Prong setting
A setting that holds a gemstone with small metal claws, usually four or six, gripping the stone at its girdle.
Common prong styles
- Four prongs show more of the stone and give a square look from above.
- Six prongs add security and make a round stone look rounder.
- Claw prongs taper to a point for a lighter, more refined look.
- Double prongs split each prong in two for extra hold.
- V prongs protect the pointed corners of princess, marquise and pear shapes.
Why prongs are popular
Because so little metal touches the stone, a prong setting lets plenty of light into the crown and pavilion, which supports brilliance and fire. The trade-off is exposure. Prongs can catch on fabric and should be checked by a jeweler from time to time.
Rendering prongs well
Prongs are among the smallest details in a ring, so they need enough mesh resolution to stay round in close-ups. Check that each prong touches the stone without passing through it. Intersections that are invisible from the front often appear in a side view or a 360° video.
Polished prongs reflect the environment, so a low roughness metal makes them read clearly against the stone. Use a side or three quarter pose to show the prong design, and a top view to show the shape of the head. A short turntable shows how the prongs frame the stone from every side.