What is a claw setting?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A claw setting, also called a prong setting, holds a gemstone in place using small finger-like metal claws or prongs that extend up from the ring's head and curl over the edges of the stone to grip it. The open design exposes as much of the stone's surface as possible so light enters from every angle, which maximises the stone's brilliance and sparkle. Most rings use four or six claws; four claws show more of the stone while six offer more security, which is why the six-claw Tiffany-style setting has been a benchmark for solitaire diamonds for over a century.
Frequently asked questions
- How many prongs should an engagement ring have?
- Four prongs expose more of the stone and give a more open, modern look, while six prongs hold the stone more securely, which is why six-claw settings are popular for valuable solitaires. Four prongs also allow the stone's shape to show more clearly, which suits elongated cuts like oval or pear particularly well.
- Do claw settings catch on things?
- They can, especially if the prongs are fine or have become slightly raised over time. Rounded or flat-topped prongs snag less than pointed ones, and regular checks by a jeweller to make sure prongs are sitting flush and none are bent will prevent most problems.
- What is a shared prong setting?
- In a shared prong setting, one prong sits between two adjacent stones, securing both at once rather than giving each stone its own separate prong. This reduces the amount of metal visible, creates a more continuous sparkle along a row of stones, and is common on engagement ring shanks and eternity bands.
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