Table Of Content
Have you ever felt lost when browsing engagement ring designs? Wondering how you should go about choosing or personalising an engagement ring? Given the vast variety of choices available, deciding on an engagement ring can feel daunting. Don’t worry, this article will ease your worries by providing you with some tips on the details to pay attention to when selecting or custom-designing an engagement ring.
Here at LeCaine Gems, apart from our custom-made proposal rings, we also offer customers the opportunity to embark on a bespoke jewellery experience to create their ideal and dream engagement rings. Allow us to be a part of your proposal story by exploring our engagement ring designs and bespoke jewelry services.
How is the Gemstone held in place?
When deciding on which engagement ring to pick, one of the most important factors to consider is the ring setting. This article discusses three settings, namely Prong, Bezel and Tension. Each of these settings is unique in carrying and securing the gemstone.
Prong Setting:
There are a few things to consider when it comes to a Prong Setting:
(i) The Number Of Prongs Holding The Ring
(ii) The Orientation Of Prong Tips (for 4 prongs)
(iii) The Shape Of The Prong Tips: Round, Claw, Square, Heart-shaped, Double, Triangle.
(iv) Prong Head Settings
(i) Number of Prongs:
The number of prongs holding the ring is typically affected by the cut and shape of the gemstone. For round brilliant gemstones, 4 or 6 prongs are the most common. Whereas 3 and 6 prongs are usually used for fancy cuts.
Comparing the 4 and 6 prongs setting:
The 4 prongs setting is more commonly used to secure smaller sized gemstones, and the 6 prongs setting for larger gemstones. The 4 prong setting exposes a greater surface area of the gemstone and allows a less obscured view of the stone from various angles. The brilliance and sparkle of the stone is enhanced as light catches and bounces off a greater surface area.
As for the 3 and 5 prongs setting, they are commonly seen in fancy cuts. For 3 prongs, they are usually used to secure the heart-shaped gemstone. For 5 prongs, it is common amongst pear-shaped gemstones.
Comparing the 3 and 5 prongs setting:
(ii) Orientation of Prong Tips:
Once you have decided on going with a prong setting engagement ring, the next thing to consider is the orientation of the prong tips. In other words, the position and direction of the prong tips. This affects the appearance of the gemstone in terms of shape.
Orientation of 4 prongs setting:
The placement of the prongs perpetuate the shape of the gemstone in a different manner. For prongs set in the 4 corners of the gemstone, the gemstone appears slightly squarish as compared to the compass orientation, due to the alignment.
(iii) Shape of prong tips:
As you may have noticed in the images featured in the paragraphs leading to this, the prong tips come in various shapes. This is another factor to take into consideration when you choose to go for the prong-setting.
1. Round-edged:
[LeCaine Ring Crushed Moissanite Diamonds Crown Setting 18k Yellow Gold]
The round-edged prong tip is a classic design that many opt for. It obscures a minimal surface area of the gemstone.
2. Claw Tip:
[Nomiko Teal Green Round Moissanite]
The claw tips bends inwards, extending towards the centre of the stone. The claw tips portray a strong and fervent grip of the gemstone.
3. Square Tip:
[Nisha Moissanite Split-shank in 18k Gold]
Similar to the round-edged tips, minimal surface area of the gemstone is covered by the tips. With square-shaped tips, the ring rests in a position that makes it appear slightly squarish.
4. Heart Shaped Tip
[Kerry Moissanite Bypass Twist Pave Ring 1 Carat]
The heart-shaped tip is unique, enhancing the pleasant and affectionate vibe of the gemstone.
5. Double-Prong Tip
[Diana Dark Blue Grey Asscher Cut Moissanite]
The double-prong tips accentuates a bold image, clasping the gemstone securely in place.
6. Triangle Prong Tip
[Linnet Mint Green Moissanite With Side Stones in 18k Yellow Gold Art Deco Ring]
The triangle prong tips give the ring a chic and modern appearance.
(iv) Ring Head Settings
Moving on to the types of prong head settings, namely Crown, Basket, Spiral, Trilogy and Halo.
The Crown Head setting is a timeless classic and a popular choice. Its structure exudes simplicity and elegance, the 4 or 6 prongs holding and lifting the gemstone upwards. This design is also famously known as the Classic setting, with a plain band and a solitaire style. View the Shirley Classic 6-Prong Moissanite Solitaire Engagement Ring here.
In this design, the beauty and luxurious quality of the ring is enhanced by the gemstones placed around the shank (band and head) to form a half-eternity. From the sides, the crown head appears visibly taller as suspended by the prong tips stemming from the additional round band connecting the ring shank and the prongs.
With customization, customers can add designs to the crown head engagement rings according to their preference.
View the Elizabeth Classic Crown Bridge Moissanite Ring here.
The Basket Crown is simple and elegant, it appears wider from the sides as compared to the aforementioned Crown Heads. It hugs the gemstone snugly in place, the prongs stretching in an outward manner. In this design, the cathedral shank supports the basket crown head with its arches that meet at the center of the gemstone. This gives the ring a taller and elegant appearance. Similarly, customers may customize the shank to include gemstones to make the ring even more eye-catching.
View the Alicia 0.5 Carat Moissanite 4 Prongs Cathedral Setting here.
The Trilogy Trellis setting is used in the 3 stones engagement ring design, whereby the centre stone is accompanied by two smaller stones, one on each side. What makes this design special, is that the centre stone stands out not only because of its size, but also the way it is propelled to a higher position than the accompanying stones.
View the 3-Stone Engagement Ring With 2 Carat Oval Grey Moissanite 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring here.
The Halo Setting is where the centre stone is surrounded by little gemstones forming a complete 360 degree around it. From the side, the centre stone appears to rest on an elevated platform laced with gemstones. It’s side profile sets it apart from the other designs, where only the top of the gemstone protrudes upwards, while the rest remain concealed by the encircling halo setting.
View the Mera Halo Moissanite 18k Yellow Gold Ring here.
For the Twist Setting, the band appears to encircle the crown head holding the gemstone, meeting at different points instead of forming into one. Its subtle overlap makes it’s design distinct from the other designs discussed prior to this.
View the Kerry 1.5 Carat Moissanite Bypass Twist Pave Ring here.
Bezel Setting:
The Bezel setting is easily recognizable and distinguishable from the other ring designs. The gemstone is clutched securely in place, protected by a plain and thick shank. The design is simple and minimalistic but definitely one that makes a statement. With the Bezel setting, a smaller surface area of the gemstone is exposed, shielding it from impact and minimizing the possibility of damage or chipping off.
Tension Setting:
The design is aesthetically pleasing and unique, with the gemstone poised delicately between the two ends of the thick band, filling up the space in a gentle and smooth manner. A greater surface area of the gemstone is also exposed. It is a stylish design, though resizing may be difficult due to the nature of the design.
Featuring LeCaine Gems’ Classics & Bestsellers:
No 1. : Noris 1 Carat Moissanite 4 Prongs Crown Setting with Pave Accents
A classic engagement ring: round brilliant gemstone supported by 4-prong, solitaire pave setting. The crown head setting gives the engagement ring a taller appearance, with the little gemstones adding to the ring’s luxury and glow. View it here.
No. 2 : Ready Made 1 Carat Round Moissanite Solitaire 18k White Gold Round Band
The Classic Tiffany design exudes simplicity and elegance. The solitaire round brilliant gemstone is held securely in place by the crown head and plain band, standing at the center of attention. View it here.
The Bespoke Jewellery Experience At LeCaine Gems:
At LeCaine Gems, we offer customers the opportunity to custom design their own jewellery, including engagement rings. We are dedicated to making the bespoke jewellery experience at LeCaine Gems a meaningful one. When customers decide to embark on the bespoke jewellery experience, they will be able to meet our designer and discuss their prospective designs. Consultations will be arranged to tailor to their jewellery requirements and preferences to create the perfect engagement ring for them. Memories made in the making of the bespoke jewellery, are moments to be cherished and added to your wedding story. We take pride in this service as we believe in the significance and value behind the rings- the symbols to commemorate and celebrate your love story.
We’ve had the pleasure to work with many couples to achieve their dream engagement ring and wedding bands. Find out more about what they have to say about their unique bespoke jewellery experience with us here.
Contact us to arrange an appointment to meet with our designer, together we can create your dream design.
To find out more about gemstones, read our Moissanite Vs Diamonds article.
References:
The images featured in this article are retrieved from and the property of LeCaine Gems.