Enchasing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Fixing precious stones into a metal setting so they are held securely ; carving or chasing decorative patterns into the surface of a metal object
2. Mounting jewels in a metal frame or bezel ; ornamenting the face of a metal item with incised or embossed designs
3. Setting gemstones within a metal mount for display ; decorating a metal article by cutting or hammering designs into its surface

Etymology: "Enchasing" is the present participle of "enchase," a verb meaning to set a gem or stone into a metal frame, or to decorate a metal surface with carved or raised work. The verb came into Middle English as "enchacen" or "enchasen," borrowed from Middle French "enchasser," which meant to enclose something in a setting, or to set a jewel in a ring or other piece of jewellery. Middle French "enchasser" was built on "chasse," a word for a case, box or reliquary. That sense of enclosing something in a protective casing is what the English verb keeps, so to enchase a stone is to fit it into a container made to hold it, much as a reliquary holds a relic. The word therefore describes the act of housing an object rather than the object itself.

Synonyms: engrave, emboss, chase