The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring

When it comes to engagement rings, there are many different components to this small piece of fine jewellery. If you are currently looking for a ring, you may find yourself coming across a variety of terms that you have not come across before, and this can get a little confusing. To make the process easier to understand, here are what some of the main parts of an engagement ring are:

Mount

Sometimes also known as the Setting, this term refers to the entirety of the ring (without the stone) and it can be plain or set with gemstones, or diamonds of your choice.

The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring. Michael Platt

Side stones

Simply put, side stones refer to any other diamonds or gemstones in the ring that are not the centre stone.

The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring. Michael Platt

Shoulder

The shoulders are the sides of the mount and lead up to the ‘Head; shoulders are sometimes set with stones.

The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring. Michael Platt

Head

This is the setting that holds the diamond or gemstone.

The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring. Michael Platt

Claws

Claws or ‘Claw Set’ refers to a popular type of stone setting style. A claw is an individual piece of metal, bent over the top to keep the gemstones or diamonds in place.

The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring. Michael Platt

Tips

Tips refer to the very top of the claws, which are bent over the diamond or gemstone As claws are usually susceptible to wear and tear, they sometimes need to be re-tipped or rebuilt by a professional and expert Goldsmith. If the claws have been particularly worn down, it may be recommended to put a complete new head on the ring.  It is advisable to have your jewellery regularly inspected by a good working Goldsmith. Read more here for jewellery restoration.

Rub Setting

Rub setting or rub-over setting is an alternative to claw setting where the stone is completely encased by metal; gold or platinum, or can be partly encased ie half rub set.

The gallery

The gallery refers to the part of the ring that is visible from the side, just under where the gemstone or diamond is set.

Band

Otherwise known as the shank this is simply the part that wraps around the finger and will be sized for a perfect fit.

The Different Parts of an Engagement Ring. Michael Platt