Thinking about the practical aspects of buying engagement rings may not be romantic but it is essential in protecting your investment. Since engagement rings are worn all the time they need to be well made and the diamonds securely anchored in the setting to avoid losing a diamond or damaging the ring.
Settings on engagement rings can also be called mountings, and they are the visible or invisible ways that he diamond is held onto the ring. In some cases and ring designs the setting is actually part of the ring’s beauty while in other cases the settings are as small as possible and not really noticeable.
One of the most common types of rings settings found on most types and styles of engagement rings are the prong settings. A prong setting is most commonly seen with larger stones, especially on solitaire rings or rings that feature groupings of larger stones in some pattern or shape across the ring band. Prong settings are literally metal hook-like spindles or prongs that clamp over the surface of the diamond and attach to the band. They hold the stone in place and prevent the stone from dislodging.
Prong settings will vary in number on engagement rings based on the size and shape of the diamond. On square or rectangular shapes there will be at least one prong on each corner and sometimes one prong along each edge. This again will vary on the size of the diamond.
Shaped diamonds such as hearts, pear shapes or marquis diamonds will have evenly distributed prongs on the ends and sides. Typically most engagement rings will have four to six prongs for each diamond.
While the prongs have to be sturdy enough to secure the diamond they aren’t heavy, thick or bulky. Prongs need to be able to allow light to enter into the diamonds on engagement rings to allow the stone to really shine. One way that prongs are kept small is to have them form a basket that the diamond sits in, providing maximum support all the way around.
The jeweler creating these types of raised engagement rings has to balance securing the diamond with providing light sources for the stone. While individual prongs are usually rounded on top, square corners and points on a diamond can be secured by a v-shaped prong that provides maximum support for the diamond.
Prongs can wear or become loose over time so routine, yearly inspection of engagement rings is highly recommended. A jeweler can easily repair the prongs that are damaged, preventing the risk of loosing the diamonds from damaged engagement rings.