Belcher Setting (Circa 1850-1890)
Although the dates are Victorian, this is a uniquely American style, named after American designer Thomas Belcher. The defining feature is how the stone is secured into the ring -- using prongs or claws that are cut into the shank of the ring, so that the stone does not extend above the circumference of the shank. A secondary characteristic is that most Belcher-style mountings have a round dip between the prongs at their base. The closest European counterpart is the flush-set “gypsy” mounting. It is a sturdy style, and because the stone sets low into the ring, it is less likely to catch on things. We offer Belcher-style mountings in a variety of weights and looks, up through the Art Nouveau era.