There’s a lot to think about when selecting an engagement ring, so much in fact that the actual prong settings of your ring may be easily overlooked. The ring prong setting is one of the most important considerations because it does the important work of securing the gemstone to the jewelry. Prongs seem like a simple technical part, but surprisingly prongs go through trend cycles as well. For example in the 90s and early 2000s, angular thick ring prongs with a masculine aesthetic were in style, but current trends show a preference for a pointier claw like prong which gives off a more delicate, feminine feel.
What is an Engagement Ring Prong?
The engagement ring prongs are the small metal claws called prongs that grab the diamond tightly, holding it in place. They are fashioned into a variety of shapes including
- rounded,
- flat,
- v-shaped or
- pointed.
Most of the ring prong settings available either have four or six prongs.
The idea of a ring prong is simply to envelop the edges of your diamond and keep it in place on your engagement ring. Once your diamond is put in place in the setting, the ends of the prongs are carefully bent toward the diamond to secure it.
The Pros and Cons of Using an Engagement Ring Prong
What makes prong settings the most popular type of mountings used by designers in engagement rings and diamond jewelry?
Engagement ring prong settings give jewelry designers a great combination of security and cost without putting a damper on the creativity of their designs. Additionally, here are the pros and cons of the prong setting:
Advantages of Prong Settings:
- Allows the maximum amount of light to hit the diamond’s surface for more sparkle.
- Raises the diamond on your hand, making it more noticeable.
- Works well with many different diamond or moissanite shapes and sizes.
- Gives a classic and timeless look that bride’s love.
- Easily cleaned and maintained.
Disadvantages of Prong Settings:
- If not made well, ring prongs can snag on your clothes.
- Over time, they can wear and your diamond can become loose.
- Offer less protection to exposed girdle areas of the diamond.
Six Types of Engagement Ring Prongs
The most popular engagement ring prong setting styles are four-prong and six-prong, though eight-prong and ten-prong styles can be found. Prong shape can vary according to design. Some interesting prong shapes include heart shape prongs and “fishtail” prongs. Another style is the split claw prong aka double claw prong. Certain fancy shape diamonds like princess, marquise, hearts, and pear cuts may need extra protective ring prongs (V-Prongs), because of their pointed corners.
#1 Single Claw Engagement Ring Prong
Single Claw Prongs are prongs that gradually taper off to a narrow point on the ends. This type of ring prong is commonly used and preferred, as it takes up the least amount of space on the surface of the stone so that the least amount of stone is hidden.
#2 Double Claw Engagement Ring Prong
Double Claw Prongs similar to single claw prongs have an elegant look that enhances shapes like cushion cuts, round brilliants, radiant cuts, and emerald cuts. This ring prong settings makes use of double clawed designs give an illusion that the claws are slimmer looking compared to using a single solid prong. Another variation of the double clawed prong is the double rounded prong tips where the prongs are finished with a rounded edge instead of a pointed appearance.
#3 V Engagement Ring Prong
Fancy shapes like princess cuts, pear cuts, marquise cuts, and heart cuts need extra protection because of pointed corners, which are prone to chipping. V-Prongs protect these vulnerable corners.
#4 Square Engagement Ring Prong
Square ring prong settings is a modern setting for modern engagement rings, the square engagement rings with princess cut diamonds generally adopt this kind of prong setting. In this setting, the diamond is enveloped by a basket shape square prong setting. It provides firm grip with a voguish contemporary flair.
#5 Round Engagement Ring Prong
Round shaped prongs are the most common type of finishing you will find in ring prong settings. Rounded prongs cover a small area of the diamond’s surface and provide a strong clasp to secure the center stone. Round and oval center stones work best with these prongs. You have an option of choosing between 4, 6 and even 8 prong settings for extra security.
#6 Double Round Engagement Ring Prong
Double Round Prongs use two of the single round prongs set closely next to each other to give extra protection and security to the stone. These ring prongs work best with oval, emerald cut and cushion cut center stones.
Summary
The ring prong setting is one of the most classic and recognizable settings for engagement rings. Elegant and timeless, a prong setting holds the engagement ring on several edges. Usually, prong settings come in a four or six prong arrangement to allow for a secure setting that still enables light to travel through it. The prong setting looks like a metal basket that holds the ring safely within it.
Overall, the ring prong setting is probably the setting you have in your mind when you think of how most stones are held in an engagement ring, whether it is a cluster, solitaire or triple ring style. It is an established and popular choice and one that also gives peace of mind as to the security of that all-important diamond!
Most people can wear a ring prong setting with no problems, regardless of the type or shape of a diamond engagement ring’s prongs, their main function is to securely hold the center stone in place and to keep it safe when you are wearing the ring.
Ultimately, the choice of engagement ring style and design lies in your personal preferences.
- Halo Engagement Rings
- Classic Engagement Rings
- Solitaire Engagement Rings
- Vintage Engagement Rings
- Three Stone Engagement Rings
- Complete Engagement Rings
But it’s important to consider the safety and durability of different types of ring prong settings. At Joseph’s Jewelry, we have the experience and expertise to help you choose an engagement ring setting that suits your taste and lifestyle.
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