Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of an element, called an "illusion", for an article of jewelry, including a method for forming an illusion, and a device for forming an illusion. First and second substantially parallel grooves are formed in an operatively upper surface of a workpiece, the workpiece is rotated through a predetermined angle, and additional pairs of first and second parallel grooves are formed in the upper surface of the workpiece in order to leave a desired number of spaced prongs projecting from the remaining portion of the workpiece. Such prongs are used to grip and hold a diamond or other stone in position on the workpiece. Preferably each of the pairs of grooves, which can be arcuate grooves, are formed simultaneously. The preferred forming device includes discrete cutting buts arranged in a spaced parallel relationship, with each cutting bit being elongated and having a pair of opposed, bevelled, longitudinal sides, with the bevelled sides meeting for form a cutting edge.