The Lovely World of Prongs

Prongs are the mountings that hold the precious stones in place. Besides their versatility, prongs are the preferred jewelry mounting because they secure the gemstones without obscuring their beauty. They are also relatively easier to maintain.

Prongs come in different shapes and sizes that you can choose from, depending on the type of diamond rings you purchase and your personal preference.

The four-prong and six-prong settings are the most popularly used mountings in engagement rings. The four-prong setting is common in the round and square-shaped diamond rings, while the six-prong setting is ideal for larger stones of different shapes. If you are going for a smaller gemstone, the four-prong setting will complement your jewel perfectly. However, the six-prong setting will secure a larger diamond in place and guarantee more protection even if one of the prongs breaks off.

The 8-prong and 10-prong settings are rarely used in contemporary engagement rings. This is because they tend to cover up more of the stone and can overpower a small carat diamond ring. Additionally, they give off a vintage finishing that may not blend well with a modern ring. Nonetheless, the 8 and 10-prong settings offer the most secure cradle for diamond rings.

Claw prong settings are quite popular in engagement rings because they offer secure protection without hiding the diamond. As the name suggests, the pronged metals are bent around the edges of the stone, giving off a claw-like cradle that surrounds the centerpiece.

Claw prongs can include the pointed claw prongs and the double claw prongs. Pointed claw prongs are ideal for shaped diamonds as they emphasize the stone cutting and outline its beauty. On the other hand, double claw prongs have dual tips to secure the diamond in place and give the precious jewel maximum protection.

Shared prongs are used in engagement rings that have larger stones or multiple precious stones. They come as a set of metallic prongs that hold together an array of stones surrounding a larger center stone. They are ideal for halo rings because they save on material and are easier to install. Furthermore, they also allow the centerpiece diamond to shine.

The V-prongs are shaped like the letter V and are common amongst angular and sharply cut diamonds. The metallic prongs in these rings are created according to the shape of the stone.  They grip the edges of the stone, covering the centerpiece minimally whilst protecting it. V-prongs can be seen in pear-shaped and heart-shaped diamond rings, marquise, as well as princess rings. The only disadvantage of this prong setting is that it does not secure the diamond firmly enough.  This requires one to be more careful when wearing the ring and avoid snagging at all costs.

Also known as decorative prongs, these mountings are designed for more decorative rings including rings with name initials and customized shapes. They are tailored to the shape and cut of the ring, considering the personal preference of the buyer. Custom prongs should only be done by expert jewelers who are experienced in balancing the prong proportions without overwhelming the diamonds.

If you are struggling to pick the right prong for your diamond engagement ring, book an appointment with our experts at Ballard & Ballard, and we will guide you appropriately.