Jewelry ABC 

 

The Pros and Cons of a Prong Setting for a Gemstone

Gem settings are used to emphasize the beauty of a particular gem. There are many types of gem settings, including the prong setting. The Prong setting is the most common type of gem setting. Like all gem settings, there are some good points and bad points to the prong setting. These pros and cons of a prong setting can be used to show how a prong setting may or may not be the best choice for mounting a gemstone. The prong setting is also known as the claw setting, because a metal claw holds the gemstone. The claws of the prong setting are bent over the edge to give the gemstone extra support and security.

The first pro of the prong setting is that as the claw occupies small
places, most of the gemstone will be visible, exposing its full beauty. The prong setting is also a faster methodology and can accommodate any size and shape gemstone. Six prongs or four prong settings are also available to help maximize support. The four or six prong metal claws reach around the girdle(side) of the gemstone and arch over its crown (top) holding the stone in place. Visible prong ends are rounded, but they may be shaped into ovals, points, V-shapes, left flat, or many may be formed into decorative shapes. The setting can be tall, perching the diamond above the rings band, or it can be short resting closer to the wearers finger.

A prong setting is the cheapest setting, and is convenient for maintaining and cleaning purposes. For the jeweler the prong setting is also the one of the easiest methods of setting a gemstone. Another advantage of the prong setting is that it allows an optimal amount of light to pass through the stone. Gemstones that are set in prongs are also easier for the owner to clean and maintain. The prong setting may offer many advantages, but there are some disadvantages to the prong setting. The major disadvantage of the setting is that the claws have the tendency to latch onto clothing especially woolen types.

The thin, flat claws may also have the possibility of breaking, which can pose a great risk to the precious gemstone. Large claws will also reduce the shine of the gemstone. Owners should check the setting to be sure that the stone is tightly fit underneath the claws at an even height and that the edges of the claws are not broken. The claws of the prong setting should also reach properly inside the stone, instead of just fitting to the edges. It is also advisable to ensure that claws are small enough to allow the gemstone to touch the owners skin directly. Prong settings can also grow weak especially if gold is used for the setting, so they must be checked on a yearly basis.

The annual check of the prong setting will ensure that the gemstone does not come loose. In a prong setting, the girdle area of the gemstone is not covered, so the claws may offer less protection for the diamond than other enclosed settings. Prongs may also scratch are puncture delicate skin, so people with children may reconsider getting a prong setting that is tall or narrow. Although some prong settings may become weak, they are able to be repaired. Jewelers may offer recommendations on which prong settings are the most durable, and may offer recommendations for repairs for broken prongs. Although, the prong setting is the most popular, is not the best option for all gemstone lovers. Some gemstone lovers may consider other options, such as an invisible, channel, pave, or bezel setting.

Blue is Not the Only Color of Sapphires
It commonly known that sapphires are blue, but its not common knowledge that sapphires are available in many other colors. Blue is the most common and the favorite color of sapphires; more than 50 percent of all people say blue sapphires are their...

Did You Know there are Two Kinds of Jade?
Contrary to popular belief there are actually two kinds of the jade gemstones. The two kinds of jade are jadeite jade and nephrite jade. The two minerals share the same name, but they have very different chemical compositions, gemological...

The Lobster, Box, Toggle and Other Jewelry Clasps in Review
Jewelry clasps often serve more that just a functional purpose. Besides holding both side of the necklace or bracelet together, they can also be an important part of the jewelrys design. There are several types of clasps available today; each one...

The Strength and Durability of the Most Popular Chain Links
Chain necklaces are one of the most popular forms of jewelry worn today. Jewelry makers have several styles and types of chain links to choose from. Each type of link has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to strength and durability. ...

Green without Envy Why Jewelry Sometimes Turns Your Skin Colors
At one point or another, most of us have worn a piece of jewelry that has turned our skin green or black. While allergies can play some role in this discoloration, there are plenty of other reason your jewelry may be responsible for the unsightly...

 

Diamond
About Diamond Weights
All About the Clarity of Diamonds
Are Diamonds Really Rare?
Bonded Diamonds
Buying Diamonds Online
Choosing The Cut of A Diamond
Colored Diamonds
Diamond - An Inner Look
Diamond Brands and What They Mean
Diamond Carat
Diamond Care
Diamond Certificates
Diamond Clarity
Diamond Color
Diamond Cost
Diamond Flaws and Inclusions
Diamond Grading Reports
Diamond History
Diamond Scams
Diamond Shapes
Diamond - Your dream companion
Famous Diamonds
How Diamonds Are Cut
How Diamonds Are Mined
How to Buy a Diamond
How to Buy Diamond Engagement Rings
How to Care for Your Diamond
How to Clean your Diamonds
How to Sell A Diamond
How to Spot A Fake Diamond
Insuring Your Diamonds
Jewelry Lab Certificates and Appraisals
Judging Diamond Quality
Selecting Diamonds
Synthetic Diamonds
Treated Diamonds
What Are Dirty Diamonds?
Where Diamonds are Mined
Jewelry
The Famous Hope Diamond Cursed or Not?
The Breakdown of Alloys that Give Gold Its Colors
The Appeal of the Belly Ring
The Lobster, Box, Toggle and Other Jewelry Clasps in Review
The Latest in Digit Adornment Stackable Rings
Score! Deciphering the Point Value of Diamonds
Red Can Be Your Color with the Ruby Gemstone
Platinum A Precious Metal for Special Jewelry
The Affordability and Versatility of Sterling Silver
These Karats Cant Be Dug Up Gold Standards for Jewelry Today
Seeing your Way Clear Regarding a Diamonds Clarity
The Pros and Cons of a Prong Setting for a Gemstone
Want Body Jewelry without the Piercing? Indulge in Realistic Faux Body Jewelry
Turquoise- Why It Is the Southwest Personified
Tips on Choosing Insurance for your Precious Jewelry Pieces
What to Look for When Purchasing Gold Jewelry
What a Gem Finding Stones in your Favorite Color
Weighing in with Diamonds The Carat Measurement
The Significance of Wearing a Ring on the Right Ring Finger
The Shimmery Flash of an Opal
The REAL Meaning to the Term Hair Jewelry
The Use of Seeds for Attractive Jewelry Pieces
The Use of Coral in Jewelry- A Delicate Material
The Strength and Durability of the Most Popular Chain Links
Cleaning Tips for Diamonds that Have Lost Their Luster
Buy a Loose Diamond for your Sweetie and Let Her Choose the Setting
Blue is Not the Only Color of Sapphires
Defining the Different Types of Gemstone Cuts
Cultured or Not The Milky Luster of the Pearl
Cubic Zirconia- The Diamond Substitute
Basic Rules about Choosing the Right Length Necklace
A Guys Guide to Buying the Perfect Engagement Ring
A Brief Bio into the Beautiful Metal Called Platinum
Birthstones by the Month What to Expect from January through December
Be Part of the Chain Gang with the Multi-Chain Look
Bead Baby Bead- The Popularity of Beaded Jewelry
Depicting the Scrimshaw Technique on Bone and Ivory
Maintaining and Storing Precious Pearl Jewelry
How a Diamond is Cut Defines Its Beauty
Jewelry Wholesale
Antique Jewelry Wholesale
Buy Jewelry Wholesale at Jewelry Shows and Expos
Dealing with Jewelry Wholesale Dealers
Exporting Jewelry Wholesale
How to Buy Jewelry Wholesale
How to Buy Jewelry Wholesale Online
How to Buy Silver Jewelry Wholesale
How to Clean Jewelry Wholesale
How to Find Boxes for Your Jewelry Wholesale
How to Find Jewelry Wholesale Sources
How to Make A Jewelry Wholesale Catalog
How to Make Your Own Jewelry Wholesale
How to Open An Online Jewelry Store With Jewelry Wholesale
How to Price Your Jewelry Wholesale
How to Select Jewelry Wholesale Beads
How to Sell Jewelry Wholesale
Importing Jewelry Wholesale
Jewelry Wholesale and eBay Auctions
Jewelry Wholesale and Estate Sales
Jewelry Wholesale - Diamonds
Jewelry Wholesale Repair
Jewelry Wholesale Supplies
Making Custom Jewelry Wholesale
Making Jewelry Wholesale - How to Find Birthstones

Click to buy exquisite jewelry 40%-70% off.