Prong Wear

When prongs become thin or are missing, there is a risk that a stone may fall out. Worn flat prongs are more likely to get caught and break off and they need to be fixed. It is less expensive to tip a worn prong than to replace a missing one. If there is movement in the stone or the prong is bent, the prong or setting will also need to be checked. Bezel and channel settings can also become thin and may need work.

Common Prongs and Settings

Round Prong The pictures above are of a round prong. They are rounded at the tip and they are the most common style in jewelry. The smaller prong shows more of the diamond or gemstone. There are usually four or six prongs in the rounded style with six prongs offering more security than four. Some prong variations are more pointed and some are flatter. Earrings often have three or four prongs.

V-Prongs V-prongs are a good way to protect pointed stones. These prongs are longer and go around the corners of a stone to protect the corner from chipping. They are ideal for pear, marquise, and heart-shaped.

Shared Prongs Shared prongs are a style that costs less and allows the use of a prong to secure both a stone and the stone next to it. More stones can be used in the same space. If a prong is damaged, then you risk losing more than one stone.

Channel Settings A channel setting is a mounting style where the gemstones are placed in a channel formed by two metal strips. The stones create a row and can run a portion or the length of the ring’s band. Most channel set rings feature a thin lip that extends very slightly over the edge of the stones to secure them.

Bezel Settings The bezel setting surrounds a stone with a strip of metal to protect the entire edge. A bezel setting is secure and can protect a stone, but the stone won’t be as luminous because it limits light from entering it.