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Nicole Kliest is a freelance fashion and travel writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.

Courtesy of Michelle Oh / Design by Bailey Mariner

As ubiquitous as prong-setting engagement rings may seem, there was a time when this silhouette was virtually nonexistent. The sleek style burst onto the scene in the 19th century and forever changed the way jewelers feature gemstones, creating the illusion the stone is floating above the finger for the first time. Perhaps, the best-known purveyor of prong engagement ring settings is the now-iconic Tiffany setting, introduced in the late 19th century.

The prong setting typically has four or six metal prongs that extend up from the ring’s basket and over the gemstone. This effectively secures the diamond in place and allows more light to enter the stone.

Prong settings became popular as improved stone-cutting techniques allowed larger, more dramatic, less-included stones to be unearthed, says Greg Fromont, cofounder of the New Zealand-based jewelry label Meadowlark. Prior to prongs, the majority of rings featured bezel or rub-over settings. “These older styles hid the stone away but as more fantastical stones were created, jewelers sought to show off the full personality of a stone.”

We spoke to Fromont and Kristen Lawler-Trustey, spokesperson for Forevermark, to learn more about this ultra-popular ring setting.

Continue reading to learn the best stone cuts to pair with the prong setting and why its versatility is key when deciding what aesthetic is best for you.

Prong settings are popular because of their classic and timeless look. They are also a great way to show the most of your engagement stone since they don't take up much room on the ring. The small shape of the prongs also makes it easier to clean your stone. You are able to get to the sides and underside of the stone with this type of setting, ensuring your ring has maximum shine after each clean.

A potential con that comes with a prong setting is getting something caught on one of the prongs. When looking for a prong setting, you’ll want to work with a trusted jeweler. “They should ensure the prongs are properly finished,” says Lawler-Trustey.

“Prong settings that aren’t properly refined may catch or snag on fabric or skin.” If the stone is not set evenly within the prongs, it could wiggle loose. “Because they are so delicately set, prong settings can reveal inferior workmanship,” she adds.

A six-month cleaning and checkup with a trusted jeweler is a good way to ensure your prong setting stands the test of time. “The jeweler will inspect the prongs of your jewelry for any weaknesses or trauma, making sure that the diamond(s) remain safe in the setting,” says Lawler-Trustey.

“Over the course of a long time, the claws holding the stone in will need to be re-tipped, which can be done easily," says Fromont. It helps hold the stone in place. To re-tip, a jeweler will attach a wire or metal band to the top of the prong that needs to be reinforced. The process is fairly inexpensive and costs around $30-50 per prong.

In terms of at-home care, Lawler-Trustey recommends using hot, soapy water and a gentle brush with a soft-bristle or a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner followed up with a lint-free cloth. For a less-traditional approach to cleaning, Fromont suggests soap crystals and aluminum foil for a “mostly nonabrasive way to clean your jewelry.” When storing your ring, make sure to keep it away from any other jewelry that could potentially cause scratching or damage to the surface. Having a designated box for just your wedding ring is an easy way to ensure it's properly protected.

Ahead, unique and beautiful engagement rings featuring a prong setting.

An impressive three-stone engagement ring that will catch the light beautifully.

A gorgeous, classic engagement ring that will never go out of style.

Opt for a pave band to add to the brilliance of your prong ring setting.

The old European-cut diamond on this ring is held in a six-prong setting. The ring's band is hand engraved with flower patterns for an antique flair.

Another striking east-west option, this breathtaking ring features a 2-carat center diamond flanked by baguette diamonds for a finishing touch that’s truly remarkable.

Courtesy of Lauren Wolf Jewelry 

If you’re looking for a center stone that’s not a diamond, consider this dreamy green Montana sapphire.

Courtesy of Katkim Fine Jewelry

The unique design of this engagement ring gives the illusion of a floating diamond, which enhances the prong setting and results in a truly covetable piece of jewelry.

The epitome of effortlessness, this simple-yet-striking engagement ring is perfect for the modern minimalist.

Even if you opt for a non-diamond center stone, you can still incorporate them into your engagement ring design, as seen on this striking cornflower blue sapphire ring.

A beautiful antique engagement ring for the bride-to-be who wants something vintage.

Courtesy of Natalie Marie Jewellery

This sparkling white Ceylon sapphire ring featuring a sleek prong setting is a sentimental, understated option that will go with any other piece of jewelry on your hand.

For something slightly out of the norm, go for an east-west engagement ring (that’s when your center stone has been flipped to lay horizontally).

An array of cultivated diamonds make up this prong-setting ring. Two pear-shaped diamonds flank the sparkling center stone.

COURTESY OF TIFFANY & CO.

Yellow diamonds are some of the rarest and most eye-catching stones on the market. This cushion-cut yellow diamond is in a prong setting in 18k yellow gold.

Classy and timeless, this emerald-cut solitaire ring is the perfect forever piece.

This engagement ring features a six-prong setting that holds a breathtaking oval-shaped diamond. The knife-edge pavé band adds a unique twist.

The juxtaposition between yellow gold and white gold sets this KatKim ring apart from others. The brilliant-cut diamond is held in a four-prong 18k yellow gold setting. The band is made of 18k white gold with pavé diamonds featured on the top and bottom of the band.

Morganite gemstones are a beautiful alternative to diamonds because they give off a hint of peach while still holding a traditional look. These three morganite gemstones are each held in a four-prong setting on a 14k yellow gold band.

This four-prong setting holds a glowing Ashoka cut diamond flanked by beautifully cut side stones. The Ashoka cut diamond is very rare and found at only a few diamond retailers, like Kwiat.

Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve. Wear your heart on your engagement ring instead! This heart-shaped diamond is held in a four-prong setting with a pavé rose gold band.

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