There is great debate over the efficacy of 4- or 6-prong settings. Though fewer, the 4-prong settings tend to be thicker (and thus stronger) than the 6, though the 6-prong settings are in no way to be considered weak. It’s just that there are more of them, and they can be slightly smaller, while insuring the same degree of safety.

Some feel that if a prong should break, the 6-prong setting will provide greater security, and less chance of losing the stone than a 4-prong setting. However, the likelihood of a prong actually breaking away is very rare. Prong failure is progressive, and so they should be checked regularly for strength and tightness. But the bottom line is that both are secure, and your preference should be towards which looks better for your particular piece of jewelry.