Prong

[icelovr]

Hello everyone -
I am considering a single prong setting for my ring - I have some questions for the experts out there -

1) are they safe? - being there is only one prong on either side of each diamond will they still safely hold the stone?

2) what is the largest size stone in the band you would rec.? - I have seen them w/ 10 pointers - I''m thinking about .15''s - too obnoxious?

3) Who makes such a ring w/ a center mount? - I have seen it in a wedding band style without a center stone - but never one with a center - suggestions?

4) Should I do one band of .10''s/.15''s or two?

5) One dealer told me the HCA isn''t "accepted" by professionals - and not to worry too much about the results - selling tactic or truth?

any help would be appreciated -
Kristi

 

[pqcollectibles]

You can have a ring custom made. Several are named in the "Show Me The Ring" portion of the Forum. Also, TradeShop does custom design work.

The size of the accents will depend on the size of the center set stone. You don't want to over power the center set with accents that are too large. You might have to compare 10 and 15 pointers against your center set to see which you really prefer.

The only major jewelery problem I personally have had was with 2 prong set accent stones in 14K gold. One of the prongs broke after 5 years of daily wear and I lost a 10 point diamond. The diamond was easily matched, replaced, and the prong repaired. I had a 6 prong head on a center set stone with weak prongs that kept bending out of place. I had them straightened a few times before I finally gave up and had the head replaced. Fortunately, I did not loose that stone! Regular, professional inspections and good care are key to keeping gemstones safe in any style of setting.

The HCA on this site is a tool to use to screen diamonds during the purchase process. It gives the buyer a good idea of what to expect in the way of performance. Try getting crown and pavilion angles on diamonds you have seen in person and plug the info into the HCA. See how the scores compare to what you saw with your own eyes. My personal experience was similar to yours. Jewelers haven't heard of the HCA or want to trash it, but it really is a useful tool for diamond buyers.