Prong Style Guide
Choosing the right prong style is a subtle yet impactful way to make your engagement ring truly yours. Beyond securing your gemstone, prongs contribute to the overall aesthetic of your ring.
Our in-house jewelers carefully shape every prong by hand, striking the perfect balance between dainty and durable— ensuring your ring will last for years to come. You can request your preferred prong style on any of our rings, typically at no additional cost.
Claw Prongs
A timeless choice, the classic claw prong tapers to a fine point, securing the gemstone while maintaining a refined look.
Petite Claw Prongs
A smaller, more delicate version of the classic claw, the petite claw prong offers a daintier appearance, perfect for those who love a barely-there prong look. It is especially popular for smaller stones or for those seeking a minimalist aesthetic.
Round Prongs
For a softer, more traditional look, round prongs provide gentle curves rather than pointed edges. This style is ideal for those who want a vintage-inspired or more subtle prong presence without sharp angles.
Tab Prongs
Tab prongs offer a sleek, modern aesthetic with flatter, wider prongs to hold the gemstone securely. This style is often preferred for those who love clean lines and contemporary designs.
Leaf-Engraved Prongs
Inspired by nature, leaf prongs mimic the shape and detail of—you guessed it—leaves! This organic style perfectly complements nature-inspired ring settings.
Unique Prongs
You are not limited to the styles above when it comes to prong design. We offer unique styles on our website, including the Siobhan ring pictured here.
Bezel
A bezel setting is a sleek and secure alternative to traditional prongs, encircling the gem with a thin metal rim. You can choose a full bezel, which surrounds the entire gem, or a semi-bezel which leaves some of the gem’s edge exposed.
Design Elements
Number of Prongs
The number of prongs can be adjusted based on the size and shape of your center gem. Round gems traditionally have four prongs, but opting for six adds extra visual detail and security. Six prongs are a better choice for larger gems— over two carats—because it can overwhelm smaller gems.
Double Prongs
Double prongs provide added security while enhancing the ring’s design. Most of our ring styles can be customized with double round or claw prongs.
Orientation
Prong orientation is another way to personalize your design. Standard orientation follows the natural shape of the gemstone, relying on symmetry for placement. Cardinal orientation, on the other hand, positions the prongs at the North, South, East, and West points of the gem.