How do prongs work?

[isis~goddess]

I had something set a little while ago and I asked for the prongs to be shaped like tears drops, they didn''t do it. I didn''t even ask why, I just took the ring. Anyway, I was told by the maker that the setter would do the prongs pointed if I asked, and the shape of the prongs is not something the maker of the setting deals with, they just come standard. Now I"m thinking of buying a setting online, and I want to actually know for sure, is the shape of the prong up to the person who sets the stone, or do I need to buy a certain setting that has prongs that are going to be the shape I want in advance? Sorry, I''m totally clueless about prongs, I just know I want delicate looking prongs this time around and I don''t want to screw it up. I would go into a jewlery store and ask, but I"m telling you, I get so many conflicting answers in BM stores that it isn''t even funny. I just dont know now who to believe, and I don''t think everyone is always trained all that well in those places!!

 

[Kaleigh]

Going forward make sure they know exactly how you want the prongs. I think emailing pics would be best. That way whoever you are working with will be on the same page. You know that saying a pic is worth a thousand words....

 

[Ellen]

I agree with Kaleigh, pics work great.

It sounds like maybe you want claw prongs? Do they look like this? If so, tell them that''s what you want, and send a pic.

 

[oldminer]

It takes extra care and better than average communication to describe the sort of prong tip shape you want to a diamond setter. Many setters speak another language as their primary one, so English to them is often a challenge. A good picture or drawing amy be far more useful in communication. One also has to be aware that mopst consumers have no concept of the shape they would want for prong tips. A careless jeweler may nod in agreement and fail to communicate it to the setter, or even ignore or forget your desires even if they do the job themselves.

Make sure you have communicated the design with either initials on a photo or drawing or a signed confirmation on a well written description. Verbal contracts often lead to problems which could have other wise been avoided. It isn''t a matter of trust, or an insult and should not be taken that way. It is a clear way of communicating what your side of the deal must be.

 

[isis~goddess]

thank you. i DID show the person at the counter a picture and she DID write the directions on the repair ticket. so maybe someone didn''t take the time to read it? can they be reshaped now that they are on, or should i just forget it? i guess i should go somewhere else next time! also, can the prongs on any semimount be shaped in that claw like fashion, or does the semi mount have to be already made a certain way for that to happen? thanks!