Claw or prong settings are the most common settings for gemstones of any description and not just diamonds; they are very popular when it comes to a setting for solitaire engagement rings and you will have undoubtedly seen them.  The diamond is set into three or more prongs which form a type of open basket and then they are manipulated into shape so the ends rest against the crown and just past the diamond’s girdle (its widest part) and this then holds the stone in place in the ring.

The ends of the prongs are usually rounded though they can be worked into delicate and decorative shapes.  The prong setting may be used to set the diamond on a perch high above the band in an attempt to show off the stone to best effect, or alternatively it may be short, that is, hold the diamond close to the band and your finger.

A prong setting will usually have small prongs in order to show off as much of the diamond as possible and to allow maximum amounts of light to enter the stone which will increase the sparkle and brilliance.  They are usually the cheapest form of diamond setting as well because they are less complex while at the same time, they lend themselves to being cleaned much more easily.
You should ensure the prong setting is tight and the stone fits snugly; make sure none of the prongs are loose or left hanging as they will quickly snag clothing or become lose and you risk losing your diamond.  The diamond itself should fit in the “basket” formed by the prongs in a straight and level fashion and not be lopsided or uneven.  In addition, make sure the prongs themselves are robust enough to keep the stone in place – too thin and they will be liable to breaking or wearing away which again risks losing the diamond.

You also should be aware that prong settings expose more of the diamond; while this is great for letting in more light and showing off the actual stone it does mean less protection is provided by the setting.There is a fine line between showing off a diamond and making sure it is locked into the ring firmly, so it can't fall out j.  The best way of assessing which setting and ring is most suitable for you is to try as many on as you can and see which are the most comfortable.

You should think about your lifestyle as well and the level of wear and tear your diamond ring will be subjected to; tall, solitaire settings are more likely to suffer damage from being caught on clothes and other objects (including children when they arrive!) than a close, short set diamond more flush with your finger.  On the other side, v-shaped prongs are very good at protecting the sharp edges of a cut diamond and remember, diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man and they can cause considerable damage particularly with children and one wrong wave of your hand.

By Lawrence Reaves.com your online store source for wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry. Danforth Diamond gives timely advice to help you select an affordable diamond ring. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING