Prong settings

Prongs are the little metal tips that hold your stone in place while leaving most of it exposed.

That openness is the magic. Light hits from every angle, the edges of the stone stay visible, and everything feels airy, elevated, and full wattage sparkle. It’s the classic engagement ring look for a reason.

Prongs also give a bit of an optical illusion. With less metal around the stone, your eye reads more surface area — which is why prong settings often make a stone look larger than it actually is.

And within the world of prongs, there’s a whole buffet of options:

• The Shape: claw, round, button, block, v-shaped, or custom

• The number: 4, 6, 8, or a custom number

• Lone or paired: single vs double claw prongs vs triple claw prongs

• The orientation: regular or compass placement

• The finish: polished, matte, brushed, engraved

Just a tiny shift in shape or orientation can completely change the look and vibe of your ring. Notice how the 6 prong ring below looks noticeably rounder than the 4 prong ring with an identical stone shape.

Bezel settings

A bezel wraps the stone in a ribbon of gold instead of holding it with separate tips. The metal hugs the stone, softening the edges and giving everything that smooth, glossy, almost liquid feel. It reads polished, intentional, and just cool without trying.

With a bezel, your eye goes straight to the center of the stone. The edges soften, the focus pulls inward, and everything takes on that deeper, more luminous glow.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Full bezels feel bold and sculptural, while half bezels let in more light and create a slightly lighter, more open feel. And the options don't stop there - think hand-engraving, milgrain, diamond-encrusted halo bezels - truly, the limit does not exist.

Bezel settings have been around forever, but right now they’re having a moment — minimalist, antique-meets-modern, very much that effortless cool girl energy.

If you want to see how different that can look across stones, shapes, and styles, this is a very fun rabbit hole →

Sparkle

Prongs let light pour in from every direction. The stone stays unobstructed and hitting its highest sparkle potential.

Bezels hold the light a little closer. The sparkle is still very much there — just a touch more contained. A little softer, like the light is sitting in the stone instead of bouncing off it.

Some stones absolutely love that. Portrait cuts, rose cuts, salt and pepper diamonds — anything with a bit of depth or mood — where that slightly diffused light brings out all the character you don’t always catch in a more open setting. But it’s just as beautiful on a classic white diamond, especially if you love a cleaner, more sculptural kind of shine.

Durability

Bezels are about as protective as it gets. The metal wraps the edge of the stone, taking the impact so the stone doesn’t have to — which makes a real difference over time.

They’re especially great for stones with pointed corners, softer gemstones, or anyone who’s a little hard on their hands without really meaning to be.

Prongs leave more of the stone exposed, which is part of what makes them so light-filled and radiant — but it also means the edges of the stone are more vulnerable to knocks.

That said, not all prong settings are built the same. Details like gallery rails (a horizontal bar that connects the prongs) add extra structure that helps prevent the prongs from bending or loosening over time. And they’re not just structural — this is where hidden details live: a diamond or gemstone halo, or hand-engraving you can only notice up close.

Security

Prongs are very secure when they’re well made, but they do rely on each individual prong doing its job. That’s where the number of prongs starts to matter.

How it wears

Prong-set rings tend to feel more noticeable in your day-to-day lift. They sit up, catch the light, and yes — sometimes catch your sweater or your hair too.

Certain prong styles (like claw prongs) can have a bit more grab to them than rounded ones — usually something you’ll notice when you’re pulling on a knit or running your hands through your hair. We always recommend removing your prong set ring before bed so you’re not catching a prong on a stray pillow case when you’re tossing around in your sleep.

Bezel-set rings are smoother. They slide through everything a little easier (your hair, your pockets, the bottom of your purse), sit a bit more tucked in, and don’t really interrupt your day once they’re on.

If your lifestyle is a little more hands-on — constantly moving, adjusting, pulling on layers — a bezel will likely feel easier. If not, prongs will blend into your day easily.

Maintenance

Prongs need occasional cleaning and a yearly checkup to keep everything sparkling and secure.

Dirt can build up under the stone, and you’ll usually notice it when the sparkle isn’t hitting the same. With a quick clean, the shine will come right back.

Are prong settings safe?

Yes, when they’re well made. Prongs hold stones securely, but because they’re exposed, they can loosen over time. That’s why a quick yearly check is worth it.

Does a bezel make a diamond look smaller?

Slightly. The metal frame contains the edges of the stone, so it reads more defined and less spread out than it would in prongs. Having said that, a thick bezel can create more finger coverage for a larger-looking ring overall.

Which setting is more secure?

Bezel. The metal surrounds the stone, so it’s protected from all sides. Prongs are still secure — they just rely on a few contact points instead of full coverage.

Is bezel or prong more expensive?

Bezels usually use more gold and take more time to make, so they’re often slightly more expensive than prong settings. That said, the difference isn’t usually huge — it’s more about the look and how the ring fits into your day-to-day.

Which setting is better for an active lifestyle?

If you’re active or hard on your hands, bezel will work better. It protects the edges of the stone and doesn’t catch as easily. Prongs still work — you'll just need to be a bit more cognizant of your ring.