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.
Mountings or settings are the parts of the ring that hold the diamonds into the bands on engagement rings. Some mountings or settings are very visible and are part of the ring design while others are almost impossible to detect. Either option is great, it is just important to understand the differences when selecting a ring.
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.
Round diamond shapes in engagement rings often have four or size prongs to secure the diamond. Unusual shapes such as heart shape, triangular shaped or marquis shaped diamonds will often have four to six prongs, perhaps more if the diamond is larger than average.
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.
Square corners and square diamonds in engagement rings are secured using v-shaped prongs at the corners. This allows a smaller prong to secure the diamond in place without having to double the number of prongs. Raised diamonds will attract more light, but are also more likely to be bumped and hit, requiring additional support.
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.
Mountings or settings are the parts of the ring that hold the diamonds into the bands on engagement rings. Some mountings or settings are very visible and are part of the ring design while others are almost impossible to detect. Either option is great, it is just important to understand the differences when selecting a ring.
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.
Round diamond shapes in engagement rings often have four or size prongs to secure the diamond. Unusual shapes such as heart shape, triangular shaped or marquis shaped diamonds will often have four to six prongs, perhaps more if the diamond is larger than average.
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.
Square corners and square diamonds in engagement rings are secured using v-shaped prongs at the corners. This allows a smaller prong to secure the diamond in place without having to double the number of prongs. Raised diamonds will attract more light, but are also more likely to be bumped and hit, requiring additional support.
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.
About the Author:
George Baycan of San Francisco based Simayof Jewelersworks for Simayof Jewelers as a manager and marketing consultant. He specializes in Engagement Ringsand Engagement Ring Settings.
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