Guide
Settings and ring anatomy
The parts of a ring and the ways a stone can be held, in plain words. Knowing them makes it easier to describe what you love and to look after it.
Anatomy
The parts of a ring
- Head
- The part that holds the center stone
- Basket
- The frame of prongs under the stone
- Gallery
- The side view under the stone, often with detail
- Shoulders
- Where the band meets the head
- Shank
- The band itself
Holding the stone
Setting styles
- Prong
- Four or six metal claws. Shows the most diamond and light
- Bezel
- A metal rim around the stone. The most secure and the smoothest
- Pavé
- Small diamonds held by tiny beads of metal, for continuous sparkle
- Channel
- Stones held between two walls of metal. Nothing catches
- Cathedral
- Arches that lift the center stone above the band
- Halo
- A frame of small diamonds around the center
See them
Settings in the designer
Which setting is most secure?
A bezel, because metal surrounds the whole edge of the stone. Six prongs are more secure than four.
How often should prongs be checked?
Every six months for a ring you wear daily.
Guides
Keep learning
Matching your wedding band
The band that suits each diamond shape.
Read
Birthstones
The stone for every month, and how to wear it.
Read
Ring size guide
Measure at home or print a sizer.
Read
Jewelry care
Cleaning and storing every kind of piece.
Read
Glossary
Every jewelry term, in plain words.
Read
Questions and answers
Everything people ask us, in one place.
Read