A Complete Guide to Prong Settings

Dec 30, 2024

Setting is a common technique in jewelry making, and claw setting is the most commonly used one. Excellent claw setting technology can give gemstones more brilliance. If you are interested in learning about claw setting, then you are here. You’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll cover all things prong setting, including its various types, pros and cons, and how to do it. Let’s get started!

What does a prong setting mean?

If you have seen all kinds of diamond rings in shopping malls, you may have a certain concept of claw setting. Look at the picture below and you will understand why it is called claw setting.

Obviously, the diamond on the ring is held in place by four small metal claws. Prong setting is by far the most popular and widely used of all setting techniques. You can find it on rings, necklaces, and various Its application is seen in jewelry.

Why do people like claw settings?

There is a reason why prong settings are so popular. Here are the various advantages of prong settings:

A prong setting holds the gemstone in place with metal prongs, allowing light to enter and refract from multiple angles, maximizing the gemstone’s fire, brilliance and color. This makes the gemstone appear even more brilliant.
This simple and classic design has been popular since the 19th century. From traditional to contemporary jewelry , the simple beauty of the prong setting suits a variety of styles.
Because prong settings obscure the stone minimally, they can make the stone appear larger and more prominent. This is especially important for wedding and engagement rings.
It can be flexibly applied to various cut gemstones such as round, princess, oval, pear, etc. to meet various design needs.
with other setting techniques , the open design of the claw setting makes it difficult for dirt and oil to accumulate around the gemstone, making it easier to clean and maintain.
The manufacturing process of claw setting is relatively simple, so it may have more cost advantages.

How are prong settings made?

The process of making claw setting is not complicated, but it does not mean that everyone can do it. It requires professional tools and experience.

First you need to prepare the pre-made prong setting. These settings are open and have the prongs already welded on, with all the prongs pointing vertically upward. Place the gemstone between the prongs and then use a special tool like prong setting pliers to bend the prongs towards the gemstone to hold it in place. Bend all the prongs this way and secure the gemstone so it cannot move. If there is any excess metal, it will need to be trimmed and polished to ensure a perfect fit and security.

It sounds simple, right? But in fact, it involves a lot of skills and you have to be accurate. It is a process that requires precision.

Are prong settings safe?

I understand why many people would ask this question. Using a few flimsy prongs to hold a precious gem in place is worrisome. I have to say that prong settings, compared to more secure settings like bezel settings, do have the risk of loosening. But as long as they are well made and properly cared for, prong settings are still a safe and reliable setting. To avoid accidents, you can return to your jeweler regularly to check the jewelry to make sure it is still secure.

Which prong setting is better?

Generally speaking, the more prongs that hold a gem in place, the more secure the gem will be. Most rings have four prongs, which is sufficient for average-sized diamonds and gemstones. Unless the gemstone is very large and requires more prongs, more prongs will cover the gemstone more, which will reduce its sparkle .

Different Prong Setting Types

Claw prong setting : The claws are very thin and sharp, which looks very simple and clean.

Button prong setting : Its claws are small, round and cute like buttons. When viewed from above, these claws look like several dots, with the gemstone being the real center.

V-shaped prong setting : V-shaped prong is also called block prong or corner prong. This can protect the sharp corners of gemstones in pear, princess and marquise shapes. In addition to fixing, this prong setting also greatly reduces the risk of gemstones breaking.

Different numbers and arrangements of claws

Standard Four Prongs : This is the most popular choice overall, and it strikes the perfect balance between securing the gemstone and showing off its brilliance. It also showcases the gemstone better than six prongs.

Standard Six-Prong Setting : For larger gemstones, a six-prong setting provides extra security, making the gemstone more secure and ideal for long-term wear.

Double Prong : This is essentially also a four-prong claw, but it is different from the standard four-prong claw. It is a group of two claws, which looks more designed.

Compass Four Prong : Compared to the standard four-prong model, it adjusts the direction of the prongs to make it look like a compass. This small adjustment will directly create a unique look.

Rotated Six Prong : Not much of a change from the standard six-prong, but the arrangement of the prongs is changed to give a new and stylish style.

Final Thoughts

There are many advantages of claw setting for gemstones. Whether it is the display of gemstones or the design of styles, it leaves a lot of room for choice for consumers and designers. Prong setting can fix gemstones of different sizes and shapes very well, so it is not surprising that claw setting has become popular.