What is the perfect setting for a secure diamond? This is a common question among diamond ring shoppers. In all actuality, their question is whether to use four prongs or six to mount their center diamond with. The obvious thought is that six prongs are more secure. While this is true, six prongs hinder the look and appeal of some diamonds which makes for a not so perfect setting.

The answer is not as cut and dry as some would think. Another reason for this is because there are both positives and negatives that come with each type of setting. Furthermore, it will greatly depend on the size and cut of the diamond, and lifestyle of the person wearing it.

Size of the Diamond

A six prong setting takes away some of the sparkle and shine from smaller diamonds. With two extra prongs covering more of the diamond, less light can shine through which lessens the sparkle. However, with bigger diamonds, a six prong setting doesn’t take as much away. In fact, six prongs help to keep a huge diamond from looking gaudy and disproportionate.

Structurally Sound

As I said previously, if you’re strictly talking security for the diamond then typically six prongs are better than four. You have five backup prongs in case one breaks. If you happen to break a prong on a four prong setting you risk losing your diamond.

Cut of the Diamond

Just as four equal sides make a square, four prongs do also. The four prong setting will give a rounded diamond a square appearance. On the contrary, six prongs accentuate the curvature. For square cut diamonds the former setting seems more appropriate than the latter in both security and design.

Lifestyle

If you’re an active person whose hands are often exposed to various “diamond ring endangering elements” a six prong setting is ideal. With the extra prongs there is a better chance of not hitting the stone when the ring comes in contact with materials that are capable of chipping diamonds.

In closing, I would say that perfection of a setting for a secure diamond is in the eye of the beholder.

The White Gold Prongs Over Her Center Diamond Go Invisible Because They are White.

When you’re walking down the street checking out the diamond sparkle on engaged and married hands you may notice the invisibility factor of white metal prongs.

Many of those sparkly diamonds seem to float in their settings. Using white metal for prongs highlights your diamond as they are both white and you don’t notice the white metal, just the white diamond.

In fact the white gold or platinum setting makes your diamond look larger.

When you set your diamond in yellow gold, the yellow metal can seem to impart a slightly yellowish look to your diamond, even if it’s just imaginary. Also the look of the yellow metal on the white diamond looks more noticeable and can make your diamond appear smaller.

Another thing to consider is strength. Both white gold and platinum are considered hardier than regular yellow gold for prong settings. The alloy metals in white gold are stronger than the alloys used in yellow gold.

Is Your Prong Choice Made for Daily Wear?

An issue that may not be on your radar when choosing between four and six prongs is that not all prong settings are built daily wear tough.

Be sure your chosen ring’s prong settings are made with strength and thickness and quality before you trust your precious diamond to it.

For more in-depth information on how to determine what you need for daily wear toughness please read my blog post: Wedding Jewelry vs Occasional Jewelry – Four Pillars of a Daily Wear Ring.

Your Own Vigilance is Your Best Insurance – Check Your Prongs Regularly

At least once a year, have all your prongs checked by a professional jeweler not a jewelry sales person. He or she will check for wear and tear and let you know if any of your prongs should be replaced.

Two Women Talking about a Ring

Calla Explaining How to Use a Loupe to Lisa.

This doesn’t, however, absolve you from checking your ring yourself.

You could knock your ring on the car door and break off a prong the day after getting it back from your jeweler. Prongs can break whether they’re old…or new.

For a lesson on how to inspect your own ring check out this blog post: How to Use a Jeweler’s Loupe

Seven Things to Look For When Inspecting Your Prongs

1. Can you hold it up to your ear and hear it jiggling around in its setting?

2. Can you see any space between the edge of your diamond and its setting?

3. Are little hairs and lint constantly catching on one particular prong?

4. Do the prongs look a little flattened?

5.  Are any of them bent to one side a little?

6. Can you detect any movement of your diamond by tapping it gently with your fingernail?

7. Can you see any cracks, especially around the base of the prongs?

If you think one or more of your prongs aren’t perfect, see a professional jeweler like me! Immediately!