ENGAGEMENT RING KEY TERMS TO KNOW

Engagement Ring Glossary: Key Terms to Know

As you begin your search for the perfect engagement ring, you’ll likely run into new terminology that will leave you with more questions than answers. While it’s easy to fall into the rabbit hole of information overload, Huntington Fine Jewelers has got you covered. In our Engagement Ring Glossary, we’ll explore the different aspects of an engagement ring.

Center Stone: The center stone is larger than any other stone and set in the middle of the engagement ring, perched above all the rest as the star of the show. Measured in carats, the featured stone can either be a diamond or colored gemstone. While round cut diamonds are the most popular, every shape has its own unique set of characteristics. Referred to as “fancy” shapes, emerald, pear, cushion, oval, and princess cut stones can transform the look of your engagement ring.

Side Stones/Accent Stones: Meant to enhance the main diamond, side stones are usually smaller in comparison. Set along the shank or featured in intricate metalwork, the added glimmer created by side stones helps draw attention to the band and center stone.

Engagement Ring Setting/Mounting: The setting, also known as the mounting, is the entire ring itself, minus the center stone. Ring settings come in a variety of silhouettes, such as the solitaire, three stone, and halo.

Diamond Settings: Different from the ring setting, diamond settings refer to how each stone is secured in place. Each diamond setting offers its own unique look. Styles include pavé, channel, prong, and bezel settings.

Head: The head, or crown, of the engagement ring involves the center stone and how it is secured to the ring, usually by prongs. The head can be referred to as the basket when the design includes intricate metalwork or diamond accent stones, which doubles as aesthetics and increased support.

Halo: Encircling the center stone with smaller diamonds creates the look of a halo, giving the style its name. A halo creates the illusion of a larger center stone and additional brilliance. Similarly, the hidden halo, or under halo, adds the same effect, but with a diamond wrap below the center stone, visible only from its side profile. 

Shank: Also known as the band, the shank is the part of the ring that wraps around your finger. This underside can be cut to downsize the ring or can be used as a canvas for a personalized message. Designers have reconstructed the shank into modern creations like split shanks, intertwined shanks, or multi-band rings.

Shoulder: The shoulder area includes the top two sides of the ring that form the opening of the shank. Augment the shoulder with the addition of tapering, twisting, or split edges.

Gallery: Located beneath the center stone, the gallery is only viewable from the side profile. The gallery is the open space above the bridge and can feature delicate scrollwork, filigree design, and stones, or left alone for a minimalist look.

Bridge: Connecting the gallery to the shank, the bridge meets at the shoulder of the ring. The bridge is found below the gallery and can be accentuated with diamonds or milgrain detailing. 

Why Shop for Engagement Rings at Huntington Fine Jewelers?

With three locations in Oklahoma City, Shawnee, and Midwest City, Huntington Fine Jewelers proudly services the nearby residents of the Oklahoma region. As the only retailer featuring an unrivaled collection of top designers, Tacori, Hearts on Fire, and Simon G, make Huntington your first and only destination to find your ideal engagement ring. To learn more, contact us online or come visit us in-store at a location near you.