4 Prongs vs 6 Prongs: Which is the Best for Your Gemstone? - DIY Jewelry (2024)

FAQs

4 Prongs vs 6 Prongs: Which is the Best for Your Gemstone? - DIY Jewelry? ›

Six Prongs Setting

With a 6 prong setting, the immediate benefit is a more secure setting. If a prong were to break in a 6 prong setting, it's very unlikely that the stone would fall out because the other five are holding it in place.

These factors determine which prong setting will create your preferred look and provide the right security. 4-prong settings are generally best for diamonds under 1-carat while 6-prong settings are preferred for diamonds above 2 carats.

CLAW PRONG VS ROUND PRONG SETTING

A claw setting cover less of the diamond with their tapered ends and they're more secure as they reach farther onto the diamond. Round prongs have a more feminine vibe, work great with fancy shaped diamonds, and are less prone to snagging than claw prongs.

A six-prong setting is particularly well suited to large diamonds as the extra prongs provide greater protection against damage to the girdle, and an extra measure of security reducing the risk of losing the feature diamond.

A 6-prong setting can make a round diamond appear slightly larger from a distance due to the hexagonal shape formed by the prongs. However, this effect may be less noticeable with fancy-shaped diamonds. The size of the diamond itself is the main factor determining how big it will look.

4-prong settings are the most common choice for diamond engagement rings, as they allow more light to pass through the diamond and enhance its sparkle and brilliance. With only four prongs holding the diamond in place, more of the diamond is exposed, making it look larger and more prominent on the finger.

Round brilliant cut diamonds have the most sparkle among all shapes of diamonds. Round brilliant diamonds have 58 facets including the culet. This allows light to enter the diamond and reflect from every facet, thus, creating a beautiful sparkle.

We all know diamonds are expensive. But all the different shapes and styles can also be overwhelming. There are so many different types of diamond cuts and each has its unique qualities and price points. By and large, the single most expensive diamond cut is the round brilliant cut diamond.

Is 6 prong more expensive? ›

The first thing to consider is your budget. A 6 prong setting will typically cost more than a 4 prong setting. This is because the setting itself is more delicate and intricate. If money is no object, then choose the setting that you like best.

Six prongs hold a diamond more securely in place. If a prong is accidentally sheared off in a four-prong setting, the center stone can easily fall out (and get lost). If a prong breaks in a six-prong setting, chances are the center stone will remain firmly in place.

Another popular style of the claw prong is the double claw prong setting, which gracefully secures your diamond with an extra set of prongs. Double prongs don't necessarily provide more protection for your diamond; it's more of an aesthetic choice.

It is not the number of prongs that counts but the quality of the setting: it is better to have three prongs of good quality than four of bad quality. The selection of a model and the number of prongs is above all an aesthetic choice.