What is an à jour setting?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
An à jour setting is an open-backed way of setting a gemstone, leaving the underside of the stone exposed so light can pass right through it. The name is French for letting in daylight, and that is exactly the point: with no metal blocking the back, light enters from below as well as above, so the stone looks brighter and more alive. It is a traditional setting style, especially suited to transparent gems where sparkle matters most.
Frequently asked questions
- Why use an à jour setting?
- Leaving the back of the stone open lets light pass through it from underneath, which makes a transparent gemstone look brighter and livelier than it would in a closed setting that traps light out.
- What is the opposite of an à jour setting?
- The opposite is a closed or rub-over back, where metal sits behind the stone. Closed settings can protect the gem and were once used with foil backing, but they let in less light.
- Is an à jour setting secure?
- Yes, it can be perfectly secure; à jour describes the open back, not how the stone is held. The gem is still gripped by claws or a rim at the sides, so it stays firmly in place.
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