Whats the Difference Between a Bezel Setting and a Prong Setting?
The bezel setting creates a low profile so the diamond appears almost flush against the surrounding metal. According to renowned jewelry designer Kirk Kara, the metal rim covers about 10 percent of the stone, giving it excellent protection. This makes it ideal for brides who lead an active lifestyle. An alternative to the full bezel is the partial bezel setting. Here, the metal rim surrounds only the top and bottom halves of the stone so more of the diamond can be seen. In a prong setting, four to six prongs support the diamond. It can stand tall or short, but the diamond is raised higher above the shank in comparison to the bezel. A prong setting is the most popular for engagement rings as it can make a stone appear larger, although a bezel setting set with additional diamonds makes the center of the ring look larger overall.
