Ring Prong Settings: What to Know

When you think of the appearance of a ring, chances are that the stone is the first thing that comes to mind. However, the appearance of this stone is heavily dependent on its setting. The specific setting used on the ring has the potential to change the entire look.

One of the most popular settings out there is a prong setting. However, not all prong settings are the same. There are many different types out there, all of which have a different look to them. Keep reading to find out more about this setting and the options available for it.

Prong Settings

The first thing you need to know about prong settings is what exactly they are. Without knowing this, understanding the different types is impossible.

A prong setting has prongs that extend from the base of the ring and wrap around the edges of the diamond or other precious stone. These prongs secure the stone in place. Sometimes a prong setting is referred to as a claw setting because the prongs look like a claw holding the diamond.

Prong Setting Advantages

Prong settings are incredibly popular. This is mostly because of the many advantages that a prong setting has over other types of settings.

The biggest advantage provided by a prong setting is the way they showcase the diamond. A prong setting is relatively light and unobtrusive. They don’t completely encapsulate the diamond, and because of this, the diamond is more visible. With a prong setting, the diamond is on display and can be seen from multiple angles.

Prong settings are also very versatile. There are multiple types of prong settings, so they can suit different tastes. Plus, they are capable of holding diamonds of any shape and size. So, no matter what kind of ring you want, you can get it with a prong setting.

Finally, prong settings are simply timeless. Whether you enjoy wearing heirloom jewelry or prefer something super modern, a ring with a prong setting will suit your style.

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Prong Setting Disadvantages

Prong settings aren’t the best at everything. There are a few disadvantages to going with this particular setting.

For one, the open nature of a prong setting leaves the diamond more exposed to damage. Basically, the more visible the diamond is, the greater the chance it can be damaged by the environment.

In addition, prongs have the potential to catch or scratch things. This is relatively rare but is still a possibility.

Finally, prongs can become loose. If this happens, it puts the diamond at risk, as they are what holds the diamond in place. If you have a prong setting and feel one of the prongs is becoming loose, it is important to have this fixed as soon as possible.

Different Types of Prong Settings

Every prong setting will have prongs that stretch around the diamond. However, the exact look of these prongs will change depending on the type of prong setting.

Claw

The most common prong setting is the claw setting. Claw prongs can be seen at nearly every jewelry store in the world and are what held Princess Diana’s famous engagement ring.

In a claw prong setting, the prongs come to a sharp point at their end. These points resemble little triangles that all come together to hold the stone in place.

Round

Round prongs look quite different from claw prongs. Instead of coming to a sharp point at the end, they come to a rounded point. So, instead of seeing small triangles in this setting, you will see small semi-circles.

Tab

Tab prongs are a little less common than the other types of prongs. However, because of this, they end up standing out even more. Keeping with the shapes metaphor, the ends of tab prongs look like squares with rounded edges.

Double

A double-prong setting will involve one of the previously listed prong types. However, instead of one prong on each section of the ring, a double-prong ring will have two. So, a double-prong ring with four prominent prongs will actually have eight, and one with six will have twelve.

V-Tip

On rings with stones that come to a point, v-tip prongs are an option. On these rings, the prongs form a v shape that wraps around the corner of the ring’s points.

This can be seen on a few different stone cuts. A princess cut stone will have one v-tip prong at each corner. Meanwhile, a pear cut stone will have a v-tip where the pear comes to a point, and a marquise cut stone will have a v-tip at one or both ends. These three cuts are the most suited for the v-tip style.

Other Options

The style of the prong isn’t the only option when it comes to a prong setting. Other options contribute significantly to the overall look.

High-Set

If you are looking for a ring where the diamond really extends from the base, a high-set option is for you. With this option, the prongs extend further out and carry the diamond with them.

Shared

Many high jewelry pieces use more than one precious stone, which adds to the wow factor of the piece. However, a ring with more than one diamond requires a different layout compared to a ring with a single diamond.

In many of these cases, having the diamonds share prongs is advantageous. This reduces the total number of prongs a ring needs to have. Doing so prevents the ring from being overcrowded with prongs and keeps the spotlight on the diamonds instead.

Number of Prongs

There is no universal answer regarding the exact number of prongs a ring needs to have. However, most options have either four or six prongs.

Four prongs are slightly less obtrusive. This means that the diamond is more visible.

However, six prongs provide more security. On a six prong ring, there is less of a chance that the diamond will escape if one or more prongs become loose.

Going With a Ring Prong Setting

Prong settings are great and, because of this, are a popular ring option. However, before you pick a ring like this, you should know what options are available and how these options will impact the overall appearance of the ring.

Knowing this will allow you to make the best choice and will ensure that you will truly love your ring forever.

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