Prongs

[Yoohoo]

hey
i have a question about prongs. how many different types of prongs are there?
are there different types of prong settings for different diamonds shapes, like round brilliant, princess, emerald, pear?
thankyou

[ukmarkyj]

Diamond settings can vary enormously and you are correct, the shape of the diamond does often determine the style of the prongs or claws.

For example, many princess cut settings have four claws, which is influenced by the four corners of the diamond. The claws themselves can vary though. Sometimes they are simple straight claws, pushed over to hold the stone at the corners, or box-claws which enclose each corner. This offers protection at the most vulnerable parts of the stone, the corners.

Other shapes will often combine a combination of prongs. An example is the pear shape. Often held with 3 prongs or claws, the prong that holds the point of the diamond is sometimes a "V" shape. This again offers protection whilst keeping to the outline of the diamond shape.

Round brilliant cuts provide the opportunity for many designs that use prongs to secure the diamond. Six or eight claws have always been popular and secure, whilst four claws are more contemporary offering a minimal yet modern edge on many classical settings.

Along with claw settings, there are many other styles each of which can vary enormously depending on the individual design of each ring. Such settings include the bezel or rub-over setting where the metal is pushed over the edge of the diamond.

It is important that the prongs or claws securely hold the diamond without distracting from the diamond itself. They need to be minimal yet protective. They also need to complement the diamond and should be in harmony with the shape of the stone.

[Yoohoo]

Great response. Thanks!!

One more if you don't mind... Prong-wise... when does a prong stop being a prong and become semi-bezel?

[Mervyn L. Cohn ASA]

hey
i have a question about prongs. how many different types of prongs are there?
are there different types of prong settings for different diamonds shapes, like round brilliant, princess, emerald, pear?
thankyou

In fact, there are most likely as many types of prongs as there are bench jewelers making them.
Prongs are the work horse of the ring, they both hold the stone into the setting and frame and enhance it at the same time. But this is all they do and so long as they do it well, they are performing the job they are intended to. By necessity they change shape to conform to the shape of the stone they are engaging. I hope you find this responsive, I tried.