The Prong Setting: A Classic, Beautiful Choice
The prong setting is the most popular way to set a diamond ring due to its security and ability to allow light to hit the diamond. The metal prongs are firmly notched and burnished around the diamond to ensure it is fully secure.
About the Prong Setting
The prongs must be crafted correctly so that they showcase the diamond beautifully without making it look small. Prong settings can be made in any metal, but 14k and 18k gold and platinum are recommended for engagement rings.
The thickness of the prongs themselves can be customized according to your preference.
The benefits of a prong setting include using less metal than other settings, being easy to clean, and proving to be an elegant and sophisticated choice for decades. Prong settings are also suitable for all diamond shapes and can be adjusted to elevate the diamond or set it lower to suit the wearer's taste.
However, there are some considerations to make when choosing a prong setting, such as the height of the setting and the potential for prongs to leave the girdle of the diamond exposed and lead to chipping.
Kinds of Prong Settings
Prong settings come in various styles: with three, four, and six prong settings being the most popular. The number determines how many prongs hold a diamond or gemstone in place on a ring.
Three Prong Setting
A three prong setting is used mostly for pear and heart-shaped gemstones, sometimes round diamonds. It features the most sparkle with the least amount of metal. This brings out a fire resembling passion and love, and its numerology makes it a famous setting with three sweet words: “I love you.”
This setting may not be the most secure of the three, but with expert craftsmanship, it is able to hold any gemstone in place, leaving diamonds to do what they do best: to sparkle.
Four Prong Setting
A four prong setting is more commonly used for solitaires and many other engagement rings, as it allows more of the diamond to be visible and lets in more light, which enhances its brilliance and sparkle. Additionally, a four prong setting can make a diamond appear slightly larger.
This setting is also generally considered more modern and minimalist in style. It is more secure than the three prong with less metal than the six prong. Just the right balance of brightness and security.
Six Prong Setting
A six prong setting is known for its increased security and stability. The extra prongs hold the diamond or stone more firmly, reducing the risk of it falling out or becoming loose. The six prong also makes a diamond look much rounder.
Less light enters the diamond, making it less brilliant, but the difference is subtle with proper craftsmanship.
The choice between a three prong, four, prong and six prong setting is a matter of personal preference and the specific symbolism that a couple attaches to their ring.
Some may prefer the clean and modern look of a four prong setting, while others may prefer the added security and classic style of a six prong setting. Ultimately, the most important aspect of any ring is the love and commitment it represents between two people.
Top: 6 Prong Engagement Ring; Bottom two: 4 Prong Engagement Rings
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