4 or 6 prong?

[finchuck]

I was wondering if going to a 6 prong setting instead of a 4 has any benefits other than security? Does it make the stone look any bigger? I''ve heard that a round brilliant in a 6 prong looks bigger than the same RB in a 4 prong.

 

[canadiangrrl]

If you run an archive search, you'll discover a few threads debating/discussing this very topic.

6 prongs should, in theory, be more secure. If you have 4, and you loosen or break one, you only have 3 remaining to protect & hold the stone. As for the visuals, it's entirely subjective. I chose 6 because I think they make an RB look round, like they're supposed to. But 4 looks nice too. I think 6 prongs make the diamond look bigger - some would say that 4 prongs show more of the diamond...you say tomayto, I say tomahto...

Whatever you decide, I'd strongly recommend getting your prongs done in platinum, even if the rest of the ring is yellow or white gold, for added strength.

 

[Mara]

I think it mostly depends on the size of your stone. If it's under 1c, I wouldn't do a 6 prong, it makes the stone look smaller by covering more of the stone. I am a 4 prong fan though, I would always go 4 prong, even on something like a 3c.

Sometimes it just is personal preference too! Take a look at some pictures and see what tickles your fancy. Good luck!

 

[barry]

Depends. If you're going with Platinum which is a sturdier metal, go with 4 prongs. Gold, go with 6 prongs.

Your other consideration should be that with 4 prongs you are making
more surface area of the diamond visible which is the objective of any setting; compliment the diamond, don't overwhelm it.

Barry
www.superbcert.com

 

[stephcola]

I have a 3 ct. and I have 4 prongs. I have a very solid, well made setting and my diamond is very secure in the ring. I love the way the 4 prong looks. I was never a fan of the 6 prong. Before I had the platinum setting, my stone was set in a 4 prong 18 ct. yellow gold setting. The four prongs were I assume white gold and the stone was very secure. I think on a smaller stone, the 6 prong would perhaps make the ring look bigger. The larger the stone, the more of it I like to see!!!.




I guess it is a personal choice. Whatever you do, make sure your setting and prongs a solid and well made . I tried on a 3 ct in a thinner setting and felt like the ring was going to fall apart! Just my 2cents!

 

[BigB8405]

It depends on the size of the stone, and how sure you are about not being careless with the ring. If you buy a 4 prong and one of the prongs breaks off, bye bye diamond. I, however, am a fan of the less common 8 prong setting. It's like a 4 prong, but double pronged on each side, giving the look of a 4 prong, but with added security. Plus, it makes the stone look even bigger(always a plus

). If you look closely at my icon, you can kind of get the idea. It's more of a personal choice than anything.

 

[fire&ice]

I'm a four prong fan. I like to see more of the diamond. Also, if you rotate the prongs North, S,E & W the stone will appear less square.

At the end of the day, it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[Roxy]

I too am a big fan of 8 prongs, but I thought that it tended to "square" off a round diamond, so I was looking into 6 prongs instead.

F&I: I'd never thought of rotating the prongs to decrease the square appearance. What a neat idea. Have you actually seen a diamond set like that? Are there any websites that you've come across that have pics? I wonder if that would work with 8 prongs - I really like that look!!

 

[NY SPARKLE]

It's a matter of personal preference. I like the split prong look, but that is because I am a fan of antique settings. Look around at different prong settings and choose the one you love. If the ring is set properly you should not have a problem with 4 prongs.