Are four prongs unsafe for a center stone?

[CKinNYC]

Hi folks

A friend of my fiance''s family is a very well-regarded jeweller in South Africa, and we''re talking about him maybe making my engagement ring.

We''ve been in contact via email about what we''d like.

Basically, I''d like a round brilliant, 1.7 - 2 carats (but more likely 1.7!) in a 1.8mm platinum pave-set band, with a very simple four-prong setting (ideally no basket) - a setting just like the Tiffany Novo (but slightly thinner/different shank). Anyhoo, he''s responded that he doesn''t recommend four prong settings - he said this:

"With a large stone I am not really happy with 4 claws " what you refer to as prongs", I prefer with a larger more valuable stone to have 6 claws as if you knock out 2 claws the stone will remain intact, whereas in a 4 claw all you have to do is knock out 1 claw and the stone is gone. I understand that the 4 claw is perhaps a little more appealing to the eye but 6 claws can be made equally as appealing."

So - my question is, has anyone had a problem with their four-prong/claw solitaire? I think that, if Tiffs and so many others make Novo-esque rings, that four prongs should be fine, and the stone should be safe. I really prefer that look to six prongs (but realize that he is the jeweller, not me!).

Thanks for your advice/opinions!!

CK

 

[ohbaby532]

I realize that this is not a professional opinion, however, I am very close to a couple who recently purchased a similar ring to the one you are discussing and after quite a bit of research and discussion with jewelers & a great gemologist, they went with the 6 prong.

 

[Odilia]

You hear opinions on both sides. This has been addressed lots of times on this forum. You see antique rings all the time w/ 4 prongs, and the stone never fell out. I think if you like 4 prongs, get them.

 

[tberube]

I''ve seen both kinds of prongs on large diamonds, without any issues whatsoever. It''s more a matter of preference, I think, than anything else. But I would say that if the jeweler you''re going with isn''t comfortable creating your ring with four prongs, then it''s best to agree with him. Perhaps, for example, his style is very delicate and 6 prongs are that much more sturdy for him to work with.