Knowing Your Ring: What are the different parts of an engagement ring?

...and what should I look out for when choosing mine?

 

So: The time has come for one of the most exciting purchases of your life. But some of the technical descriptions can be a bit confusing when you're browsing the vast quantaties of online jewellery provides – unless, of course, you’re a jeweller yourself.

Here at Infinity Diamond Jewellery, as as providers of some of the UK's highest-quality, best-selling Lab Grown Diamonds, we want to make it easy for you. We've put together a quick guide to help you get up to speed with the basics.

 

The Essentials: Shank, Side Stones, and Centre Stones

Shank or Band: This is simply the part of the ring that wraps around your finger, made from any metal. It’s also where you’ll find any hallmark.

Side Stones: Also known as accent stones, these are usually smaller gems set on either side of the centre stone. They can be the same or a different type of gem, in any cut or size, to complement and draw attention to the main stone and add a bit of extra dazzle!

Centre Stone: This one’s self-explanatory! It’s the main and usually the biggest stone in the ring.

 

Lab-Diamond Asscher Cut Engagement Ring, Classic Style (click)

 

Lab-Diamond Pear Cut Halo Engagement Ring (click)

Setting the Stage: Heads, Prongs, and Shoulders

Head: Situated at the top of the ring, the head holds the centre stone in place. The style you choose will make a big difference to the ring's appearance.

Prongs: Also called claws, these are thin metal strips on the head of the ring that hold the gem in place. They usually come in sets of 4 or 6 and bend slightly inwards to securely hold the stone.

Shoulders: These are the top two sides of the band, just below the stones. Some shoulders change width as they near the stone setting and can be simple or intricate, sometimes adorned with additional stones.

 

Lab-Diamond Cushion Cut Engagement Ring, Classic Style (click)

 

Lab-Diamond Emerald Cut Halo Engagement Ring (click)

 

Fancy Features: Split Shank, Bezel, and More

These parts of engagement rings are often the parts that separate styles from one another. Your taste between the following basically decides what your 'dream ring' will be - which is why it's quite important to understand a bit about each:

Split Shank: This is when the shank divides at the shoulders as it approaches the centre stone, creating a visible gap and often making the centre stone appear larger.

Bezel: In a full bezel setting, the centre stone is set within a thin metal rim that completely surrounds the stone. A partial bezel covers just two sides of the stone.

Pavé: This French word means “paved” and refers to the surface of the jewellery being covered with small gems set close together, totally covering the metal below and ensuring maximum sparkle.

Halo: A ring of smaller stones around the outside of the main stone, forming a ‘halo’. It adds extra sparkle and can make the centre stone look larger or draw the eye with contrasting colours.

Hidden Halo: Similar to a halo, but the smaller stones are set around the base of the main stone, visible only from the side.

Solitaire: A ring with a single gemstone of any cut. It’s the most classic and timeless engagement ring style.

Channel: Stones are set inside a channel of metal, flush with the surface, giving a smooth and clean finish. This setting is popular for wedding bands.

Tiffany-Style Setting: Simple prongs hold the main stone in place, using less metal and exposing more of the gem, allowing maximum light entry and exit for sparkle.

Milgrain: A metalwork technique featuring small bumps that create a patterned border, adding a lovely finishing touch to both engagement and wedding rings.

 

So there you have it. At IDJ, we’re here to help you find the perfect ring with all the right details - and we're ready and waiting with a huge range of styles, to help you find the perfect fit. View our full range of Lab Diamond engagement rings right here on our site today!