Six-prong setting
JewelryWiki Editorial·1 source·Reviewed 2026-08-04
The Tiffany setting, introduced over 125 years ago, and GIA’s recommendation when you are unsure. If one prong breaks, five remain.
Properties
| Property | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| How it holds the stone | Six claws gripping from beneath, welded to the band. [1] | — |
| Security | Holds a diamond more securely and protects the girdle better than four prongs. If a prong breaks, the centre stone will probably remain firmly in place. [1] | — |
| Light access | More metal on the stone than four prongs, and more crowding on small stones — but no loss of sparkle, which is a function of cut quality. [1] | — |
| What to watch for | GIA is direct in a way it rarely is: the security of the diamond is the most important factor, and if you are not sure how many prongs to pick, go with six. The cost is visual — stones under half a carat may be overshadowed by the prongs, and six prongs make a round stone look rounder. [1] | — |
Sources
- GIA — How to Decide: Four Prongs versus Six Prongs for Your Engagement Ring — Gemological Institute of America (GIA 4Cs, Four Prongs versus Six Prongs)