Leaf Engraved Prongs: The Subtle Detail for a Tulip Basket
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated October 4, 2026
Short answer: Leaf prongs are claw prongs with a fine leaf engraving cut into each one. From the top they barely change the ring. Up close, every prong looks like a small leaf, and with a tulip basket or crossover basket underneath, the whole ring takes on a nature theme. It is one of the most subtle ways to personalize a ring.
A really subtle personalization that most people do not know about. Here it is under the microscope.
Read the video transcript
Let me show you a really subtle personalization that some people don't know about. This is called leaf prongs on a ring. Here it is under the microscope. You can see all the prongs have this very subtle leaf engraving on them. It pairs so nicely with the crossover or just a tulip basket. And you can see it again right there. A very subtle personalization, but it really adds that whole floral element to the ring.
What are leaf prongs?
Each claw prong is engraved with the lines of a leaf: a centre vein and fine side lines. The prong keeps its shape and strength. Only the surface changes.
Why do leaf prongs pair with a tulip basket?
A tulip basket already turns the prongs into petals underneath the stone. Leaf prongs carry that idea up to the top of the ring, so the flower has leaves. With a crossover tulip, it reads even more like a plant.
Can you see leaf prongs from the top?
Very little, and that is the point. From a normal distance the ring looks like any claw prong setting. Only when someone takes a closer look, or you catch it in the light, do the leaves show.
How can you take the nature theme further?
- Floral hand engraving down the band.
- An engraved bridge under the stone.
- Small coloured stones in the petals, see sapphires in the petals.
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Do leaf prongs weaken the prongs?
No. The engraving is shallow and only on the surface, so the prong keeps its thickness where it holds the stone.
Which diamond shapes suit leaf prongs?
Any shape with claw prongs. Marquise and oval show them best, because their prongs are larger and sit at the points.
Can leaf prongs be added to an existing ring?
Sometimes, if the prongs are thick enough to engrave. It is easiest to plan them from the start.
How much does a ring with leaf prongs cost?
A fully custom ring from us starts at about $4,000 USD, and most of the rings we build land between $4,000 and $5,000. Our Ready To Order settings start at $1,299 CAD, plus the diamond. The centre stone moves the price most: in September 2026 a 2 carat lab grown diamond ran about $2,500 CAD and a 3 carat about $2,700 CAD. Hand engraving, a hidden halo, a split shank and gemstones in the petals each add bench time. Real numbers are in our cost guide.
What are the most subtle ways to personalize a ring?
Leaf prongs, hidden initials in the basket, a hidden birthstone, or engraving inside the band. All of them are invisible from across the room.
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