Claw Prongs vs. Round Prongs: What's the Difference?
As you dive into the world of wedding rings, you may encounter some terms that are new to you. Of course, if you’ve had an outsized amount of wedding content on your Pinterest since you were 12, you’re probably thoroughly familiar with all the different ring prongs. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, let’s dive into a couple of the most popular.
What Is a Ring Setting?
Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The setting is a part of the ring that holds onto the center stone. That stone is “set” into the setting and then cradled by it happily ever after. The point of this, outside of the fact that you’ve gotta put the rock somewhere on your ring, is to highlight the center stone.
Plenty of settings have various levels of glamour and various pros and cons, so take your time to familiarize yourself with them before finalizing your engagement ring purchase.
Discover The Different Types of Ring Settings HereWhat Is a Prong Setting?
There’s a good chance that when you envision a wedding ring, you’re envisioning a prong setting without even thinking about it. It’s been a popular style since the 1800s and shows no signs of slowing down.
The prong setting is also exactly what it sounds like. There are a number of “prongs” that hold the center stone in place. These settings almost always have four or six prongs, though there’s technically no set number of prongs you can have.
Prong settings are a bit more prominent as they make their way further up the center stone and take up more visual space than other setting styles. Think of this setting like that claw machine you allegedly can win stuffed animals from. So far, we haven’t, but that’s beside the point. Like the claws of that machine attempt to grab some stuffed trinket and wrap around it, so too do the prongs wrap around the center stone.
Read Our Helpful Guide on Ring Prongs Here
All About Claw Prongs
The main feature of the claw prong is that it’s a slightly more aggressive shape. The ends of each prong here come to a point and really do resemble claws in a way. The style is sleek and modern but also more prominent.
Claw Prong Pros
Claw prongs have bolder styling and added security compared to round prongs. While the bold styling may be a pro or con, depending on your stylistic persuasions, the security is definitely a pro. The claw is able to get a better hold on the center stone than the round prong, and that’s helpful over the long term, even if the short-term won’t see much, if any, difference.
Claw Prong Cons
Claw prongs can be more expensive depending on who you purchase your ring from. If you’re opting for a Modern Gents affordable engagement ring, the price difference won’t be as drastic. However, among traditional jewelers, you can pay a difference of several hundred dollars easily. Also, the claw setting has an easier time snagging on things, so practice extra caution.
All About Round Prongs
Round prongs are a more subdued style that take up a little less visual space. They look more like beads than claws and come to a rounded edge instead of a point. They also don’t extend as far onto the center stone.
Round Prong Pros
You see more of the center stone with round prongs, and they won’t snag as easily. The more subtle style is appealing to some, and will have an easier time withstanding changes in trends.
Round Prong Cons
The fashion-forward may find its simpler styling to be a bit pedestrian. While it won’t snag on things as easily, the round prongs don’t get as good of a hold on the stone as the claw prongs do.
Which One Is Right for You?
The differences between the two almost entirely come down to personal preference. While the claw prong gets a slightly better hold, that difference isn’t major — even over the long term — if you buy from a reputable source.
Browse Our Entire Collection of Engagement Rings Here