When designing the perfect engagement ring, every detail matters—including the prongs that hold your precious gemstone in place. One common decision you'll face is whether to choose "Eagle Claw prongs" or "Standard Ball prongs" (often referred to as standard prongs). While it can be hard to visualize the difference, understanding each prong style will help you make an informed choice that suits your design and preferences. Below, we break down the key differences between Eagle Claw prongs and Standard prongs to help you decide which option is the best fit for your engagement ring setting.
Standard Prongs (or Standard Ball Prongs)
This is a photo of STANDARD PRONGS for an engagement ring. They are more rounded and some consider them to be a little bulkier than eagle claw prongs. These are called STANDARD BALL PRONGS because they look like little balls are on the end of them, keeping the stone in place.
Eagle Claw Prongs
This is a photo of EAGLE CLAW PRONGS for an engagement ring. They are called as such because they are sharper, like the talons of an eagle's claw. See how they come down to a point? This is the difference between EAGLE CLAW PRONGS and STANDARD BALL PRONGS. No design is better or more secure than the other — it's just a matter of visual preference.
So, if you’re preparing to propose this year, be sure you do your homework. There’s a lot to cover, with topics such as:
and of course…
There’s a lot to consider when designing your future bride’s dream engagement ring and it’s important to remember that one size does not fit all and not all diamonds are created equal. If you’d like to ask a diamond question, feel free to reach out to us. Our diamond advice is free and we’ve helped thousands of couples get engaged.
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