Jewelry Knowledge Center

One of the most widespread types of setting for a diamond is the prong or claw style setting. Prongs are thin tiny metal claws which are bent and rested on the crown of diamond to hold it firmly. In this classic setting, two or more prongs swathe around the crown of a stone to secure it in place. This mounting style curtails the amount of metal used, allowing more light to pass through a diamond or gemstone. To augment this effect, the center stone is at times elevated above the shank, which gives it a larger, more prominent look. In this setting, the prongs are enclosed to the central setting of a ring, commonly known as the head or basket. Each prong extends upward and outward from the head, spanning over the diamond to form a secure grip. This delicate balancing act is done by using thin wires of gold or platinum (the prongs) that hold the diamond securely in place. Prongs are placed evenly at the key points in such a way that they hold the stone at four corners, or five or even at times six points. Also, it should be made certain that the prong is neither too taut (as this creates pressure on the diamond) nor it should be too loose (as it may cause diamond to fall). A prong setting places importance on the diamond and not the metal holding it and is most commonly used to hold solitaire diamond rings.

Listed below are four types of commonly found Prong setting which are V-Prong, Common Prong, French Prong, and Floating Prong

The V-Prongs that are the ones which take the shape of the letter V, they clasp the stone at its sharp ends and holds it along the ends, from top to bottom. The wire is cut in a right angle which permits the corner of the stone to rest on it. The v-prong guards those points of the stone which are often thin, fragile, and if left exposed can chip off easily. Depending on the design these prongs can either have a sharper exterior or can be rounded. Fancy shapes like heart cuts, pear cuts, princess cuts, and marquise cuts need added protection and hence are ideally set in V-prongs.

An additional variation on the prong setting is called the common prong. In this setting the prong is positioned at the top and a single prong holds two diamonds by their griddle. It is crafted such that it forms a line of diamonds which has slight or no space between the stones. This technique gives a close flanking effect and is a very popular technique used for setting a diamond.

An exquisite way to highlight or bring out immense sparkle in a diamond can be done by French cut prong setting. In this French cut technique diamonds are set very close to each other and have exposed edges which permits ample of light to enter each diamond. This setting brings out maximum shine in a diamond and the closely set diamonds give an effect of a striking row of radiance on either side of a solitaire ring.

Floating prong diamonds are perfect illustrations of modern style that is enduring and the same time elegant. The diamond in this setting appears to be suspended in the ring as if it is miraculously floating in air than being held around.

One of the most striking styles used to set a diamond is channel setting. It entails setting a row of diamonds which are similar in size one after the other to form a line like design between two vertical running metal bars. It basically involves placing the diamonds into a channel within the ring. The metal bars cover the diamonds so that the top part is left visible and hence presenting a striking visual effect. This creates a dazzling diamond sparkle with no metal impeding its beauty. Suitable for setting small round, oval or square diamonds this setting shields the diamonds extremely well as none of their edges are left exposed. This setting enhances the look of a ring if it is designed as a single band or with a big center stone ring which is channel set on either side. This setting is widely used in Wedding Bands, Eternity Rings, and Anniversary Rings.

The tension setting also called the floating diamond setting has come into existence just sometime back and hence can be labeled as a comparatively new type of setting for wedding and engagement rings. This distinctive kind of setting holds the center stone securely in place between the metal bands. Tensile stress is applied by the band on the diamond from either side making it appear to be suspended or floating in mid air within the ring. The amount of pressure exerted by the metal keeps the stone fixed and does not let it move in any case. As the stone is subjected to metal pressure, this kind of setting can only be used for stones with ample amount of hardness like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

The bezel setting though known from the primitive ages, has been rediscovered only some time back and lately considered by many as a setting that gives a contemporary look. In this setting the diamond is firmly held in place by a rim or collar that encircles the side of the stone and enlarges faintly above it. This kind of setting is ideal for any diamond shape and is said to be one of the best settings to shield your diamond from falling, chipping, or getting damaged. Bezel setting has an added advantage of hiding imperfections and also, can make a diamond appear big. A bezel setting also, comes in numerous variants like semi bezel, half bezel or open bezel. This setting provides a great combination of stylish look and durable design.