Should I mount a cushion using a four prong head?

[lsudu2]

Should I have a 1.51c cushion cut diamond mounted using a simple four prong head, or should I use a four prong claw head? The jeweler seemed to think the claw would be more secure, but frankly, I didn''t like the claw. He said the proportions of a cushion cut make it succeptible to move in the mount and that a four prong head would cause problems. Any input on this subject?

 

[stone-cold11]

Get a second opinion? Do you own the stone or is it the jeweler''s?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/11/2009 9:32:19 AM
Author:lsudu2
Should I have a 1.51c cushion cut diamond mounted using a simple four prong head, or should I use a four prong claw head? The jeweler seemed to think the claw would be more secure, but frankly, I didn''t like the claw. He said the proportions of a cushion cut make it succeptible to move in the mount and that a four prong head would cause problems. Any input on this subject?

Do you mean either single 4 prong or double split prongs?

 

[tallchickbarbara]

Date: 11/11/2009 9:32:19 AM
Author:lsudu2
Should I have a 1.51c cushion cut diamond mounted using a simple four prong head, or should I use a four prong claw head? The jeweler seemed to think the claw would be more secure, but frankly, I didn''t like the claw. He said the proportions of a cushion cut make it succeptible to move in the mount and that a four prong head would cause problems. Any input on this subject?

Hi Lsudu2,

a few questions...

- What is the girdle width on the Cushion?
- What metal is the ring/head you''ll be purchasing?

If the girdle isn''t overly thick or the pavilion isn''t overly deep, then I don''t see a reason you would have issues using a heavy weight standard four prong head. The claw prong (or, split prong) is mostly used for appearance and less for security. A Cushion Cut''s proportions make it no more or less susceptible to looseness than any other shape, at least, not that I''m aware of, unless the girdle is very or extremely thick, which could potentially cause some trickiness when trying to wrap that prong around it.

 

[arjunajane]

Actually, I was recently told the same thing as Isudu by two different custom jewellers - *however* I am setting a cushion sapphire, not a diamond.

I was also advised that with single prong head it is possible the cushion will move in its seat, and split claw prongs would be better to prevent this.

In the end, we are still going with single claw and the jeweller is comfortable with this, but they won''t be extremely delicate single claw prongs. As Barbara mentioned, a lil heavier to compensate..

Isudu, it seems as long as your jeweller knows what they are doing you should be ok with either (unless your stone has some unique proportions we don''t know of).
Choose what you like better aesthetically, with the guidance of your jeweller.
4 prong settings should be checked quite regularly for security with any shape really.