When choosing a setting for your diamond, one of the most important things to take into consideration is, how many prongs your particular stone requires. Every diamond shape needs a different amount of prongs to keep the stone safe. Here is a quick summary regarding the number of prongs for settings.
Round Brilliant Diamonds
The round diamond is the most common shape used for rings. These brilliant diamonds require a minimum of four prongs but you can choose from five, or six prongs as well. Four prongs will give the diamond more of a square look and five or more will contribute to its round appearance. Additionally, more prongs will add to the bulk of the diamond and give it a larger impression.
Pear-Shaped Diamonds
These beautifully shaped diamonds require a special setting to protect the diamond. Six prongs are needed. Five prongs are used to support the bulk of the diamond while a sixth is used to protect the delicate point of the pear shape.
Princess Cut Diamonds
Since princess cut diamonds are generally square-shaped diamonds four prongs are needed. It is especially important to ensure that the prongs are protecting the edges of the diamond.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Though emerald-cut diamonds are usually rectangular, four prongs are used for their settings. Similar to the princess cut, great caution should be taken to protect the edges.
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamonds require six prong settings in order to keep the long shape safe. Three prongs hold one end while three hold the other end.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
The stunning radiant cut requires a setting that has four prongs to keep all four of its edges safe.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Cushion cut diamonds are yet another category that requires four prongs. The square-shaped diamonds need just four prongs to hold the diamond.
Asscher Cut Diamonds
The unique asscher cut diamond requires a four-prong setting. The main stone can be left solitaire or paired with side stones.
Though every diamond shape needs a certain setting with a designated amount of prongs, it boils down to this: square-shaped diamonds generally require four prongs, whereas rounded diamonds require at least four and sometimes even a minimum of six prongs.