the way that the stone is set. The way that the stone is set not only determines the way that the jewelry looks but also how the whole piece looks from a visual standpoint.
Specifically, in body jewelry, the interrelationship between the stone and the metal is more prominent. As this type of jewelry is worn on the body and is often worn on a regular basis, the way that the stone is set into the jewelry can make or break the whole design. Two of the main ways that stones are set are through prong settings or flush settings, and although the difference between the two settings may be subtle, it is significant.
Understanding Prong-Set Stones
Prong settings are used to set stones into the jewelry by using metal claws to elevate the stone above the surface of the jewelry. The reason that this is done is that by elevating the stone, it is able to catch the light from different angles, thus giving it a more brilliant look.
Prong-set stones in piercing jewelry create a sense of dimension. In other words, even though the jewelry is very small, the stone that is used really pops out from the metal, thus becoming the focal point. The way that the stone is separated from the metal also creates a sense of contrast, which is something that many people enjoy.
This method is directly derived from traditional fine jewelry-making techniques. As a result, prong settings tend to have a slightly more decorative or ornamental look, even when the design is minimalistic.
What Is a Flush Set Stone?
A flush setting is a different approach altogether. In a flush setting, the stone is not raised up as it is in a prong setting. Instead, the stone is set directly into the metal so that the surface of the stone is flush with the surface of the metal.
In a flush setting, the appearance is more subtle and integrated. Light is reflected off the surface of the stone rather than through the stone itself. As a result, the appearance is more subtle and not as strong as that of a prong setting. In piercing jewelry, a flush setting creates a modern look where the lines are not broken and the gemstone is a sophisticated detail.
Visibility vs. Integration
In a prong setting, the visibility of the stone is enhanced. In a flush setting, the integration of the stone is enhanced. The stone is not visible as a separate entity from the rest of the design.
Neither approach is superior to the other. They serve different design intentions. Prong settings are more suitable for pieces that emphasize statement or embellishments, while flush settings are more compatible with pieces that emphasize restraint and smoothness. In piercing jewelry, where space is a concern, this difference is more apparent.
Every Day Wear and Design Behavior
Since the jewelry is worn every day, the design behavior is important. In the case of a prong-set stone, the addition of elevation is important. This gives the jewelry visual interest and allows for the play of light as the wearer moves. In the case of a flush-set stone, the jewelry remains flat and has a smooth surface.
This is not necessarily a matter of medical comfort and functionality. It is more a matter of the way the jewelry looks and the way the stone reflects light. In the case of the elevated stone, the way the light reflects off the stone is different from the way the flush-set stone reflects light.
Jewelry Design Beyond Piercing
The design of the stone is an important part of jewelry design that goes well beyond the piercing industry. In jewelry design, there is always a balancing act between visibility, structure, and material interaction. In the case of body jewelry, the proximity to the body makes this even more important.
The interaction between the structure and the surface has also had an impact on other areas of fashion design. In some fashion design, jewelry-inspired elements such as exposed metal or embedded elements have been seen. In addition, the world of fashion journalism has picked up on this. In an article published on https://worldfashionnews.com/pierced-clothing, the role of jewelry construction techniques in the broader design language has been explored.
Choosing Between the Two
The choice between the two settings depends on the design direction. In the case of the prong setting, the use of contrast is important. In the case of the flush setting, the use of continuity is important. Both settings are important and have been used in jewelry design.
The choice between the two settings in piercing jewelry plays an important role in the way the jewelry communicates visually. In this case, the use of design logic is important. As is the case with jewelry design, the smallest details play the biggest role.