Engagement Ring Prong Styles: A Complete Guide
by Manish on Jul 24 2025
Different types of engagement ring prongs are created to show off the diamond's sparkle or offer additional protection. If you're looking for something striking and secure or a minimalist and delicate, knowing the various kinds of ring prongs is vital when selecting or modifying your engagement ring.
At Nature Sparkle, we offer well-crafted, genuine and lab-grown diamond rings that feature top-quality prong settings to match your style and lifestyle. In this article, we'll go over the essential information you need about ring prongs in order to select the best one for your specific design.
Prongs for rings are tiny arms of metal that extend from the setting of the ring to hold the diamond and hold it in place. They lift the diamond up above the band and allow light to flow through the stone, ensuring maximum sparkle. Most prong-sets come with six or four prongs, depending on the shape of the diamond, the carat weight and your personal preferences.
The decision between the six or four prongs is based on your preferences, lifestyle, the diamond's shape and overall appearance.
There are many designs of engagement ring prongs to think about. Each one enhances various elements of your ring, such as the security, style or even shape.
Slim and pointed, claw prongs gently cross the diamond's edges as tiny talons. Their fine tips provide an elegant look, but do not compromise on security. They are particularly attractive on marquise, oval or round stones.
The prongs are rounded with soft bulbous tips that hold the diamond with no sharp angles. They're a classic and traditional option that is often utilized for solitaire settings.
V prongs are shaped like a V to guard the sharp edges of diamonds that are fancy cut, such as Marquise, Princess or Pear. This design of a ring prong is as practical as it is attractive.
With two prongs that are slimmer for each point instead of just one, this design adds durability and an old-fashioned look. Double prongs are particularly suitable for larger or longer diamonds.
Flat and square in form, tab prongs provide an aesthetically pleasing and modern design. The wider surface helps to keep the diamond in place, with no scratching.
To determine the best prong size, you should consider:
Platinum is a top choice for ring prongs due to its strength and resistance to bending. However, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are also excellent options. For diamonds with lower colour grades, yellow or rose gold prongs can help enhance the diamond’s warmth, while white metals may highlight cooler tones.
To maintain consistency, match the prong metal to your ring band colour for a cohesive design.
Certain designs of engagement ring prongs are more suitable for certain diamond shapes:
When choosing or creating the ring you will wear for your wedding, do not overlook the importance of setting prongs. The best prong designs for your engagement ring will not only safeguard your diamond, but will also increase the beauty of your diamond.
Here at Nature Sparkle, we offer handmade settings made from only the highest-quality materials. This is perfect for personalizing your wedding ring to reflect your individual love story. Explore our lab-grown and natural diamond rings to determine your perfect style and setting today.
At Nature Sparkle, we offer well-crafted, genuine and lab-grown diamond rings that feature top-quality prong settings to match your style and lifestyle. In this article, we'll go over the essential information you need about ring prongs in order to select the best one for your specific design.
What Are Ring Prongs?
Prongs for rings are tiny arms of metal that extend from the setting of the ring to hold the diamond and hold it in place. They lift the diamond up above the band and allow light to flow through the stone, ensuring maximum sparkle. Most prong-sets come with six or four prongs, depending on the shape of the diamond, the carat weight and your personal preferences.
Six-prong setting: The Métis 2.5 CT Round
Pros and Cons of Prong Settings
Pros
- Enhanced sparkle: Prongs reveal greater areas of the diamond's face, which allows more light to pass through and reflect.
- Simple and elegant: In the absence of any metal, diamonds remain the centre of attention.
- Clean and easy to maintain: The open design makes at-home maintenance easier.
- Cost-effective: Prong styles typically need less steel than styles like bezels or halos.
- Very customizable: Several different ring prong types are available to create an individual look.
Cons
- Increased exposure: The diamond is more vulnerable to knocks and scratches.
- Regular maintenance is required: With time, the prongs will get loose, and they should be examined by a jeweler on a regular basis.
4 Prong vs. 6 Prong Settings
The decision between the six or four prongs is based on your preferences, lifestyle, the diamond's shape and overall appearance.
4 Prong Settings
-
Pros:
- The diamond's minimal coverage allows it to shine.
- Great for square shapes like Princess as well as Radiant cuts.
- It is easier to wash.
- Makes smaller diamonds appear larger.
-
Cons:
- Less safe for those with high-impact lifestyles.
- If a prong fails, there's a higher chance the diamond may fall out.
6 Prong Settings
-
Pros:
- More security for diamonds.
- Ideal for rounder diamonds such as Round Brilliant and Cushion cuts.
- Provides peace of mind to those who wear active clothing.
-
Cons:
- A little more coverage of metal.
- More difficult to wash.
Four-prong setting: The Anna 3 CT Oval
Common Engagement Ring Prong Styles
There are many designs of engagement ring prongs to think about. Each one enhances various elements of your ring, such as the security, style or even shape.
Claw Prongs
Slim and pointed, claw prongs gently cross the diamond's edges as tiny talons. Their fine tips provide an elegant look, but do not compromise on security. They are particularly attractive on marquise, oval or round stones.
Rounded Prongs
The prongs are rounded with soft bulbous tips that hold the diamond with no sharp angles. They're a classic and traditional option that is often utilized for solitaire settings.
V Prongs
V prongs are shaped like a V to guard the sharp edges of diamonds that are fancy cut, such as Marquise, Princess or Pear. This design of a ring prong is as practical as it is attractive.
Double Prongs
With two prongs that are slimmer for each point instead of just one, this design adds durability and an old-fashioned look. Double prongs are particularly suitable for larger or longer diamonds.
Tab Prongs
Flat and square in form, tab prongs provide an aesthetically pleasing and modern design. The wider surface helps to keep the diamond in place, with no scratching.
Double prongs: The Alessa 2 CT Oval
How to Choose the Right Prong Setting
To determine the best prong size, you should consider:
- Dimensions and shape of diamond: Diamonds that are round are usually best viewed with six prongs. Square or elongated designs work best with four prongs.
- Lifestyle: If you’re active or involved more in hands-on activities in your daily life, then choose a secure setting like six prongs or double prongs.
- An aesthetic choice: Choose if you want the prongs to be prominent (tab or double) or disappear (claw or round).
Best Metals for Ring Prongs
Platinum is a top choice for ring prongs due to its strength and resistance to bending. However, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are also excellent options. For diamonds with lower colour grades, yellow or rose gold prongs can help enhance the diamond’s warmth, while white metals may highlight cooler tones.
To maintain consistency, match the prong metal to your ring band colour for a cohesive design.
Matching Prong Styles With Diamond Shapes
Certain designs of engagement ring prongs are more suitable for certain diamond shapes:
4 Prong Settings Are Ideal For:
- Princess cut
- Radiant cut
- Asscher cut
- Oval cut
- Emerald cut
6 Prong Settings Are Best For:
- Round Brilliant
- Marquise
- Cushion
- Hexagon
Conclusion
When choosing or creating the ring you will wear for your wedding, do not overlook the importance of setting prongs. The best prong designs for your engagement ring will not only safeguard your diamond, but will also increase the beauty of your diamond.
Here at Nature Sparkle, we offer handmade settings made from only the highest-quality materials. This is perfect for personalizing your wedding ring to reflect your individual love story. Explore our lab-grown and natural diamond rings to determine your perfect style and setting today.
