Abstract: The inventive setting has a plurality of prongs, each of the prongs having at least one, preferably two, longitudinal grooves adapted to accommodate a girdle of one or more subordinate stones. A top stone is retained by all of the prongs and bears down on the subordinate stones, so that the top stone keeps the at least one subordinate stone in place in the prongs. As the girdle of the subordinate stones is retained in the grooves of adjacent prongs, the tables of the subordinate stones faces outward between the prongs. Support beads projecting from the prongs may be provided for support on one or both sides of the girdle of the subordinate stones.

Abstract: A gemstone setting includes prongs which project upwardly from a first ring member and flare outwardly relative to the ring member to hold a gemstone. The prongs allow a second ring to be worn in contact with or in close proximity to the first ring member with the gemstone held by the prongs disposed above and spaced apart from the second ring member. In an alternative embodiment, a third ring member is provided with the second and the third ring members disposed on opposite sides of the first ring member and proximate to the first ring member. The prongs support the gemstone above and spaced away from the second and third ring members allowing the second and third members to be worn close to the first ring member.