Six Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring Vs. Four Prong

Q:

Hi Liz,

I was perusing your blog and found it very informative. I didn’t realize how much there is to consider as it relates to making a quality diamond purchase! Well, I am looking to purchase an engagement ring and would like to get some advice. I would like to stay within, maybe $3500 – $4000 range. I found a few diamonds I’m interested in at Zoara. Could you take a look at them at your earliest convenience, and give me your thoughts on the quality for the price? I’m also looking at this setting (http://www.zoara.com/engagement/rings/p_delicate_tapered_solitaire_ring#p=9487) and am wondering if the prong size looks ok relative to the size of the diamond?

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=2422405

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_i_vs2#p=1470649

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks!

Mike

A:

Hi Mike,

The 6 prong engagement ring set will look fine with a .80ct diamond.

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_h_si1#p=2422405 – I do not recommend this diamond. Cut is too steep/deep and will look dark.

http://www.zoara.com/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_i_vs2#p=1470649 – A nicely cut diamond that falls within AGS ideal cut grade.

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it. I believe I concur and will take your advice on the diamond above. However, I am still unsure of whether to go with a 6 prong solitaire engagement ring or 4 the prong setting. My understanding is 4 prong will show more of the ring, making it look bigger, brighter, & etc… On the other hand the 6 prong may be more secure but show less of the rings features and look smaller, darker 7 etc… Decisions…decisions (lol)

I know you stated that the 6 would look fine, but I would like to hear your take on this. Is there a real risk of going 4 prong?

Thanks,

Mike

A:

Hi Mike,

A six prong solitaire engagement ring will offer more strength and overall security for the diamond and also covers more surface area of the stone (it does not make the diamond appear darker). A four prong solitaire engagement ring offers more visibility of the diamond and also tends to make a diamond appear more square. It offers less security, but I wouldn’t say it is by any means more vulnerable or risky.

Six prong solitaire engagement rings offer more support but less light whereas four prong settings offer less support, more light, but a more ‘squarish’ look. Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages and is a personal preferance.

It really depends on the look that you want. If you want to show off more of the diamond, then go for the four prong. If you want a very secure but more enclosed setting then the six prong is preferred.

I hope this clears it up for you. 🙂

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Gotcha. That clears it up for me. Thanks so much for all your help!

Mike