Claw Prong Question

[rockscissorpaper]

Hello!

I apologize if this is an uninformed question, but I have spending a lot of time thinking about rings and settings. At this point, I will likely go custom, but know it can be expensive, so I have been scouring several sites looking for settings that are close to what I want, and are well made. My question is this: I LOVE claw prongs! But I haven''t really seen them on stock settings. Are they typically only used on custom pieces? It would make sense that a semi-mount couldn''t really have claw prongs without a pre-set diamond.

FWIW I''m thinking about 2 styles. The first is an east/west oval with a thin pave band and 4 double-claw prongs, the other is a cushion with tapered baguettes.

I would love to contact Leon once I have settled on the overall design, but my budget may direct me towards Mark at ERD instead (I live in Manhattan).

Thanks for any help!

 

[Maisie]

I would think an experienced benchman would be able to make claw prongs for you.

 

[purrfectpear]

A lot of people "think" that, but personally I can tell the difference between BGD, WF, and any other PS bench, and Leon claws. They come close, but lack the refinement and delicacy of Art of Platinum.

 

[Maisie]

I suppose if you can''t afford a Leon ring then you have to look at other benchmen though.

 

[rockscissorpaper]

I totally agree! I have not seen anything that has blown me away quite like Leon''s work. Hopefully I''ll be able to use him for my setting, but am trying to find other good options if budget does not allow it.

I have seen some pretty things on the ERD website (particularly, the "Belinda" as a setting for the E/W oval), which might be a good option.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

A good benchmen can modify a setting to have claw prongs. Ask to see examples of their previous claw prong work though. Some are great, some are kind of clunky and lopsided

 

[tbradshaw]

Marek Ostasz from Ostasz Studio makes great claw prongs. I suggest you check out his website and/or give him a call. I believe his prices are slightly lower than Leon Mege, and his turn-around time seems quicker. He is making my claw-prong engagement ring now.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/15/2010 10:02:10 AM
Author: purrfectpear
A lot of people ''think'' that, but personally I can tell the difference between BGD, WF, and any other PS bench, and Leon claws. They come close, but lack the refinement and delicacy of Art of Platinum.

Yes I agree with this.

But I will add that in person, the prongs are so small that you can''t really see the details much anyways

I got claw prongs from BGD, they look smashing in photos but in person, they are so tiny you cannot tell them from other delicate prongs.