A lot of people don't realize that rings and mountings come with different types of prongs.
Most people think...
A Prong is a Prong!
But trust me, they're not! Next time you go Ring shopping, stop and take a good look at the Prongs that hold in Diamonds.
You may not notice a big difference when you're looking at Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, other than the fact that some have 4 prongs and some have 6 prongs. (Read: Which is better, 4 Prongs or 6 Prongs?)
Fancy Cut Stones are Different
When you're dealing with Fancy Cut Diamonds, there really is a difference.
Fancy Cut Diamonds are all the other Diamond shapes besides the Round Cut Diamond.
They include: Marquise Cuts, Princess Cuts, Oval Cuts, Emerald Cuts, Baguette Cuts, Radiant Cuts, Heart Shaped Cuts, Trilliant Cuts or Trillion Cuts (Triangular shaped), plus many more. These are all Diamonds that are called Fancy Cuts.
Fancy Cut Diamonds give you different options for the types of Heads and Prongs that support the Diamond and their odd sizes and fun shapes. The main ones are: Prong Heads and V-Tipped Prong Heads!
Side note: All Diamonds can also be set in to Basket Heads. Basket Heads are wire frames that the stone sits in. (Look at Diamond Stud Earrings or Diamond Pendants for an example!) Generally, most Engagement Rings and Wedding Sets do NOT set Diamonds in Basket Heads. (It doesn't show them off as well!)
Gemstones, on the other hand, utilize Basket Heads very well!
What are the Differences?
Now the big differences between Prong Heads and V-Tipped Prong Heads are a couple of important things:
Prong Heads hold in your Diamond. No problem. They can be very durable and they can protect your Diamond very well. But...
V-Tipped Prongs do everything that a normal Prong Head will do, plus much more.
What V-Tips Do
V-Tipped Heads offer a more distinct shape to your Diamond, and they protect the weakest part of your Diamond, which is the Tip. The points on your Diamond are weak and can chip easily. The edges where your Diamond meet and come together to form a point are vulnerable to damage. One good hit on your Diamond could scar it or break it for life.
V-Tips are Diamond savers and protect those brittle points and tips. In fact, they only work on those Points, like the tips on a Marquise, the tip on a Pear Shaped Diamond (see picture), or the corners of a Princess Cut Diamond!
That's where V-Tipped Prongs come in handy. They cover the most fragile Diamond area with durable metal. It gives greater protection where protection is needed.
V-Tips Enhance the Shape!
Plus, they also help give your Diamond that crisp, clean, perfect shape that most people love and adore.
Not to mention, V-Tips don't cover up big chunks of your Diamond like a standard Prong does!
V-Tipped Heads on a Marquise Diamond look awesome.
Just look at the difference of the Pear Shaped Diamond in the picture. The point helps emphasize the Pear's shape and makes the cut of the stone more dramatic.
If it was me, I would never buy a Fancy Cut, like Marquise, Princess, Trillion, or Emerald Cut Diamond, without getting V-Tipped Prongs. Trust me, once you have V-Tips, you'll never look at a standard Prong the same again!
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Copyright © 11-27-2008 Jewelry-Secrets.com
