Pre-notched and snap tites settings always measure less than the gemstone they hold, usually by 2-3mm for larger sizes and usually 1mm for smaller sizes. If you order size 6mm the settings will actually measure around 5mm. If you you order size 16x12mm the setting will measure around 14x10mm. They measure smaller than the gemstone they hold because when set the prongs expand outward to a hold a faceted cut gem securely. This is how all of our pre-notched settings are. They will always measure less. If your gemstones have a thick girdle, wide pavillion or too deep you may need deep settings or have the setting modified by rounding out the prongs more or bending the prongs outward as the settings you purchased are for standard sizes gems.

Please understand our order processing times. Most items are made to order and take 3-6 business days to be ready. Sometimes orders can take longer to ship if with are extremely busy, please keep this in mind during holiday seasons. Our manufacturing days are Mondays and Fridays. So all orders from Friday to Monday Morning are grouped together for mfg and from Monday afternoon to Thursday night are grouped together for mfg. If ordering gemstones or standard snap tites most orders will ship within 1 business day.

1. Make sure you are using the right setting for your gem. For faceted cut gems use pre-notched or snap tite settings. For cabochon gems use cab settings.
2. Make sure you measure your gems properly. Use a caliper, measure your gems in millimeters.
3. Not all gemstones are cut perfect so settings may need modified. Standard settings fit best for well cut gems. You might notice that some gems have thick girdles (where the prongs wrap over the gem). If this is the case you may need to modify the setting by rounding out the prongs more where the gem sets on the prong. If your gem is deep or have a wide pavillion you may need to use a deep setting because a standard setting is not quite big enough.

Item must be returned within 7 days of receiving. Purchase must be returned in the condition and package you received it in. Buyer is responsible for return shipping charges. We do not refund original shipping cost. We only refund the purchase price of the transaction not the shipping charges. Please notify us by email or phone before returning. Once an item is received back to us you will be notified by email and a refund will be given. We do not do exchanges or store credit. Refund will be given as money back. We do not accept returns for damaged or used products. Please notify us within 2 business days of receiving your order if an item you received is defective. Please note we accept returns for settings but not fine jewelry.

There can be shrinkage during the casting process sometimes by 1/4 to 1/2 size difference. Rings that are prone to shrinkage are the deep vee, filigree, engraved shank, deco.

how to use these settings

1. Make sure your gemstones is faceted cut when using pre-notched or snap tite settings. Cabochon cut gemstones will not work. Use cab settings for cabochon cut gemstones.

2. Measure your gemstone with a caliper in millimeters. In order for a gem to fit it must be as close as possible to the setting it holds. If it is 8.8mm square you would need to use a 9mm square setting. About the most difference you can have is + or - .2mm in smaller sizes. A 8.6mm square is too small for a 9mm and too large for an 8mm. Some snap tite settings can be modified for more of a size difference.

3. To set press the gem onto the setting. Sometimes it will easily work other times you may need to press firm. Do this by laying the gemstone upside down and press the setting to the gem. Make sure you apply even press and the setting is lined up with the gemstone.

4.Next you need to press the prongs over with gem setting pliers. Press the prongs down on one side and then the opposite side until all prongs are pressed down. On the gem setting pliers the small end of the pliers are placed at the base of the setting and the longer end at the top of the prongs. With the easy mount instructions come with them on how to use them.

Sometimes you will find that gemstones are not cut perfectly. You might notice that some gems have thick girdles (where the prongs wrap over the gem). If this is the case you may need to modify the setting by rounding out the prongs more where the gem sets ont the prong.

Please know if you are using pre-notched settings they never measure the same as the faceted gemstone they hold. They always measure less, usually by 2-3mm less for sizes under 10mm and anywhere from 3-4mm for larger sizes. This is normal because when you set the gem the prongs expand outward to hold a faceted gemstone securely.

Please know they do take practice?

Also here is our video the difference between cab and pre-notched settings

https://youtu.be/i2wRYdBOiS8

All settings are polished to the minimum standard. Most have a full polish. Settings that require more polishing are the filigree style, engraved shank, and settings that have intricate patterns. If you would like more of a polish or a mirror polish please select our ring polishing.