Definition: a type of jewelry setting, characterized by a series of continuous fine beads (the term literally translates as "a thousand grains" in French) on the surface; these are not only decorative, but also help secure a gemstone in place; created by rolling a tiny wheel at the edge of a special tool over the metal
Ornamental beading existed in Etruscan jewelry. In modern times, the Castellani family jewelry firm revived its popularity in the mid-1800s with their efforts to reproduce the ancient granulation techniques in gold. Millegrain settings became especially popular in platinum settings around the turn of the 20th century, and are a typical feature of the garland style that characterized Belle Époque and Edwardian jewelry, though the style continued to be popular into the Art Deco era as well.
Alternate spellings: millgrain, milegrain, milligrain
Also Known As: grain setting (generic), millegriffe setting
Example: Millegrain settings were popular for early 20th-century diamond and platinum pieces, partly because the technique mitigates the metal's shiny quality, thus enhancing the brilliance of the gemstones