The start of your engagement ring journey will, more often than not, introduce you to foreign terminology and all new information that you might not have put much thought into before. And while an engagement ring can appear to be something so simple, it is quite the opposite- filled with many different parts and details that ultimately come together to create something beautiful. Every little aspect of the ring contains its own technical term regularly used by jewelers and each term serves its own specific purpose. Keep reading and learn the ins and outs of the master jewelers lingo.
CENTER STONE (THE SHOW-STOPPER)
Modern day engagement rings come in all different shapes, sizes, stones, and colors. Despite these various differences they all carry one major commonality- they all contain a single stone that is significantly bigger than the others and as the title insinuates, it is set in the center of the ring. While the specific type of stone used is primarily a diamond, it can also be any kind of gemstone. Always measured in carats, center stones can vary in size and will fluctuate in price depending on the carat size of the diamond (1 carat being the average). The most popular shape amongst the wide variety is the round shape, but other shapes such as emerald, oval, pear, cushion, and princess are also used. Every shape entails its own set of distinctive characteristics and it all comes down to personal preference.
SIDE STONES
Side stones, like center stones, can come in any shape. They embellish the band of the ring as well as add depth to the center stone itself. With the additional diamonds, the cost of the setting will naturally increase- the price reflects what type of side stones are used and the amount. Sapphires and emeralds, which are labeled as precious stones, are a more affordable alternative to diamonds and look just as stunning within the ring. And always remember, to ensure a look of fluidity and cohesiveness make sure to select side stones that are of the same quality and color.
SETTING, HEAD, & HALO
When referring to the setting, it involves everything but the center stone. The setting acts as a supporting role to the show-stopper that is the center stone. It emulates the overall style of the ring, whether it be vintage, contemporary, classic, etc. The head is an important part of the setting that holds the center stone in place, prongs included. Like there are different types of center stones, there are different types of prongs- fancy shapes can take distinct prongs to help them secure the stone in the best way possible. A halo is an option available to customers if they want to add a bit of dimension to their center stone. This particular type of setting has grown in popularity over the past few years and also comes in a more subtle alternative known as a hidden halo. This term is defined by the group of stones surrounding the center stone that acts as a frame. The effect leads to the appearance of a larger center stone and additional sparkle.
GALLERY, BRIDGE, SHOULDER & SHANK
The gallery is the area of the ring that can be seen when looking at the ring’s side profile. These can be as fancy or minimalist as your heart desires and can contain diamonds depending on preference. The bridge is located right under the gallery and can be plain, diamond studded, or embellished with other stones. Following the bridge we have the shoulder. This refers to the top two sides of the ring forming the start of the shank- it can taper, augment, be straight, twisted, or split. Lastly, the shank (or the band) is the bottom portion of the ring that can be found wrapped around your finger. This is the part of the ring that jewelers cut when perfecting the size of the ring. Engravings can inscribed inside this portion of the ring if couples are interested in placing a meaningful message within the band. The shank plays an important role which is that of ensuring the ring fits properly to your finger without spinning.
CENTER STONE (THE SHOW-STOPPER)
Modern day engagement rings come in all different shapes, sizes, stones, and colors. Despite these various differences they all carry one major commonality- they all contain a single stone that is significantly bigger than the others and as the title insinuates, it is set in the center of the ring. While the specific type of stone used is primarily a diamond, it can also be any kind of gemstone. Always measured in carats, center stones can vary in size and will fluctuate in price depending on the carat size of the diamond (1 carat being the average). The most popular shape amongst the wide variety is the round shape, but other shapes such as emerald, oval, pear, cushion, and princess are also used. Every shape entails its own set of distinctive characteristics and it all comes down to personal preference.
SIDE STONES
Side stones, like center stones, can come in any shape. They embellish the band of the ring as well as add depth to the center stone itself. With the additional diamonds, the cost of the setting will naturally increase- the price reflects what type of side stones are used and the amount. Sapphires and emeralds, which are labeled as precious stones, are a more affordable alternative to diamonds and look just as stunning within the ring. And always remember, to ensure a look of fluidity and cohesiveness make sure to select side stones that are of the same quality and color.
SETTING, HEAD, & HALO
When referring to the setting, it involves everything but the center stone. The setting acts as a supporting role to the show-stopper that is the center stone. It emulates the overall style of the ring, whether it be vintage, contemporary, classic, etc. The head is an important part of the setting that holds the center stone in place, prongs included. Like there are different types of center stones, there are different types of prongs- fancy shapes can take distinct prongs to help them secure the stone in the best way possible. A halo is an option available to customers if they want to add a bit of dimension to their center stone. This particular type of setting has grown in popularity over the past few years and also comes in a more subtle alternative known as a hidden halo. This term is defined by the group of stones surrounding the center stone that acts as a frame. The effect leads to the appearance of a larger center stone and additional sparkle.
GALLERY, BRIDGE, SHOULDER & SHANK
The gallery is the area of the ring that can be seen when looking at the ring’s side profile. These can be as fancy or minimalist as your heart desires and can contain diamonds depending on preference. The bridge is located right under the gallery and can be plain, diamond studded, or embellished with other stones. Following the bridge we have the shoulder. This refers to the top two sides of the ring forming the start of the shank- it can taper, augment, be straight, twisted, or split. Lastly, the shank (or the band) is the bottom portion of the ring that can be found wrapped around your finger. This is the part of the ring that jewelers cut when perfecting the size of the ring. Engravings can inscribed inside this portion of the ring if couples are interested in placing a meaningful message within the band. The shank plays an important role which is that of ensuring the ring fits properly to your finger without spinning.