Is 4 prongs enough for an engagement ring?

Four prongs is the standard for most round and oval engagement rings under 2 carats, and the configuration brides have worn for over a century. A well-cut diamond with a sound girdle, a settled office or studio lifestyle and a routine where the ring comes off for sport and gardening will all run safely on four prongs for decades. If the stone is over 2 carats, you are full-time hands-on, or the centre is a softer gem like emerald or opal, six prongs or a bezel give a wider safety margin and are worth the small loss of brightness.

A jeweller checks the prongs under magnification every 6 to 12 months, looks for lifted tips, hairline cracks and any movement when the stone is rocked, and tightens or rebuilds anything that has worn. A full re-tip, where a small bead of metal is welded back onto a worn prong, is usually needed every 5 to 10 years on a daily-wear ring. Platinum prongs hold their shape better than 18k gold prongs, which thin faster but can be re-tipped just as easily. Catching a worn prong early is the difference between a 10 minute repair and a lost stone.