Tension settings

Hi Etienne- First of all, let me clarify this issue. Mr.
Kretchmer does beautiful work in my opinion, and certainly
deserves everything he can get in return for his skill, time, and
workmanship. And certainly he should confront anyone breaching
his patents and stop the violation by whatever means necessary.
No argument there. Anyone would do the same. What I was trying to
convey is the trend in this industry where some companies with
patents use their money and lawyers to stiffle their competition,
even though the other party is clearly not violating the patent.
These companies know they have the advantage because the other
party will have to spend for lawyers, court costs, etc. just to
defend against a suit alledging patent infringement. And
possibly by this time the Court has seized the goods in question,
etc. where they are of no use to the supposed violator. I don’t
have to tell you this- you obviously are quite knowledgable in
this area.) What I am saying is the odds are with the patent
holder, and in a situation like this, get ready for a lot of
headaches if you go up against them. These companies make
agreements between themselves if the other side has lawyers,
money behind them,etc. or where it looks like it could drag on
and on and maybe not come out as they anticipate. As I said
before, it’s the ‘golden rule’. The smaller, independant jeweler
is the guy that doesn’thave a chance in a situation like this.
You’ve heard the expression ‘been there, done that’? (But not
with tension mounts, and I have no desire to make them. I read
the patents awhile back doing research on mountings, not trying
to get around his patents.) Thanks for your kind response! Rick

Looking at Jason Rae’s beautiful Mokume tension set diamond rings in
the Orchid Gallery this morning,

I couldn’t help but wonder how secure the stones might be in this
type of setting. Are they more at risk of being dislodged than with
other types of settings?

Linda in central FL

Jason Rae’s Mokume tension set diamond rings are very beautiful.
Steven Kretchmer (the late genius) made that style famous, although
I’m not sure if he was the originator or if he was just more
successful at marketing it to retail jewelers? That style secured
the stones very well. In fact he partnered with Hoover & Strong to
sell his heat treatable alloy for making that style (marketed under
the name SK I think). Although they hold the stone well, part of the
recipe for success is an extra thick shank, the women who received
the tension solitaires as engagement rings would often complain
about the extra metal between their fingers and ask that it be
trimmed down. They were unhappy when told that the thickness was a
critical ingredient in securing their diamond. As long as they
understand that upfront, everyone is happy and the stone stays put.

Mark