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Meaning & use

set stone

noun, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌset ˈstəʊn/
US/ˌset ˈstoʊn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A gemstone that has already been fixed into a piece of jewelry.

    Grammar: Countable; use 'a set stone' for one, 'set stones' for more than one.

    Patterns

    • a set stone
    • set stones in something

    The ring has three set stones along the band.

    She prefers set stones because they are less likely to fall out.

    The jeweler showed us a necklace with set stones and one with loose stones.

  2. nouncountabletechnical

    A piece of stone that is already fixed in position in a wall or building.

    Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural 'set stones' for many pieces.

    Patterns

    • a set stone
    • set stones in a wall

    The mason checked each set stone for level.

    Set stones should not move when you press them.

    They replaced the loose stones with new set stones.

  3. adjectivebefore a noun

    Describing a gemstone that is already fixed into a piece of jewelry.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: 'a set stone ring'.

    Patterns

    • a set stone ring
    • a set stone pendant

    She wore a set stone ring on her right hand.

    He bought a set stone pendant for her birthday.

    The set stone earrings matched her dress.

Word forms

pluralset stones

Common combinations

set stone ring
A set stone ring is less likely to snag on clothing.
set stone necklace
The set stone necklace was the most expensive item in the case.
loose set stone
A loose set stone can be tightened by a jeweler.
set stone wall
The garden had a low set stone wall around it.

Synonyms and how they differ

mounted
Use 'mounted' when you focus on the stone being fixed in a setting; 'set' is more general and common in everyday speech.
fixed
'Fixed' is a general word for anything made firm; 'set' is the specific jewelry or building term.

Opposites

looseunset

Word family

set verb
To fix something in position, as in 'set a stone in a ring'.
setting noun
The metal part that holds a stone in jewelry.

Commonly confused: set stone or set in stone?

set stone vs set in stone

This phrase means 'fixed and unchangeable', not a stone that is physically placed.

Practice

The jeweler showed us a ring with a ___ stone that would not fall out.

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