Illusion setting
JewelryWiki Editorial·1 source·Reviewed 2026-08-04
A grooved white-metal head cut so that the mount itself glitters like stone, enlarging a small diamond. Invented in the Depression, still made.
Properties
| Property | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| How it holds the stone | The stone is set into a mount of grooved white alloy whose curves catch light so that the whole head reads as diamond. [1] Translated from GIA’s Chinese text; GIA serves this article only in Chinese, including at its /en-us/ URL. | — |
| Light access | Works by reflection from the mount rather than by admitting more light to the stone. [1] Translated from GIA’s Chinese text; GIA serves this article only in Chinese, including at its /en-us/ URL. | — |
| What to watch for | Two conditions on the trick. It depends on white metal against a near-colourless stone — against a yellow diamond, a yellow-gold illusion mount works better. And it is aimed at stones under half a carat; above that you are usually better showing the stone itself than dressing it. [1] Translated from GIA’s Chinese text; GIA serves this article only in Chinese, including at its /en-us/ URL. | — |
Sources
- GIA — Engagement Ring Settings That Make a Diamond Look Bigger — Gemological Institute of America (GIA 4Cs, Settings That Make a Diamond Look Bigger (18 April 2017))