engagement ring terminology
Below is a quick visual guide, outlining some key engagement ring terms that are important to understand when designing your dream ring.
Basket
The metal part of the head of the ring holding your diamond.
Gallery Rail
The metal support bar (which is part of the basket) Wrapped around your diamond, helping to hold it securely.
Shank or Band
a Shank is referred to as the Band part of your ring.
Prong
Also known as claws, prongs are what is bent over the centre stone to secure it in place. They have various design options, from cat prongs (as seen in the image above), to round prongs, square prongs and so on.
Pave Band
Refers to small pave set diamonds lining the band (or shank). This is a design element, adding sparkle to your ring.
Hidden Halo
A design element where the gallery rail securing the center stone is set with small diamonds. Not visible from directly above, a hidden halo adds a hint of sparkle from a side view.
Shoulders
A signature element of a cathedral style setting, this refers to the metal shoulders ascending along to the band, eventually connecting to the gallery rail. Adds a visual appeal as well as bolster the ring’s structural integrity.
Bridge
The part of the shank underneath the basket. This is another element of a cathedral style setting (seen here as a pave bridge as it is lined with pave diamonds).
