6-prongs setting vs. 4-prongs

[jechow]

Hello

Is a diamond held more securely in a 6-prong setting than a 4-prong setting? I would think that if one of the prongs was damaged then there is a greater chance of you losing your diamond if the setting only has 4-prongs.

If I purchased my diamond from an online retailer, I cannot send it back to the retailer for a peroidic inspection of the prongs. How much should I expect to pay a retailer to perform an annual inspection?

Thanks

 

[Patty]

I think most people would agree that a six prong setting is more secure than a four prong setting.

As for how much to pay a jeweler to check your ring, I'm not sure how much they would charge if you didn't buy the ring there. I would think that some may do it for no charge even if you didn't buy it there but maybe not. It probably would depend on whether or not you already have a relationship with that jeweler...like if you've bought other items there.

Are you sure that you can't send it back to the vendor to have it checked once every year? I just bought a ring and I'm thinking I will probably send it back every now and then to have it checked and cleaned and the rhodium plating re-done if necessary.

 

[valeria101]

Annual inspection... why?

If the stone does not jiggle in the setting and the prongs are straight (both you can tell better than anyone), why do that? Sometimes jewelers offer such courtesy service while I am browsing merchandise (usually some set of gems

) and I did not see them use any particularly sophisticated technique to check on rings - just fingers and common sense.

This "free post-sale servcie" seems to be part of jewelry marketing language, but I am VERY unsure what's the value of it anyway.

Paying for repairs depends on the job, but "preventive ring check-ups"

?

 

[Hest88]

6-prong is more secure, since if one breaks you still have 5 holding the stone, but personally I love the 4-prong look ever to go with a 6-prong.

I also don't know any jeweler who won't inspect and clean your ring for free if you just ask nicely enough.

 

[roshita]

Yes, six prongs is more secure than four. It will also depend on whether the prongs are made of gold or platinum. Gold may go through metal fatigue and the tips may break off. On a six prong head you will have to break off three prongs on the same side before you lose your diamond. In a platinum head it generally will not break off but slowly wear out. In the long term it is more secure. Self inspection will show whether your stone is still secure. Look to see that the prongs are covering the stone, are straight and the diamond is not loose within the head. If you inspect it periodically you will know when it is time to see a jeweler.

 

[PlatinumDiamond]

I like the look of a 6 prong setting over a 4 prong. Thing though is more of the diamond is covered because of the two added prongs. Some may see 6 prongs as a deterent for that reason. I think it adds stye to the setting, myself.

 

[DavidEmslie]

six is more secure yes, also protects the stone better.

As a jeweler when ever people have asked I check stones for free of course, it takes like 10 seconds,
Any place that says you need an anual check up is full of it, they are just trying to sell you more goods, or trying to convince you that you need to replace heads/charge you extra fees ect. I would not advize buying from a place that "makes" you do this. Anyone who is reputable will examine and do "check ups" and even sometimes a good cleaning and polishing if needed at no charge.