Diamonds are primarily mounted using metal prongs which gently yet securely hold the stones within their setting.
Mounting, also known as setting, is the process of securing a diamond or other gemstone into a piece of jewelry, such as a ring, necklace, or earrings. This crucial step ensures the stone is held firmly in place while allowing light to interact with it, enhancing its brilliance.
Based on the provided reference, a common and effective method involves:
- Metal Prongs: These are small metal claws or fingers that extend up from the setting and bend over the edges of the diamond. They function to grip the stone, holding it securely against the setting's seat.
How Prongs Hold Diamonds
The reference explicitly states:
The center stone, which could be natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds, or any other type of gemstone, may be accompanied by side stones. All are held into the setting with metal prongs that gently yet securely hold precious diamonds in natural and lab grown diamond rings.
This highlights key aspects:
- Versatility: Prongs are used for various stone types, including natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds, and other gemstones.
- Stone Placement: They can secure both the main center stone and smaller side stones in a design.
- Security and Care: The method is described as holding the stones "gently yet securely," balancing protection for the diamond with a firm grip.
Why Prongs Are Popular
Prong settings are widely used in diamond jewelry, especially rings, for several reasons:
- Maximum Light Exposure: Prongs typically use minimal metal around the stone, allowing more light to enter and exit the diamond, maximizing its sparkle.
- Stone Prominence: This setting style allows the diamond to be the focal point, showcasing its full size and shape.
- Flexibility: Prong settings can be adapted for various diamond shapes and sizes, with different numbers of prongs (e.g., 4-prong, 6-prong, 8-prong) offering varying levels of security and design aesthetics.
In essence, the mounting process involves skillfully crafting a setting and using techniques like forming metal prongs to cradle and fix the diamond in its final position on the jewelry piece.
