4 Petal vs 6 Petal Tulip Basket: How to Choose
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated October 11, 2026
Short answer: A 4 petal tulip basket has four petals and needs something underneath to tie them together, usually a hidden halo, which adds a row of sparkle from the side. A 6 petal tulip basket has six petals close enough to support each other, so it needs no halo and shows more flower. The 6 petal is our most popular setting. On our Made To Order oval settings the difference is $100 CAD.
This is the first choice you make with a tulip basket, and it changes the side view more than anything else. We have built over a thousand tulip baskets, and here is how we explain it on calls.
What is a 4 petal tulip basket?
Four prongs, each opened into a petal. Four petals leave gaps between them, so we always add support underneath: a hidden halo (a rail set with small diamonds), or on some builds a plain gallery rail. The hidden halo is not just for looks. It holds the basket together.
See it on an oval tulip with hidden halo, or read what a hidden halo is.
What is a 6 petal tulip basket?
Six prongs, six petals, all the way around the stone. The petals sit close enough to brace each other, so the support is built in and no halo is needed. From the side it reads as a full flower. See it on an oval tulip six petal.
How do 4 and 6 petals compare?
| 4 petal | 6 petal | |
|---|---|---|
| Underneath | Hidden halo or gallery rail | Six petals, nothing else needed |
| Side view | Petals plus a row of small diamonds | More flower, more metal |
| Support | The halo ties the petals together | The petals support each other |
| Prongs on the stone | Four | Six |
| Made To Order oval setting | From $2,299 CAD | From $2,199 CAD |
Setting prices in 14K gold as listed on October 11, 2026. The diamond is on top.
Which is more secure?
Both, when they are built properly. Six petals give six points of contact on the stone. Four petals get their strength from the hidden halo underneath. Either way the petals are double wires, which is why any tulip basket holds up better than single prongs. More in is a tulip basket more secure?
Which diamond shapes suit each?
Every shape works with both: round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, marquise and radiant. Shape still affects which one we suggest, because the petals have to line up with the stone's corners and points. That is why we show you both in 3D before anything is made. See the same basket on six shapes in one tulip setting, six shapes.
Can a 6 petal basket have a hidden halo too?
On larger and elongated stones, yes. We build it on movals and ovals, like the moval 6 tulip hidden halo. On a smaller round the six petals take up the room a halo would need, which we show in 4 vs 6 prongs on a round.
Is there a middle option?
Yes: four petals with half petals between them. The small half petals do the job of the rail, so you get four main petals without a hidden halo. It is not right for every diamond, so ask us whether it works for yours. Every variation is in the tulip basket setting guide.
Not sure whether 4 or 6 petals suits your stone?
A free 20 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.
Book a free callSee our processQuestions we get about this
Which is more popular, 4 or 6 petal?
The 6 petal is our most popular tulip basket setting.
Does a 4 petal tulip always have a hidden halo?
It always needs support underneath. Usually that is a hidden halo; on some builds it is a plain gallery rail or half petals.
Is a 4 petal or 6 petal tulip more expensive?
On our Made To Order oval settings the 4 petal with hidden halo is $100 CAD more, $2,299 against $2,199 in 14K gold.
Will a wedding band sit flush with either?
It can with both, if the setting is planned for it. See wedding bands that sit flush with a tulip basket.
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