Basket Setting vs. Prong Setting: Understanding the Differences

Featured: The Ava

The cut of the stone and the band's color often dominate the conversation regarding engagement ring selection. But what about the setting that joins the band and the stone together? Its job is to highlight the partnership of the other two components, but don’t assume that it relegates it to a background role. You might not notice it, especially if it is designed to give you an unobstructed view. Or it might hold your attention with the same tenacity it grips a cluster of accent stones. 

Either way, it’s an essential feature — if the engagement ring is a team, the setting is the glue guy. We’ve already broken down some of the most common types of ring settings, but we thought it was worth taking the discussion to the subcategory level. Let’s explore the differences between the most common engagement ring setting and its most common variation: prong and basket settings. 

Here’s the basic version: Basket settings are just prong settings with horizontal elements. 

If you want to understand why rings incorporate this extra basket feature or choose to stick with the classic prong setting found in many solitaire engagement rings, we’ve got it all bundled together for you.

What Are Prong Settings?

Unless the stone is embedded into the metal band itself in a pavé setting, chances are that it is secured by metal prongs that latch it into place. Also called a claw setting, for obvious reasons, but a friendly claw, in that this setting style provides snug support for the center stone to nestle into. Claw prongs are the most common type of prong setting, and they’re widely used in engagement rings and wedding bands. Round prongs are also showcased in popular engagement ring styles. If you’ve had your eye on a solitaire diamond engagement ring, you probably already know exactly what a prong setting looks like. 

Featured: The I Do

What Are Basket Settings?

Basket settings use prongs as well, but they add some horizontal cross-hatching to the nest that make it even more of a cradle. The horizontal bands offer additional support, but a basket setting also obscures more of the gemstone and can require raising it a bit higher off the surface of the metal band, which could be a downside for anyone who prefers a ring design with a lower profile. That can be a decorative bonus or an unnecessary complication, depending on what you want in the ring.

For a ring like The Meadow, the leaflike ornamentation on the shank is woven seamlessly into the strands that make up the basket. It’s a vibrant model for the fusion of delicacy and strength prized by ring wearers and makers alike. 

Featured: The Enchanted

If you are looking at a ring like The Enchanted from above, there is a good chance you might not even be able to tell the difference between a basket and a prong setting since you just might see the tips of the prongs locking that sparkly cargo down in place for the long haul.

This is especially the case if the ring has a “hidden halo” setting of accent stones floating beneath the main stone that functions as the supportive basket cross piece. The Chelsea is a lovely example of this — any worries about blocking the center stone's sparkle with the basket’s cross bar are dispelled by lining that cross bar with those glittering accent stones. 

If you are looking at the ring in profile, however, the differences are pretty obvious. If there is a horizontal piece of metal between the prongs, it’s a basket setting. And while there are some exceptions, the basket tends to spread out a little while the prongs all meet in the middle in the more classic version. 

A Closer Look at Durability

Choosing between a prong setting and a basket setting is about more than just aesthetics. Durability is a key factor to consider, especially for an engagement ring that’s meant to be worn for a lifetime. Let’s explore how the number of prongs and the basket design impact the overall toughness of the setting.

Durability of Prong Settings

The number of prongs plays a significant role in the security of the center stone. Here’s a breakdown:

• 4-Prong Settings: Rings with 4-prong settings are popular choices for solitaire rings because of their clean and classic look. They offer good stability for the stone but can be slightly more susceptible to damage from snags or accidental bumps compared to 6-prong settings. However, the open design of a 4-prong setting allows for a greater amount of light to pass through the diamond (or other gemstone), maximizing its brilliance.
• 6-Prong Settings: Settings with 6 prongs provide superior security for the center stone, with three prongs on each side that grip the stone firmly. This makes them a good choice for active lifestyles or those concerned about accidental knocks. However, the additional prongs can slightly obscure the stone's brilliance compared to a 4-prong setting.

Durability of Basket Settings

Basket settings add an extra layer of protection for the center stone. The basket part of this ring style acts as a barrier, absorbing the force of any accidental bumps the ring might encounter. This is especially beneficial for softer gemstones that are more prone to chipping or scratching. 

Matching Durability to Your Lifestyle

When considering durability, it’s important to think about your lifestyle. If your days are filled with office work and light activity, then either a prong or basket setting could be a good option. However, if you lead a more active lifestyle that involves sports or manual labor, a basket setting might be the more suitable choice.

Conclusion

Both prong and basket settings are trusted methods of making sure that the jewel stays on the ring. But as an added layer of assurance, the Modern Gents catalog of affordable engagement rings also comes backed by a lifetime guarantee. No matter what type of stone setting you choose for your wedding rings or engagement rings, you can rest assured that you’re getting a great product at a reasonable price.