Claw style settings are the most common style of setting gems for engagement rings. However, claws settings aren’t for everyone, for a range of reasons. Some people prefer a ring design with no claws. Others have an active lifestyle or hands-on work environment (such as a nurse or doctor) that makes a ring with claws impractical for them to wear.
If this is you, there are many engagement rings without prongs, including bezel set rings, half bezel set rings, inset rings, and illusion set rings. All are practical ring styles that can be incorporated into a beautiful design. Here is more about these 4 engagement ring styles without prongs, to inspire your unique design.
1. Bezel Set Engagement Rings
A bezel setting completely surrounds a gem to hold it in place. The metal of the setting encircles the gem right around, up over its girdle (or edge) creating a secure case for it. Bezels create a sleek, modern look to an engagement ring design.
Bezel settings are great for people who need a secure, claw free setting for practical reasons in their day to day life. A single round gemstone in a solitaire bezel set design is the ultimate in practicality. These settings can also be used in engagement ring designs that include multiple gemstones, for a more creative design that’s also practical to wear.
2. Half Bezel Engagement Rings
A half bezel setting (or semi bezel setting) partially encloses a gemstone, leaving some of the girdle (or edge) open. Half bezels can be used as a direct swap for claw settings in traditional design profiles, or they can be incorporated into curved wraparound bands for more unique engagement ring designs.
3. Inset Engagement Rings
For a style where the gems and the band are flush with each other, engagement rings with inset gemstones work beautifully with all precious metal and gemstone colours. This style of clawless engagement ring is best with gemstones in smaller sizes so that the band thickness can accommodate the depth of the gemstone (for larger gems, a bezel set design is a better design option).
Inset rings are delightfully practical to wear, with no raised settings in the piece. This style of engagement ring without claws is one you’ll enjoy wearing day in and day out for many years.
4. Illusion Set Engagement Rings
While technically a claw setting, an illusion setting wears more like a design without claws. An illusion setting surrounds a centre diamond with a patterned ring of metal. Beautiful bright cut patterns in the setting add dimension and interest in the piece.
Illusion settings are reminiscent of vintage engagement ring styles, with an elegant old world feel about them. They’re also excellent at making small diamonds appear larger than they really are, which makes them an appealing choice when incorporating small heirloom diamonds into a new engagement ring piece.
FAQs about Engagement Rings without Claws
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Yes! While claws setting is the most well known setting style, engagement rings can be made without prongs or claws. Many jewellers in Australia create beautiful designs with alternative setting styles.
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Many engagement ring styles without claws can hold your diamonds and gemstones very securely, including bezel settings, half bezel settings, inset gems, and illusion settings.
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Yes, claws and prongs mean the same thing for engagement rings. Jewellers based in Australia typically call them ‘claws’. Jewellers based elsewhere, including the USA, typically call them ‘prongs’.
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Rings without prongs or claws are very practical engagement rings. Bezel engagement ring settings, where the diamond or gemstone is fully enclosed by metal around its edge, are especially practical for everyday wear. If you’re worried about your engagement ring getting caught on things, you may find an engagement ring without prongs most appealing.
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While claw settings are the most popular setting style, there are many other ring settings you can use in a ring. Engagement ring styles without prongs include bezel engagement rings, half bezel engagement rings, inset engagement rings, and illusion set engagement rings.
Design Your Own Engagement Ring Without Claws
These four beautiful gemstone setting styles can be used to create a custom engagement ring without using claws. If you’re ready to design your own clawless ring, meet directly with our jewellery maker in Canberra or online to get all the advice you need.
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