Before you set off finding the perfect ring, it’s a good idea to clue yourself up on the terminology around engagement rings so that you know what you’re looking for. Angelic Diamonds, experts in diamond jewellery and engagement rings, decode some of the common terms.
You’re looking for something that your future fiancé will love, they’re expected to wear it everyday after all! You also want a piece that shows how well you know them and represents your feelings for them. Lastly, you want it to fit (although this can always be amended at a later date) and ideally fall within your budget.
The styles
The style of the ring determines the arrangement of the focal diamond, where the diamonds sit on the band, and how it looks on the finger. There are eight main styles:
Tension
In a tension set ring, the tension of the band keeps the diamond in its place, it often creates a bold and modern look.
Bezel
In a bezel ring, a thin piece of metal holds the ring in place. You can choose from full bezel ring settings where the diamond is fully circled or partial bezel settings that only cover part of the diamond.
Vintage
Inspired by antique styles, a vintage engagement ring is designed to look like it’s from centuries ago.
Solitaire
The simplest style, a solitaire ring features a single stone in the centre of the band.
Shoulder
This style of ring features a channel of diamonds running down each side (shoulder) of the band, it usually has a larger diamond in the centre too.
The style of the ring determines the arrangement of the focal diamond, where the diamonds sit on the band, and how it looks on the finger
Halo
This is a popular style; a centre diamond is framed with smaller diamonds which makes the centre stone look bigger.
Three-stone
Said to symbolise the couple’s past, present and future, a three-stone band is often made up of a large diamond which is framed by a smaller diamond on each side.
Cluster
For this style of ring, smaller diamonds are grouped together to give the appearance of one big diamond.
The 4Cs
The main feature of an engagement ring is usually its diamond. There are four main aspects of the diamond that determines its appearance and cost:
Carat weight
Carat is the unit that diamonds are weighed in. Note that this is different to a Karat which is a measurement of purity in gold.
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its symmetry, proportions and polish. It shouldn’t be confused with the shape of the diamond.
Clarity
This refers to the diamond’s internal features, or ‘inclusions’. Generally speaking, the more inclusions that a ring has, the less appealing it is.
Colour
Although most diamonds look colourless to the naked eye, if you look closely you might be able to see that there are subtle yellow and brown tones that separate them. Less expensive diamonds are usually the ones with the most of these tones.
The shapes
Once you’ve decided on the style of ring, you’ll have to choose the cut and shape.
Round
This is the most popular cut of diamond and considered to be the most brilliant by many. The stone is cut into a cone shape which allows light to enter the stone.
Princess
This cut looks as though it’s a square or rectangle but is actually a pyramid shape, this shape is again known for its brilliance.
Asscher
Cut in a similar way to an Emerald diamond, an Asscher cut diamond has an octagonal shape and more brilliance.
Heart
The Heart cut has similar brilliance to the Round cut diamond but is more eye-catching because of its shape, guaranteed to turn heads.
Radiant
This type of cut has a square shape and rounded corners, similar to the Emerald cut. However, a radiant cut diamond has more brilliance and sparkle.
Emerald
An Emerald cut diamond is rectangular with rounded corners, designed to highlight the gem’s shine.
Oval
Cut in a similar way to the round diamond, an Oval cut offers more of a contemporary feel.
Pear
Also known as the teardrop, the Pear cut diamond can be worn either pointing towards or away from the hand.
Marquise
Cut with an elongated shape and sharp ends, the Marquise diamond gives off a majestic appearance.
Cushion
Also referred to as a pillow cut diamond, the Cushion shaped diamond can be square or rectangular with larger facets and rounded corners.
Additional terms
There are a few more obscure terms that you might come across when shopping for a ring:
Pavé
A pavé setting sets groups of small gems in place and makes the ring appear to sparkle all the way round the band.
Culet
This is the point at the bottom of the diamond, the size and angle of this can affect the diamond’s worth.
Brilliance
This refers to the appearance of white light in the stone. Light passing through the stone produces this and it’s expertly measured with a Brilliance-Scope.
Prong
This is a type of setting, also known as the claw. It uses less metal to hold the stone and therefore more light can pass through the diamond.
Channel
Another setting, a channel secures diamonds in place and sits them flush with the band of the ring.
