4 prong, 6 prong

How are you all feeling as we head into the holiday season? Do you feel grateful? Looking back on a fantastic year? Or maybe you just want to celebrate in style? In either case, I say let's do it with diamonds!

Welcome to another By Bonnie blog, where we discuss all things diamond. If you're new here, please subscribe—because, let's be honest, staring at diamonds is free, and who doesn't need a little more sparkle in their life? Diamonds offer me so much joy, and I enjoy sharing it with you.

This week's blog? Oh, she's a showstopper! We're diving into this gorgeous four-prong solitaire with our freshly added Diamond Bridge. I'm also showing you a few more styles from the wonderful four-prong family and filling you in on all the specifics. We'll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of four versus six prongs, how to decide what's best for you, and why the Diamond Bridge is such a game changer.

So, let's get into all the sparkling stuff. Keep reading because the details are too good to miss! 

Why You Need To Plan Your Ring Set

Oh, and guess what? I actually have a matching wedding band for this gem! Let's talk about something important: when designing or upgrading their rings, many individuals overlook the band. A huge error! The band is equally important as the ring itself, and it may make or break the entire appearance.

So, my customer opted to go for the ultimate upgrade: a brand-new ring and matching band. Why? Simply because she wanted to, and I adore that enthusiasm!

Now, let’s talk details. This is a U-Gallery band, and I know many of you are wondering, “What’s the difference between a U-Gallery and the other styles you offer?” Well, let me show you! I also have a Double Gallery band here to compare. If you’re curious, I’ve done a full blog on the differences, but here’s the quick scoop:

A Double Gallery band adds an extra layer of protection to each stone, making it ideal for those who spend a lot of time using their hands. However, this U-Gallery band measures 3.2mm in width and is all about elegance and highlighting the beauty of each diamond.

Let's take a moment to admire this matching ring and band combination. Go ahead and soak everything in. Isn't she just stunning?

Client’s Upgrade: Round Solitaire with Diamond Bridge

Let me tell you a little backstory since it is too good not to share! My customer already owned a stunning oval diamond from her first engagement ring a few years ago. But this time, for her upgrade, she was looking for something different—a round diamond. Oh, and this isn't just any round diamond. She envisioned something that would fully highlight the beauty of the stone, with a design that allows you to look through the diamond.

Here's the thing: when you want that see-through, airy atmosphere with delicate prongs, I always remind my clients of one important detail: you'll need a support wire. This small feature, found just beneath the stone, is a game changer. 

At By Bonnie, we design rings to be the perfect balance of beauty, daintiness, and durability. So while this ring looks delicate and oh-so-elegant, it’s also sturdy enough to stand the test of time. It’s all about creating that dream piece that’s as functional as it is stunning. Don’t you just love the thoughtfulness behind it?

Diamond Proportions and Preferences

Alright, now let’s put this beauty on! This band comes in at a perfect 2.2mm. My client gave me free rein on the design—yes, the ultimate trust moment—and just said, “Bonnie, give me the best proportions you think!” 

The center stone is about 2.8 carats, and let me tell you, it’s such a dream. Now, for those of you debating whether to go bigger or smaller, let me remind you of my life motto: Always. Go. Bigger. 

One of my favorite aspects of this design is the diamond bridge decoration on the sides. It's such a lovely accent that adds just the proper amount of glitter from all angles. And we've done this style in a variety of carat sizes! This design was originally developed with a four-carat center stone, but I recently worked on a five-carat version. 

The client wanted to see the entire five-carat wonder, and it was breathtaking. We avoided the diamond bridge on that one, but seeing the five-carat brightness shine through the sides was spectacular.

Oh, and speaking of five carats, I have a six-prong version here to provide you a fast comparison of a nearly three-carat and a five-carat ring. What's the difference? It's significant. But okay, let’s circle back to that original set because I also showed you this earlier, and it’s worth a second look. Let’s appreciate all the sparkle, shall we?

The Importance Of Matching Your Ring Set

It’s so important to know the vibe you want for your set—like, are your ring and band going to sit flush together? That’s the big question! For those of you who are new here, welcome to the By Bonnie blog, where we’re all about planning your engagement ring and wedding band together. Because let’s be real, those small details make all the difference.

Whether you want your rings to sit flush or have a little gap, how they look worn together matters. One of my favorite designs for this is our diamond bridge style paired with our six-prong tulip solitaire. (You’re going to love the footage I’m about to show you—get ready!) 

The way we’ve designed our diamond bridge ensures it doesn’t rub against the wedding band. Yes, this is key! Wherever you’re designing your ring, make sure they’re paying attention to these small but oh-so-important details. It can completely change how your set feels and wears over time.

And yes, we’ve also added our diamond bridge detail to fancy shapes like radiant, oval, and even pear cuts. It’s this subtle, quiet luxury that gives you all the sparkle but in a way that feels understated and personal. It’s those tiny, perfect details visible from the side that make you fall in love every time you glance at your ring. Seriously, we live for this kind of detail, and we know you do too. 

Color Matching Stones For A Flawless Design

Here’s a major pro tip for you when shopping for your engagement ring and wedding band: color matching to your center stone is everything. Trust me, I see this mistake all the time—someone picks out the most flawless, dreamy DEF diamond for their engagement ring (because, duh, who doesn’t love a perfect stone?), but then when it’s time to choose a wedding band, it’s like, “Oh yeah, that one’s fine, whatever!”

Fast forward to when you’re actually wearing them together, and you might notice something feels a little off. Maybe the colors don’t quite match, or the side stones don’t blend perfectly with the center stone. And listen, I get it—it’s easy to overlook this. But being meticulous about quality and matching is so, so important.

This isn’t just about the big things; it’s those little details that make your ring and band feel like a perfect pair. So if you’re shopping for your engagement ring (or helping someone else!), keep this in mind: the details matter. And when the center stone and band match beautifully, the whole set just sings.

4 Prongs Vs. 6 Prongs: Which is Better?

When it comes to choosing between a four-prong or six-prong setting, here’s the scoop: If the prongs are on the thicker side, you’re likely in the clear. But if you’re going for that dainty, minimal look (which we love), it’s always smart to include a gallery rail for extra support on a four-prong setting. Otherwise, six prongs are your bestie, especially if you want your center stone to have that perfectly round, symmetrical vibe.

Now, let’s talk pros! One major perk of a four-prong design is that it eliminates the prongs at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, giving you extra space to pair with a thicker wedding band. If you’re dreaming of a bold, chunky band that sits flush, the four-prong might just be your soulmate. But honestly? I’m a six-prong girl through and through. My engagement ring is six-prong, and I’ll always love the security and timeless elegance it offers.

This set turned out absolutely stunning—chef’s kiss gorgeous. What do you think about the diamond bridge detail? Are you team four-prong or six-prong? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, follow me on Instagram @byBonnieJewelry, and let me know what diamond magic you want to see next! Until next time, happy stacking!