Prong Set-Band Engagement Rings

Prong-Set Engagement Rings

Small metal claws hold the center stone in a prong setting, letting in the most light and showing the most diamond of any setting. That openness is why prongs remain such a classic choice for an engagement ring. Choosing between four or six prongs comes down to the look she prefers. Four prongs show more of the diamond, while six prongs hold it more securely and give the stone a rounder appearance. Some worry about whether prongs catch on clothing, but low, well-finished prongs rarely do. For someone who wants the smoothest possible feel, a bezel is the natural alternative. As for care, prongs benefit from a periodic check, just as any piece of fine jewelry does, so the center stays held exactly as it should be. With that simple attention, a prong setting keeps the diamond at its brightest, with as little metal as possible standing between the stone and the light. The result is a ring where the diamond is the clear focus, framed by just enough metal to hold it in place. Whether she favors the open look of four prongs or the softer outline of six, a prong setting puts the diamond first.