subject: How to Select an Engagement Ring Setting [print this page] No matter what kind of engagement ring you choose, the ring setting makes a big difference to how it will look and how much life it will eventually have. There are several kinds of engagement ring settings, with the most common is the prong setting.
Prong settings will vary, and they will mostly be determined by the rings design and the size of the stone. A little basket is formed, the ends of which have prongs, and once the stone or stones are set into the ring, the prongs are bent over it so that the stone is in place and is held firmly.
You can choose an engagement ring setting with the following kinds of prong settings:
A traditional prong setting
This one is most common, and the stone is held in place by six little prongs, not too low and not too high, so that the ring stone stands way above the finger. It has one con though because its stands a little far off the finger, it tends to get caught more in things.
Tall Prong setting
With this one, the prongs have some extra length, and the stone will stand high above the finger, actually higher than the traditional prong setting. It looks much better with single stones than with multiples. You should reserve these kinds of rings for special occasions because they will often get caught in everything. If you really want such a ring for your engagement, you can have one made for that special occasion and then later have it refitted with shorter prongs.
4 prong setting
This setting will usually give beautiful, practical rings. The prongs are short so that the stone sits snugly in the ring. You'll have 4 sets of prongs to hold four different stones and the best thing about it is the variations it allows you. You can choose different colored stones, or different stones that have a different special meaning. They look great with the wedding ring eventually as they don't stick out.
Common prong setting
This one is the most popular and most people like it as it allows the stones to catch a maximum amount of light. Only two prongs will be used, but they run lengthwise and are made in such a way that they can hold several stones at once without the interference of prongs at each.
Protective prongs
If you're going to offer your fianc a particularly large stone, this one is the best option. The prongs are long enough so that they cover the outer half of the stone, and any contact with another surface will still leave the stone intact. You can have them done on any shape of stone.
Decorative prongs
These give the ring and the stone a better look because they are cut to be more than just prongs they are decorative. They shine and compliment your stone, but because they will be made of special material, may cost you more.
The best way to choose an engagement ring setting is to first choose a stone and a ring and make sure that they complement each other. After that, it's easy to see what kind of setting will look best. Make sure to consult a good jeweler they can give you invaluable tips.
