Prong or Claw Ring Setting: A Timeless Classic
Elevate your style with a claw or prong set ring
Prong Ring Setting: A Timeless Classic
The anatomy of an engagement ring typically consists of a ‘head’ of the ring. This is where design elements are combined to hold a centre gemstone or diamond in place. This includes the ring collet, or basket, which is the circular basket or rim in which the centre stone is set and the engagement ring setting style. This could be a bezel or a half bezel setting, a halo setting, a bypass setting, a cast-set setting or a claw or prong setting.
Claws or prongs are wrapped over the centre diamond to secure it in place and this is what’s known as a prong or claw ring setting–’prong’ most prominently in the US and ‘claw’ most prominently in the UK.
Prong or claw ring setting popularity
Prongs and claws are timeless. Since the early days of jewellery craftsmanship, metal has been used to secure stones in place and when you think of the iconic solitaire engagement ring style, you’ll always think of the classic four or six claw/prong setting. This setting style can accommodate a range of stone shapes and sizes while positioning the stone on centre stage.
What is a Prong or Claw Ring Setting?
A prong or claw ring setting is perhaps the most iconic engagement ring style–seen on the billboards and screens of early jewellery advertising back in the mid-twentieth century. This setting style features metal claws or prongs that hold the diamond or precious coloured gemstone in place, ready to be showcased on centre stage. The prongs or claws can be adjusted to fit the diamond shape and size of the stone, creating a secure setting that showcases the stone’s brilliance.
Our most sought after prong designs
What type of prong settings are there?
Our rings are crafted in either platinum or 18ct gold, which comes in three tones: yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. The claws or prongs are usually small metal fixings that are wrapped around the gemstones. Claws come in single or double settings and most diamond shapes can be set with either four, five or six claws depending on the silhouette or corners present on the stone.
Four-prong setting
A four-prong setting consists of just that–four metal claws hold the stone in place by holding its edges and/or corners. Typically the fewest quantity of claws available, a four claw setting features the smallest amount of metal on the stone, resulting in maximising the stone’s visibility but also allowing the greatest amount of light to enter the stone from multiple angles which results in a glorious brilliance–often referred to as sparkle.
The four-prong design is popular because it balances showcasing the stone’s beauty with providing security for the centre stone. It’s most often seen on designs that feature stones with curved edges or with four corners, like a round, cushion, Asscher or princess shaped diamond.
Five-prong setting
A five-prong setting consists of five metal claws that the centre gemstone is nestled between. In comparison to a four-prong setting, a five claw design is more frequently used on engagement ring designs that use stones that have both curved edges and corners that end in a point, such as a pear shaped diamond. The reason for the additional claw or prong is usually to offer increased security for the stone to avoid it from being easily chipped or knocked.
Six-prong setting
A six-prong setting consists of six metal prongs that are evenly distributed around a gemstone to cradle and hold the centre gemstone in place.You’d typically opt for a six claw in over a four claw setting when setting a stone shape like a marquise or hexagonal shaped diamond in order to protect the corners of the stone. A round diamond is also often set with six prongs instead of four, but usually for aesthetic purposes or if the centre stone is exceptionally large and requires further security.
Eight-prong setting
An eight-prong setting consists of, you’ve guessed it, eight metal prongs that encircle the centre gemstone. The additional prongs offer enhanced security, minimising the risk of the gemstone becoming loose or dislodged. This setting style offers both functionality and an elegant aesthetic, showcasing the gemstone while providing peace of mind to the wearer.
Other claw or prong types and shapes include rounded, eagle and square claws, petal claws, V-shaped claws and bar claws. Some people prefer larger prongs because they create a highly secure setting while offering a sculptural aesthetic, while others opt for daintier claws as they let more light into the gemstone, allowing the stone to exhibit more brilliance and life in the light.
The two most popular shapes of claws or styles are round claw and eagle.
Round prong setting
A rounded prong setting does exactly what you’d imagine–it’s when a stone is held in place with softly rounded metal fixings. Perhaps the most popular claw style amongst all engagement ring designs, a rounded claw finish is a classic choice while ensuring your centre diamond is kept securely in place.
Round prong engagement ring settings using the below products:
Eagle prong setting
Eagle claws are incredibly similar to a round claw setting, but with a pointed tip–mimicking the claws of an eagle. It’s currently the most popular claw style as they offer a sculptural and well-proportioned aesthetic. Eagle claw settings can be finished to a sharp point or can be slightly softer depending on your personal preference.
Eagle prong engagement ring settings using the below products:
V-prong setting
The V-prong setting derives its name from its V-shaped prongs that securely grasp the stone’s edges. These prongs are designed to conform to the stone’s contours or corners, resulting in a snug fit and are frequently used to set marquise, princess, pear-shaped, or heart-shaped stones–all shapes that feature angular or sharp edges.
This setting style is sometimes known as an L-prong setting due to the similarity in shapes of both V and L shaped claws. Perhaps the greatest advantage of a V-prong setting is that they don’t cover the diamond’s top surface as extensively as other settings.
V-prong engagement ring settings
Double claw prong setting
The double claw prong setting is a distinctive design where each claw is split into two smaller double prongs, resembling delicate pincers. The double claw prong setting is often used with round or oval-shaped stones, as it mimics their curves and adds a touch of intricate sophistication. This setting type offers a balance between showcasing the gemstone and providing adequate protection to its edges.
Double claw engagement ring settings
Prong setting vs Basket setting
A prong setting and a basket setting refer to different design elements of an engagement ring. A prong setting refers to the way the top of a centre stone is held securely in place while a basket setting refers to the metal work that cradles the base of the stone from beneath it. Both are required and considered when designing an engagement ring and must both co-exist to ensure your centre stone is kept protected and positioned correctly for you to enjoy.
Prong setting vs Cathedral setting
These two design elements are mutually exclusive of each other–you’re able to have both a prong setting style with a cathedral setting or opt for one or the other.
You’ve learned what a prong setting is, but a cathedral setting features arches or raised shoulders that elevate the centre stone, creating an elegant and sophisticated look. It provides additional support and stability to the gemstone. While the cathedral setting offers several advantages, it also has a few potential drawbacks to consider. The cathedral setting may not be suitable for those seeking a minimalistic or understated look, as it tends to be more ornate and visually prominent. The intricate design and extra metalwork required for the cathedral setting can also add to the overall cost of the piece.
Pros and cons of Prong setting
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring or wedding ring, it’s all about what you’re drawn to. While some prefer a classic solitaire, others prefer a design that features accent stones or engraved metal. Either way, prongs are usually at the centre of these designs. You can choose the style or the quantity of the claws and to suit your design preferences. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a prong or claw setting:
Pros of a prong setting:
- Prong settings allow maximum exposure of the gemstone, showcasing its brilliance and beauty
- Versatility–prong settings are compatible with a wide range of gemstone shapes and sizes, offering flexibility in design options
- Minimal metal interference in prong settings allows light to pass through the gemstone, maximising its sparkle and brilliance.
- Prong settings are relatively easy to clean as the gemstone is raised and accessible for thorough cleaning
Cons of a prong setting:
- The exposed nature of prongs makes them more prone to snagging on clothing or other objects which if not careful can lead to bending or loosening of the prongs
- Prong settings require periodic inspection to ensure the prongs are secure to prevent any stones from coming loose. We offer our UK, US & EU customers a complimentary lifetime annual aftercare service to ensure your ring is cleaned and inspected every year.
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Most solitaire engagement rings are set with prongs or claws, which means, as the most popular engagement ring style, there’s a long list of A-listers and royalty alike that wear engagement rings with prong settings. Softly rounded prongs adorn and secure the beautiful stones of engagement rings worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Princess Eugenie, Kourtney Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, while the likes of Amal Clooney and Megan Fox feature more sculptural and pointed eagle claws to secure their lustrous stones in place.
Personal preferences
When it comes to choosing a diamond engagement ring or wedding ring, it’s all about what you’re drawn to. While some prefer a classic solitaire, others prefer a design that features accent stones or engraved metal. Either way, prongs are usually at the centre of these designs. You can choose the style or the quantity of the claws and to suit your design preferences.
No matter the style of jewellery you’re drawn to, it’s pretty likely that a prong or claw will be required to hold your stones in places–be bold and explore different shapes, sizes and orientations. The possibilities are endless.