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The prong setting or claw setting is
the most commonly used gemstone setting and is the popular choice for solitaire
engagement rings. In a prong setting, the diamond is inserted into three or
more metal prongs that form a basket-like base, and then the ends of the prongs
are shaped and bent over so that they rest against the crown, just past the
stone's girdle, holding the diamond in place.
The prong setting or claw setting is the most commonly used gemstone setting
and is the popular choice for solitaire engagement rings. In a prong setting,
the diamond is inserted into three or more metal prongs that form a basket-like
base, and then the ends of the prongs are shaped and bent over so that they
rest against the crown, just past the stone's girdle, holding the diamond in
place.
The visible ends of the prongs are often rounded, but they
can also be shaped into ovals, points, V-shaped arrangements, left flat or
formed into decorative elements. Prongs have advantages such as their size
which is small, so more of the diamond can be highlighted; they can be achieved
with ease and are thus less expensive as compared to more intricate settings
and they have ease of cleaning. The claw settings are disadvantageous in the
way that do not offer much protection for the diamond, and that they tend to
snag clothes and other items which they touch. But they do offer protection for
pointed edges, such as in marquise and heart shaped diamonds, which are
protected at the edges by V-shaped prongs.
We can use the following tips as guidelines for
inspection of prong settings
The diamond should be held smoothly by its setting, and not wobble around.
The prongs should be formed so that the stone can sit at an even height, not
too up or down on any side.
Very thin, flat prongs will eventually break or wear away, putting the stone at
risk.
Hooked prongs, in which the prong end forms an open loop before it touches the
diamond, will slightly open up in time.
Short prongs do not offer enough contact space with the stone and thus do not
hold the diamond safely in place and are more likely to catch on clothing and
other items.
Prongs which are too large in proportion to the stone can overburden it, making
the setting less attractive.
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