Coin bezels are a beautiful way to turn a coin into a finished pendant. They allow you to wear a favorite coin in a jewelry setting while giving the piece a polished, elegant look. Two popular styles are screw top coin bezels and prong style coin bezels. Each style has its own advantages depending on how you want the pendant to look and how you plan to wear it.
Screw Top Coin Bezels
A screw top bezel is designed with a small screw mechanism, usually near the top of the mounting. The bezel opens so the coin can be placed inside, then the screw is tightened to hold the coin securely in the frame.
One of the main advantages of a screw top bezel is flexibility. In many cases, the coin can be worn with either side facing forward. This is especially helpful if both sides of the coin are attractive or meaningful. You can display one side of the coin one day and the reverse side another day.
Screw top bezels also provide a classic framed appearance. The metal border surrounds the coin and gives the pendant a clean, finished jewelry look. This style is a popular choice for customers who want a traditional coin pendant that is easy to wear and easy to enjoy.
Another advantage is convenience. The coin can usually be inserted or removed without needing a permanent setting. This makes screw top bezels a practical option for many coin pendant designs.
The main thing to remember is that the screw should be checked from time to time. With regular wear, any small jewelry component can loosen, so it is important to make sure the screw remains tight. Proper sizing is also important so the coin fits securely inside the bezel.
Prong Style Coin Bezels
A prong style bezel uses small metal prongs to hold the coin in place. On this style, the prongs are typically positioned on the back side of the pendant, which is worn against the body. This gives the front of the pendant a clean, attractive look while the prongs help secure the coin from behind.
One of the biggest advantages of a prong style bezel is security. Because the prongs are designed to grip the coin in place, this style may provide a more secure hold than a screw top bezel, depending on the coin and the fit. For customers who want a strong, reliable setting, a prong style bezel can be an excellent choice.
Prong style bezels also offer a refined jewelry appearance. From the front, the pendant can have a smooth, finished look without the screw mechanism being visible. Many prong style bezels also include decorative details, such as beaded or textured edges, which add dimension and style to the pendant.
Because the prongs are part of the setting, a prong style bezel is generally intended to display one side of the coin forward. It may not offer the same two-sided wearing option as a screw top bezel. Once the coin is set, the front-facing side is the side meant to be displayed.
As with any jewelry setting, the prongs should be checked occasionally, especially if the pendant is worn often. Proper sizing is also important so the coin sits correctly and the prongs can hold it securely.
Which Style Should You Choose?
Choose a screw top bezel if you want the option to wear either side of the coin facing forward. This style is a great choice if you like flexibility, easy coin placement, and a traditional framed coin pendant look.
Choose a prong style bezel if you want a secure setting with a clean front-facing appearance. This style is ideal if you have one side of the coin you want to feature and prefer a pendant where the holding mechanism is positioned on the back side, against the body.
Final Thoughts
Both screw top and prong style bezels are excellent options for creating a beautiful coin pendant. A screw top bezel offers versatility and the ability to enjoy both sides of the coin, while a prong style bezel may provide added security and a clean, finished appearance from the front.
The best choice depends on your coin, your style preference, and how you want to wear your pendant.