Prong setting is the most popular kind of Engagement Ring
amongst all ring or jewellery styles. As the diamond can be
most revealed through prong setting, light can enter the diamond from all angles,
thereby maximizing its optical effect, light reflection and colour scintillation.
In particular, 4 prongs and 6 prongs ring settings are most popular. They do not
only secure the diamond snuggly, but they also enhance the beauty of a diamond’
symmetry.
When you have to make a choice between 4
prongs or 6 prongs, what should be your decision? Would more prongs to a ring
be better and more secure?
The first decision determinant should be,
the size of a diamond, also known as the weight (or carats) of a diamond. If
the weight of diamond is more than 2.50 carats, Bee’s Diamonds suggest to
choose a 6 prongs ring mount that can securely hold up the center diamond.
Diamonds that weigh more than 2.5 carats is comparatively larger than the size
of a typical ring, which render a larger space in between the prongs. And so, the
larger the diamond and the space in between the prongs, the chance of a diamond
being stroke by sharp object at simultaneous angles is higher. In other words,
having 6 prongs ring mount for a large diamond would diminish the space in
between each prong, providing more security for knocking off.
For diamonds that weigh lesser, 4 prongs
ring mount setting is simple and elegant. You can see the diamond very clearly
from top down. Not only that, you can also see a diamond’s pavilion through the
spaces in between the prongs. Of course, if you want the diamond to be securely
mounted, 6 prongs ring mount is also absolutely applicable, keeping in mind
that too many prongs would block light
rays, and sharpness of a diamond will decrease.
The
second consideration will be the kind of metal to use on your ring. The metals
commonly used for making rings and jewellery are 18 Karat Gold (marked as 750),
and Platinum, also known asPT950. 18K Gold is an alloy of 75 percent pure gold
and 25 percent precious metals, e.g. silver, nickel and palladium. With 18 K
Gold, you can utilize either 4 prongs or 6 prongs ring mounts for your mount as
18 K gold is a strong and hard metal that can sustain many years of wear and tear.
In contrast, platinum PT950, which is an alloy of 95% pure platinum and 5%
precious metals, is a metal with higher ductility, which means the metal is
“softer” and it can change shape easily. The diamonds may lose contact with the
prongs after receiving small impact. In other words, the prongs to a ring can
bent easily. If you need to choose
PT950, please choose a ring mount with more prongs, or request to have the
prongs be made into thicker prongs, so to increase protection to the diamond.
Diamond is the world’s hardest substance. However,
ring mounts are not as strong as diamonds. Regardless of 18K Gold or PT950,
they age over time. The prongs will be weakened through regular usage, and the
prongs can easily become loose. It is imperative to have regular checks on your
diamonds ring with your jewellery shop.
