Mounting
Definition
The metal framework of a piece of jewelry that holds the gemstone(s) in place. Also called the 'setting' or 'mount,' it includes the head, prongs or bezel, shank (band), and any decorative metalwork.
A mounting is everything metal on a jewelry piece except the center stone you're buying separately. For a ring, that means the shank (band), the head (where the stone sits), prongs or bezel, gallery (the decorative underside), and any accent stone seats. Think of it as the skeleton. The stone is the skin. Semi-mounts come ready to accept a center stone. The head is built but empty. Side stones or halos may already be set. Complete mounts include all stones pre-set, center included. Custom mountings are designed and fabricated (or cast) to your specs. Stock mountings come from manufacturer catalogs: Stuller, Benchmark, A. Jaffe, and dozens of others. Price ranges vary wildly by metal and complexity. A basic 14k white gold four-prong solitaire semi-mount runs $150-$350 wholesale. The same head in platinum costs $400-$700. A halo semi-mount with 20 melee stones runs $600-$1,200 in 14k. Custom fabricated mountings start at $800-$2,000 in labor alone before metal and stones. Materials: 14k and 18k gold dominate retail. Platinum for high-end and heirloom pieces. Palladium as a lighter platinum alternative. Silver for fashion and bridge jewelry. How to choose: match the head size to your stone's millimeter dimensions, not just carat weight. A 6.5mm head fits a 1.00ct round. Check metal thickness at the shank. Thin shanks (1.2mm or less) feel light but bend easily. Look at prong placement and gallery finish under a loupe before you commit. I've sold plenty of semi-mounts where the buyer brought their own stone, and the fit was perfect because we matched head size to the cert dimensions instead of guessing from carat weight alone.
Usage in the Trade
Mountings are discussed in ring design, custom jewelry creation, and retail. Jewelers source semi-mounts from manufacturers (Stuller, Benchmark, A. Jaffe) or produce custom mountings in-house.
Examples
A Stuller 14k white gold six-prong solitaire semi-mount (fits 6.5mm round) costs $185-$250 wholesale. Add a 1.00ct center stone and total ring cost is stone price plus $185-$250 for the mounting.
A custom platinum halo mounting with 24 melee diamonds (0.25ct total) runs $1,800-$2,500 for the mount alone at an independent bench jeweler, before the center stone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a semi-mount and a complete mounting?
A semi-mount has the head and band ready but no center stone set. Side accent stones may already be in place. A complete mounting includes all stones, center included. Semi-mounts let you choose your own center stone. Complete mounts are ready to wear.
How much does a ring mounting cost?
Stock semi-mounts in 14k gold run $150-$350 wholesale for a basic solitaire. Halo and three-stone styles run $600-$1,200. Platinum adds 2-3x over gold. Custom mountings start at $800-$2,000 in fabrication labor alone.
Can I put my own diamond in a semi-mount?
Yes. Bring your stone (with its grading report) to a jeweler and match the head size to the stone's millimeter dimensions. A 6.5mm head fits a standard 1.00ct round. Setting labor runs $50-$150 depending on the mounting style and stone shape.