What is a fishtail setting in diamond jewelry?

A fishtail setting secures each diamond using two small metal beads and two folded-over metal sections pressed against the stone's girdle. The result is a low-profile mount where the metal between stones is shaped into narrow, tapered fins, resembling fishtails when viewed from directly above. Because the diamonds sit close to the band surface, more of each stone's face is exposed to light, which improves brilliance without requiring a larger carat weight. This makes the style particularly effective with lab-grown diamonds, where typically Very Good or Excellent, determine how well that exposed surface performs. The setting also creates strong visual continuity across a row of stones, making it a common choice for eternity bands and pavé-style designs. If you want maximum light return from a band setting without adding stone size, fishtail construction is worth comparing directly against claw or grain alternatives.