Bezel vs Prong Setting: What’s the Difference?

There are so many moving pieces involved in picking the perfect engagement ring, from the star of the show (the stone), the band material, and of course, the setting that ties it all together. You want to get everything right so the end result is a ring you’re proud to pop the question with.

A bezel setting, that defines our Hazel style at Alexis Russell, puts your stone within a sleek, protective frame, which is great for active lifestyles and a modern aesthetic. While a prong setting, that defines our Bryn style, maximizes the stone’s light and sparkle with a timeless, delicate feel.

We’ll help you narrow it down between a bezel vs prong setting below, factoring in things like appearance, durability and lifestyle, maintenance, and of course, cost. But just know the best thing you can do if you’re struggling to choose the perfect engagement ring is book a free consultation today. As the #1 choice for unique gemstone engagement rings online, our experts are ready to talk about your goals and budget one-on-one so we can make more tailored recommendations. Get in touch today and take the next step in your forever story!

	Bezel Setting	Prong Setting
Appearance & Style	Modern, sleek, with a smooth metal frame around the stone. Great for a minimalist or contemporary look.	Classic, airy, with more of the stone exposed. A more timeless, traditional aesthetic.
Durability & Protection	Very secure, with the stone fully protected by metal. Ideal for active lifestyles or softer stones.	Secure but less protective; edges and corners of the stone are more exposed to damage.
Light Performance	Can slightly reduce light reflection since the edges are covered. Softer sparkle overall.	Maximizes light entry for more stone brilliance and fire.
Maintenance	Easy to keep clean and snag-free; rare need for adjustments.	Prongs can loosen or bend over time, requiring occasional maintenance.
Cost	Generally more expensive due to the extra metalwork involved.	Often more budget-friendly and easier to craft.

What is a Bezel Setting? Pros and Cons

A bezel setting surrounds the center stone with a thin, custom-shaped metal band that holds it securely in place. There are a few bezel varieties, as the rim can fully encircle the stone (full bezel) or just partially cover it on two sides (partial or half bezel).

Either way, this is one of the oldest setting techniques in jewelry design - and it’s still popular today for a reason! Bezels are shaped exactly to the contours of the stone, so they have a really sleek profile while providing unparalleled protection.

The biggest benefit of a bezel setting is its durability and practicality. The stone’s edges are protected from accidental chips, and you don’t have to worry about the ring snagging on clothing or other fabrics. Our team tends to recommend a bezel for anyone who lives an active lifestyle or works with their hands.

The aesthetic is absolutely stunning, too. It’s modern, minimalist, and distinctive. We’ve found this to be one of the most popular choices for our customers striving for a contemporary look. However, a bezel setting does cover a bit more of the stone than prongs do. This can limit how much light can enter the stone and can slightly lessen the brilliance

Bezel settings also tend to cost a bit more because of the precision craftsmanship involved and the need for more raw materials. But for the right person, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get wearing a bezel engagement ring!

What is a Prong Setting? Pros and Cons

A prong setting uses slender metal arms (usually 4 or 6) to grip the stone at key points and hold it above the band. It’s actually the most common choice for engagement rings because of its elegance and how it showcases the stone.

Maximum light can pass through the gem because most of the stone is exposed, which puts out incredible sparkle and brilliance. This is really enticing for those who want their engagement ring's gemstone to make a statement.

Prong settings are versatile, too. They can complement virtually every stone shape and size, from round brilliant cuts to pear and oval. They also tend to look more delicate and airy, so smaller stones don’t get swallowed by the setting.

The minimal use of metal keeps the focus on the gemstone, and it’s generally more affordable than a bezel because it requires less material and labor. So what’s the catch? Durability. Prong settings require just a little more care and attention as they are slightly more prone to bending or catching on fabrics.

Prong settings also leave the stone edges more exposed to potential chips, so they’re not always a great choice for those who those who’d call themselves “clumsy” or just don’t want to worry about damaging the ring in their day-to-day life.

With some extra TLC, regular light maintenance, and the good sense to remove your ring during activities where it could be prone to damage, a prong setting can be a great choice.

Bezel Setting vs Prong Setting: Key Differences to Consider

You might already be leaning towards one side of our bezel vs prong setting comparison. It’s really just a decision between protection and appearance, so you’ll want to consider what matters more to you.

But we want to be clear in saying one isn’t “better” than the other when it comes to a bezel setting vs prong setting. We specialize in both styles here at Alexis Russell and believe each has its place. Here are some of the main differences.

Appearance and Style

A ring’s visual impression is largely shaped by its setting, so this is one of the most important details to consider.

Bezel settings have a smooth, modern look. The metal rim encircling the stone gives a clean, understated feel. Think contemporary or minimalistic. It can also create the illusion of a slightly larger stone in some cases.

On the other hand, prong settings feel airy and delicate. They let the stone take center stage, elevating it above the band and letting more light pass through for a one-of-a-kind sparkle. This is a great choice if you want a brilliant, classic, romantic-looking ring.

Durability and Protection

There’s an obvious difference between the bezel vs prong setting when it comes to setting strength and stone protection - and the practical side of things matters just as much as the aesthetics.

A bezel setting offers the most protection of the two because it fully or partially surrounds the gemstone, effectively shielding the edges and holding the stone securely in place. We recommend bezel settings for softer stones or anyone with an active lifestyle.

Prong settings aren’t “weak” when you source your ring from a trusted brand like Alexis Russell - but they do leave more of the stone exposed, which can be a blessing and a curse. You get more brilliance but this comes at the cost of some risk.

Prong settings can catch on fabrics or loosen over time, so they require more careful handling. They may not be the most practical pick for someone who works with their hands or considers themselves “clumsy.”

Maintenance Needs Over Time

Both settings require some level of upkeep if you want your ring to look pristine for decades to come. It’s just a matter of how much care you need to put into maintaining your ring.

A bezel is generally lower maintenance since the stone is fully enclosed, meaning there are fewer risks of loosening or damage. There’s not much that goes into caring for bezel settings aside from occasional polishing.

In contrast, prong settings should be checked more often to ensure they’re tight and haven’t bent. After all, the stone may become loose if a prong becomes loose or worn.

Cost and Craftsmanship

Finally, consider the cost to choose between a bezel vs prong setting. You’ll typically pay more for bezel settings because of the added metal and the precision necessary for creating a custom bezel that fits the stone perfectly.

Prong settings are simpler to create, and in turn tend to be more affordable. They’re a good choice if you want to save your budget for other aspects of your engagement ring - be it a bigger stone, more luxurious band, or for something else entirely, like your honeymoon!

So, Should You Choose a Bezel or Prong Setting?

Ultimately, the choice between a bezel vs prong setting comes down to what you value most. A bezel is a fantastic option if you want a sleek, modern, and secure design that holds up beautifully to everyday wear.

On the other hand, a prong setting is probably the ideal choice if your priority is classic sparkle, a lighter aesthetic, and a more traditional feel - just be aware of the protection/durability trade-offs.

Either way, the right setting is one that reflects your style and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle - and we’re here to help you zero in on it at Alexis Russell, your trusted choice for ready to ship engagement rings OR custom engagement rings online!

Build the Perfect Engagement Ring at Alexis Russell Today

Alexis Russell is here to help you craft an engagement ring that feels as personal and one-of-a-kind as the love story behind it. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years now, with thousands of success stories along the way.

But why buy a custom engagement ring at Alexis Russell with so many great jewelers at your fingertips online? Nobody makes the process as seamless and enjoyable as we do!

Whether you’re drawn to the secure elegance of a bezel setting or the timeless brilliance of prongs, our team is here to bring your vision to life. You can start by browsing our thoughtfully curated loose stones, explore our archive of one-of-a-kind past designs for inspiration, or work with a stylist to create something entirely your own. The possibilities are endless.

Every ring is handcrafted in our New York studio using ethically sourced stones and recycled metals, so you can rest assured you’re getting a ring that not only looks breathtaking but also meets your morals.

We’re proud to offer attentive, one-on-one guidance through every step so you can feel confident about every choice you make along the way - including choosing between a bezel setting vs prong setting. So, take the next step today!

Bringing Our Bezel vs Prong Setting Comparison to a Close

Both bezel and prong settings have their strengths, and neither is “better.” It all comes down to what matters most to you. Is it protection and practicality, or appearance and affordability?

Take the time to weigh their differences, and don’t hesitate to lean on our expertise if you still have your doubts about whether you should go with a bezel vs prong setting.

You can learn more about how to shop for engagement rings in our blog, or discover the top alternatives to diamond engagement rings in our catalog. Otherwise, we invite you to talk with one of our stylists today and begin designing a piece as unique as your story!