Bezel Setting Vs. Prong Setting
The setting type you choose for your diamond has a crucial role in deciding how well the diamond is held in place within the ring, and influences its overall aesthetic appeal. Two of the most popular settings are undoubtedly, bezel and prong, and in this session, we make a comparison of bezel setting and prong setting.
External Appearance
A single ring of metal that covers the entire circumference of the diamond is called a bezel setting. Bezel settings that cover just one-half of the diamond are also in use and they are called half bezel. The metal ring around the center diamond adds up to its charm.
Prong settings involve 4 or 6 pins placed at equal distances around the diamond, and the pins or prongs slightly bend over the diamond to hold it in place. With larger sized diamonds, 8-prong setting is also used.
Price
Unlike prong settings, bezel settings require more metal, as it has to cover the whole circumference of the diamond, and the factor explains why bezel settings come at a higher price than prong settings. Even if we choose a half bezel setting, the amount of setting metal required would be higher in its case when compared with prong setting.
Security
In terms of the security they offer to the diamonds, bezel settings are clearly better than prong settings because they cover the diamond throughout its circumference while prong settings attach to the diamonds merely at 4 or 6 locations. The parts of the diamond apart from the points where the prongs attach to it remain vulnerable to wear and tear.
When used regularly, the chances for the prongs to get loose are more and loose prongs lead to diamonds falling off from the ring. In a bezel setting, the diamond is more secure from potential damage because the whole stone is mounted on the metal.
Influence On Diamond’s Brilliance
Bezel setting covers a larger portion of the diamond when compared with prong setting that influences the amount of light that enters the diamond. How much light enters a diamond decides its light performance and brilliance. Prong settings enhance the brilliance of diamonds more when compared with bezel.
Ease Of Cleaning
As prong settings require less metal and cover lesser parts around the diamond, they are easy to clean because there are far fewer places where grime and dirt can get into. Even if some locations have dirt and grime, it is quite easy to remove them from the ring.
The metal in bezel setting covers the whole or half of the diamond’s circumference meaning that dirt could get trapped in larger number of locations.
The Extent Of Snagging
The characteristic design of a prong setting increases its chances of snagging clothes and daily use materials. As they catch on things, the prongs get loose and increase the chances of the diamond falling off from the setting. Bezel settings have smooth edges that make it nearly impossible for it to catch on hair or daily use materials, and the factor contributes to the security offered by the setting.
Sleekness Of Ring
When compared with prong set rings, bezel set rings look bulkier and reduces the overall sleekness of the diamond. Prong settings have thin metallic pins that hold the diamond like a claw, and the light nature of the setting contributes to the overall sleek look of the diamond rings.
Suitable Cut Types
Bezel settings are more suitable for round cut diamonds and gemstones but they can also be used for cuts like princess, cushion, pear etc. Diamond cuts with well-defined corners like square, emerald etc use prong setting less.
If prong settings are used for round cut, the 6-prong setting is preferred to 4 prong setting, and cuts like princess usually use a 4 prong setting.
Ability To Hide Flaws In Diamond
A bezel setting completely covers the circumference of the diamond and if the inclusions in the diamond are near the edges, they can be hidden well by a bezel setting. The prongs or pins in a prong setting usually covers the corners of the diamond and if the blemishes are along the corners, they can be hidden well .However, prong settings cannot hide the flaws that occur throughout the edges of the diamond.
If the ability to hide flaws in diamond is considered, bezel setting proves to be better than prong settings.
| Criteria | Bezel setting | Prong setting |
| Security | High | Low |
| Ability to hide flaws | High | Low |
| Suitable cut type | Round | Princess |
| Extent of snagging | Low | High |
| Price | High | Low |
It is often difficult to decide which the best setting is, because the choice varies according to the parameters we consider. The inadequacies of a diamond setting increase the chance of loss of diamonds and it is often advisable to go with the choice of bezel setting. No matter which diamond setting you prefer, RockHer has a wide selection where you can customize your own rings. With the help of our highly experienced professionals its easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.