Small But Mighty: Prongs!

by Nancy Plante February 17, 2023

Prongs! They're not glamorous,but they are very important.

Prongs are the metal parts that hold a gemstone in place.(There are other styles of gemstone setting: channel set, bezel set, bead set, and more, but today we will discuss prong set.)We always offer to check and clean your rings when you come in to our store. There is never a charge for a checkup. When we examine your ring, we check the prongs for wear, and how well they are securing the gemstone.Jewelry that is worn daily requires maintenance from time to time. Precious metals wear down over the years. Once a prong becomes thin, it is easy for it to be pulled back and leave the gemstone at risk of loosening or falling out. It is less costly to repair a worn out prong, than it is to replace the prong AND the missing gem.

A jeweler looks through a microscope at a diamond ring.

You can come in once or twice a year, or more oftenif you like, to have us check your prongs.

And if you feel like something is wrong -- say, your ring catches on your clothing, or feels sharp to the touch -- take it off and bring it in to be checked. A prong may also break off. This can happen from striking something hard, like a metal door frame, or from damage as a result of wearing the ring while doing hands-on activities like gardening or weight lifting. If a prong is not shaped properly to begin with, it can get caught and pulled back or broken off. Our jeweler will inspect your ring and advise the best course of action.

A three-diamond ring set in yellow gold, with worn-out prongs.

These prongs have been worn down so there is only a thin remnant

of metal holding the diamond. The thin prong can easily be bent or

lifted, which increases the risk of losing the diamond.

You can make your prongs last longerby being careful with your rings.

When you are doing hands-on activities, like gardening, yard work,moving heavy furniture, or sports, remove your precious rings. Another activity that can affect the prongs and setting of yourring is: swimming in chlorinated water or wearing your rings in ahot tub. Chlorine can affect the alloys in white gold and weaken it. Removing your rings before taking a dip can prolong the lifeof your settings!To ensure the security of your precious rings, mark your calendarto remind you to come in at least twice a year.We'll inspect your jewelry, and give it an extra sparkle with a goodcleaning! Of course, you can come in as often as you like. FYI, a clean diamond is a more sparkly diamond!