Product Code Database
Prong setting or prong mount refers to the use of metal projections or tines, called "prongs", to secure a gemstone to a piece of jewelry. A prong setting is one component of what is known to as a head, a claw-shaped type of binding (typically three, four, or six individual prongs per head) that is welded or soldered to a jewelry item to mount (or "set") a gemstone to the jewelry item. A common setting for diamond , the prong setting allows light to strike a gemstone from more angles, increasing its brilliance.
Prong-setting engagement rings are sometimes referred to as Tiffany setting rings, although this is a trademarked term specifically used to describe prong setting rings sold by Tiffany & Co. A 2017, $19 million lawsuit confirmed the exclusive right of Tiffany & Co. to use the term "Tiffany" within the jewelry sales industry. The judgment was eventually overturned, and the parties made a confidential settlement.
Over time, prongs may get worn out or become loose. Getting the ring checked regularly is a good idea to prevent any accidental loss of a mounted gemstone. Some effective ways include using a 10X loupe to check for gaps between prongs and gemstone, listening for sounds made by loose gemstone, and taking it to a professional jeweler once every six months for checks.
While some in the jewelry industry use the term "Tiffany setting" to describe multiprong solitaire rings, the Tiffany setting is a specific trademarked design of Tiffany & Co. In February 2013, Tiffany & Co. filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Costco over Costco's practice of selling prong-setting engagement rings described as "Tiffany setting" rings. The lawsuit alleged that Costco was unlawfully using the "Tiffany" trademark to describe products that were not made or licensed by Tiffany & Co. In its defense, Costco asserted that it did not infringe because the terms "Tiffany" and "Tiffany setting" were genericized by common usage to describe prong-setting engagement ring.
On September 8, 2015, a federal judge ruled in favor of Tiffany & Co., rejecting Costco's generic-use argument and finding that Costco's usage of the "Tiffany" name violated Tiffany & Co.'s trademark rights. However, in August 2020, a court of appeals in New York tossed out that judgement and sided with Costco, sending the case back down to the trial court.
On July 19, 2021, Tiffany and Costco settled their dispute with no details being offered.
|
|
