Tulip Basket 101: Every Variation You Can Choose
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated October 6, 2026
Short answer: A tulip basket is a setting where the prongs open into petals under the diamond. The first choice is four petals or six. Four petals need a gallery rail or hidden halo to hold the prongs together; six petals support each other on their own. From there you can add a split shank, half petals with or without diamonds, side stones set in petals, a full or half bezel, an east west layout, or crossover petals.
Make sure you know this before you buy a tulip basket ring. Here are all the variations, so you can build one that is unique to you.
Four petals or six petals?
This is the first decision. With four petals, the prongs need something tying them together underneath: a gallery rail or a hidden halo. With six petals, the petals sit close enough to support each other, so you do not need a rail. More on this choice in 4 vs 6 prongs on a tulip basket.
What does a split shank add?
A split shank is when the band opens up into two as it reaches the head. It pairs perfectly with a tulip basket because each side of the split flows straight into the petals. You can also add a small half petal, or baby petal, in the middle of the split. Compare it with other band styles in split shank vs cathedral.
What are half petals?
Half petals are smaller petals that sit between the main ones. They support the main petals and act as the structure holding your prongs in place, so you do not need a gallery rail or hidden halo. They can be plain metal or set with small diamonds. Some people call them diamond petals or baby petals.
Can a three stone ring have a tulip basket?
Yes. Each side stone can sit in its own tulip petal, so the whole head reads as a little bouquet. It works with round, pear, oval or trapezoid side stones. See a three stone example in emerald three stone with trapezoids.
Can you do a tulip basket with a bezel?
Yes, with a full bezel or a half bezel. The bezel wraps the stone and the petals sit underneath, so you get the security of a bezel with the flower showing from the side. Four or six petals both work. We go deeper in full bezel tulip basket.
What about east west tulip baskets?
You can turn the stone east west so it sits across the finger, and keep the petals all the way around. A newer variation puts petals only on the east west sides, or only on the north south sides, which gives a cleaner profile from one angle and a flower from the other.
What is a crossover tulip petal?
Crossover petals curve past each other instead of meeting side by side, so the basket looks woven. It is one of the most requested variations right now. See it on a marquise in crossover tulip petal marquise setting.
How do you pick the right combination?
Start with the shape and size of your stone, then choose four or six petals, then add one or two details you love. Too many variations on one ring can look busy, so we usually suggest picking a main feature. You can browse every shape with four and six petals on our tulip baskets page, and we show you 3D renderings of your combination before anything is made.
Want help putting your tulip basket together?
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
Is a tulip basket secure?
Yes. The petals add support around the stone. We compare it with regular prongs in is a tulip basket more secure?
Does a tulip basket work with every diamond shape?
Yes. Round, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, radiant and more. See tulip baskets on six diamond shapes.
Will a wedding band sit flush with a tulip basket?
It can, if the setting is planned for it. See wedding bands that sit flush with a tulip basket.
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