When designing a diamond engagement ring, many people focus on the diamond cut, size, or metal type—yet overlook one of the most important structural elements: the prongs.
Whether you choose a four-prong or six-prong setting can significantly affect the appearance, durability, and daily wear of your ring. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision that fits both your style and lifestyle.
What Are Prongs?
Prongs are the small metal claws or arms that extend upward from the ring's setting to hold the diamond in place. They’re typically made of gold or platinum and can be rounded, pointed, flat, or V-shaped, depending on the diamond’s shape and the setting’s design.
The number of prongs used—usually four or six—affects not just the security of the stone but also its overall appearance and how much light it reflects.
The Role of Prongs in Ring Design and Diamond Security
Prongs play a dual role in a diamond ring: they secure the gemstone while also influencing its visibility and brilliance.
A four-prong setting tends to offer a cleaner, more open look. With less metal surrounding the stone, more light can enter from all angles, often enhancing the sparkle—particularly in round or oval diamonds. Many people love the elegance and simplicity of this style, especially for modern or minimalist designs.
On the other hand, a six-prong setting offers a greater sense of balance and security. With six evenly spaced prongs gripping the diamond, the stone feels more enclosed, making it a popular choice for those who wear their ring daily or have an active lifestyle.
The additional prongs also reduce the risk of loss—if one prong is damaged, the others still help hold the stone in place. While it slightly obscures the diamond from certain angles, the trade-off in peace of mind is often worth it.
How Diamond Shape Affects Prong Setting Choice
The shape and size of your diamond play a critical role in determining the most suitable prong setting—not only for aesthetic balance, but also for structural integrity.
Round brilliant diamonds are the most versatile and traditionally used shape. They work beautifully with both four- and six-prong settings.
A four-prong setting provides a more open, modern look that maximizes light return and brilliance, while a six-prong setting offers enhanced security and a slightly more rounded visual effect, which can enhance the natural shape of the stone.
Princess-cut diamonds, with their sharp corners, almost always require four prongs—ideally V-shaped prongs or claw prongs that protect each corner from chipping.
This applies similarly to emerald cuts and Asscher cuts, which also feature defined corners that benefit from precise prong placement to ensure protection and stability. These rectangular or square stones are rarely set with six prongs, as that would obscure their clean, geometric lines.
Oval, marquise, and pear-shaped diamonds typically use four or six prongs depending on the setting style, but always require additional reinforcement at the pointed ends. For example, a pear-shaped diamond often has a fifth or V-prong at the tip to guard against impact, while marquise shapes may need double claw prongs at either end for balance and durability.
Cushion cuts and radiant cuts—which blend the sparkle of a round cut with the geometry of a square or rectangle—can be set with either four or six prongs depending on size. Larger stones may benefit from six for better support, while smaller stones can maintain elegance with four.
In general, the larger the diamond, the more prongs are recommended. For diamonds over 2 carats, six prongs are often advisable to reduce long-term wear and provide peace of mind, especially for daily wear pieces like engagement rings.
Choosing the right prong setting not only affects security but also ensures that your diamond's shape is showcased—not overshadowed. At Elora, our designers carefully assess the cut, orientation, and size of every lab-grown diamond to recommend the most suitable prong design for both beauty and function.
Why You Need To Plan Your Ring Set
While choosing the right prong setting is crucial for the center stone, it’s also important to consider how your engagement ring will pair with a future wedding band.
A four-prong setting, being more open and airy, may allow for closer stacking or nesting with a straight wedding band. In contrast, six-prong settings—especially those with a higher profile—might require a contoured or notched band to sit flush against the engagement ring.
If you're planning to wear your engagement and wedding rings together, your custom design should account for both.
At Elora, we often create matching bridal sets from the beginning, ensuring the proportions, prong placement, and band shapes work harmoniously together. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also ensures comfort and longevity.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Four- and Six-Prong Settings
Both four- and six-prong settings require regular care to keep your diamond secure and your ring looking its best. Over time, prongs can wear down, bend, or loosen—especially if the ring is worn daily.
While a six-prong setting offers built-in backup in case one prong loosens, a four-prong setting requires more frequent inspection, as there’s less structural redundancy.
We recommend checking your prongs every 6 to 12 months, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or frequently bump your ring. Look for signs such as snags on fabric, visible gaps between the prong and diamond, or uneven wear. A professional jeweler can tighten or re-tip prongs as needed.
Avoid exposing your ring to harsh chemicals or impact during activities like cleaning, gardening, or working out. When not in use, store your ring in a soft-lined jewelry box to minimize scratches and metal fatigue.
Gentle at-home cleaning with a soft brush and warm soapy water can help maintain brilliance—but professional cleaning once or twice a year is still highly recommended.
Choosing Between 4 Prongs and 6 Prongs: Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to prong settings. A four-prong ring offers a brighter, more minimal look and allows the diamond to shine with fewer visual interruptions.
A six-prong ring provides extra stability and a timeless, balanced feel—especially important for larger stones or those worn every day. Both can be stunning when thoughtfully designed and professionally crafted.
| Feature | 4-Prong Setting | 6-Prong Setting |
| Security | Offers less security but is sufficient for smaller stones and low-impact daily wear. | Provides enhanced security, especially for larger diamonds or active lifestyles. |
| Light Performance | Maximises brilliance with greater light exposure due to minimal metal coverage. | Slightly reduces light entry, but adds balance and visual symmetry. |
| Diamond Exposure | Maximises visibility, enhancing sparkle | Slightly less exposure but offers better security |
| Overall Appearance | Sleek and open design; ideal for contemporary or minimal styles. | More classic and traditional look; emphasises roundness in round-cut diamonds. |
| Maintenance Needs | Simpler to clean and inspect; fewer contact points to monitor. | Requires occasional prong checks to ensure even tension and wear. |
| Suitability by Diamond Shape | Commonly used for round, cushion, oval cuts and emerald cuts. | Ideal for round, oval and marquise cuts; less commonly used for geometric shapes like princess. |
| Suitability by Diamond Size | Recommended for diamonds under 1 carat or with lower profiles. | Better suited for diamonds over 1 carat, offering more structural support. |
At Elora, our bespoke design process gives you complete control over every element of your ring—from the cut and carat of your lab-grown diamond to the exact prong style that suits your vision.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of four prongs or the enduring security of six, we’ll help you create a ring that celebrates your story beautifully.