Prong Setting - The Most Popular Diamond Setting

Prong setting is the most popular setting used for mounting diamond jewelry and gemstones (all kinds of faceted stones). It is also referred as "Claw Setting".

In this article, you can get yourself aware of:

• Overview
• Its different types
• Advantages
• Disadvantages

What is Prong Set diamond?

Diamond to be mounted in this setting has its culet set in a cast which has two, three or more metal prongs. Prongs are thin little metal claws that are bent and rested on the crown of diamond to hold it securely. Shape of prong can vary, like - rounded, elongated or pointed.

It is ensured that the prong is neither too tight (otherwise it builds pressure on diamond) nor too loose that may cause diamond to fall.

Prong should end on the crown. If it is too long, then it will cover the top portion (table) of diamond making it appear small, and if it is too short, it may end up on girdle causing the diamond to fall.

This setting is very popular in solitaire diamonds rings as it emphasizes and highlights the diamond and not the metal holding it. It allows maximum reflection and refraction of light, thus enhancing the brilliance and luster of diamond.

Some people prefer to use white gold or platinum in this setting, because prongs of yellow gold impart yellow cast to the diamond.

Types of Prong Settings

Following are the widely used prongs style of setting:

• V-Prong
• Common Prong

V-Prong

V-prong

V-Prongs are used to give additional protection to the delicate stones like princess, marquise and pear diamonds which have sharp and pointed edges. These fancy shaped stones are delicate and fragile and can damage easily if extra protection is not provided. V-shaped prongs display the beauty of these fancy shapes more effectively.

Common Prong

Common Prong

In common prong, prong is placed at the top and the single prong hold two diamonds by their girdle. That is why it is termed as "common prongs setting". Diamonds are placed closely side by side with no space between two diamonds. This setting is generally used in rings and bangles. You may also read Baguette Prong.

Advantages of Prong Setting

Flexibility

Prong styled setting can be easily adjusted to varying diamond sizes. Assume that, ten diamonds of 0.05 carat each have to be set in a ring in prongs. Now, in case out of these ten diamonds, if one diamond is 0.04 carat and other diamond is 0.055 carat, then also these can be easily set. So, with prongs, craftsman gets margin for diamond size variations.

On the contrary, this flexibility is not possible in channel and invisible setting, as in these settings diamonds should be of exact dimensions.

Easy to Clean

Prong set jewelry is easy to clean and maintain.

Highlights the Unique Shape

It highlights the unique shape (marquise, pear and heart shape) without getting distracted by attention to metal setting. It allows maximum passage of light through diamond, which creates high refraction and reflection of light leading remarkable brilliance and fire.

Cost Saving

Prongs can be easily made in less time and diamonds are quickly mounted in this setting. Since, it employs simple technique, so expert technician is not required. Also, less metal is used in prong setting. So, material, time and labor cost is saved as compared to more intricate settings.

Disadvantages of Prongs Setting

Less Safe

It’s comparatively less safe than channel or bezel setting, because girdle of the diamond is not fully covered by prongs, making girdle more prone to chipping.

Snag into Clothes

Prongs or claws have tendency to snag in clothes and can lead to diamond becoming loose in setting, which increases the risk of diamond falling. High prong setting can also cause scratch and hurt.

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