THE ANATOMY OF AN ENGAGEMENT RING & HOW EACH PART CAN BE CUSTOMIZED
Becoming engaged is the first step that a couple takes towards a future of lifelong commitment built on love, respect, and trust.
Such a monumental occasion should be properly represented with the perfect engagement ring.
But finding that ideal engagement ring can be difficult and overwhelming — especially with the different ways a ring can be customized.
To streamline the process, it’s important to understand the anatomy of an
engagement ring, how each part can be customized, embellished, and the variations available for every component.
THE HEAD OF AN ENGAGEMENT RING
The most visible and important parts of an engagement ring are located on its head, also known as the crown.
A ring’s head comprises of the center stone and its prongs, which are the small, metal pieces that hold the center stone in place.
CENTER STONE
As its name infers, the center stone of an engagement ring is the largest gem featured in the middle of the ring’s body, also called the
setting. A variety of cuts, shapes, and sizes can be used for the center gemstone.
The way a
gem is cut or shaped determines how dazzling or brilliant it looks to the naked eye.
In the United States, most brides-to-be prefer an engagement ring with a
round cut center stone.
This is because a round cut center stone possesses the highest scintillation, meaning it produces the most sparkle.
Other popular cuts include the classic square-shaped
princess cut, the soft-edged
cushion cut, and the vintage
pear cut, which resembles a teardrop.
PRONGS
Even though it is a small part of an engagement ring, the prongs have the most important job of securing the center stone to the rest of the setting.
Some engagement ring heads use a circular-shaped frame of smaller gemstones surrounding the center stone, known as a
halo, as well as prongs to hold the gemstone in place.
Others use a
bezel setting, which is a band of metal that encircles the center gemstone and prongs. A bezel setting is the strongest way to hold a center stone.
But one of the most widely sought-after engagement rings features a prong setting as it is traditional and allows the center stone to shine without being obstructed by framing.
Style variations for the prong setting can be simple, like the four-pronged set of the A.Jaffe diamond engagement ring pictured above.
Angular-shaped center stones like princess cut diamonds may benefit from chevroned prongs, which mold around each corner, creating a frame that is perfect for each angle.
Those who want the prongs to appear more decorative should consider a paved setting with diamond-tipped prongs.
A
paved setting with diamond-tipped prongs hides the facets behind smaller diamonds, so it looks like the center stone is held in place by smaller gemstones.
SHOULDER
Below the head or crown of an engagement ring is the shoulder. The shoulder offers extra support to the center diamond or gemstone as it includes conjoining bars to the sides and underneath the head.
The supportive bars that sit directly under the center stone make up the bridge of the engagement ring.
These components of an engagement ring should complement the center stone and seamlessly connect the head to the rest of the setting.
SHOULDER STYLE VARIATIONS
The shoulder of an engagement ring can be modified to suit a variety of preferences.
It can be designed with intertwining twists to create a stunning crisscross formation, or it can split.
In a split-shank design both sides of the ring’s shoulder take on a V-shaped formation when connecting to the head.
BRIDGE
As a supportive component, the bridge helps the prongs keep the center stone secured to the head. Bridge shapes can include straight, curved, or V-shaped design options.
SIDE STONES
Some engagement rings include side stones. These are smaller gemstones which are used to flank the center diamond or gemstone of an engagement ring.
Like center stones, they come in a variety of cuts, brilliance levels, and scintillation intensities. For a more cohesive look, the side stones and center stone should all be of the same quality.
This is especially true for diamonds, as differences in brilliance and scintillation are most obvious in this type of gem.
GALLERY
Embellishments like a gallery can also be added to the shoulder as decorative ornamentation that surrounds the head and rests above the supportive bridge.
Galleries feature intricate detailing like diamond-encrusted or milgrain scrolls — a vintage jewelry-detailing technique in which tiny metal beading is incorporated into the design.
Not every engagement ring has a gallery as traditional designs favor keeping more of the center diamond visible.
And while a gallery can be a beautiful design element, it often obscures the pavilion or base of the gem.
SHANK
Comprising the remainder of the anatomy of an engagement ring is the shank or band.
The shank of an engagement ring can be made from different precious metals at varying widths or thicknesses. A thicker shank is better for a frequently worn piece like an engagement ring.
On-trend
metals for engagement ring shanks include white gold, platinum, rose gold and
yellow gold. Rose gold in particular emanates a warm gleam at every angle.
Brides-to-be who favor detailed, regal designs may favor an
engagement ring made in rose gold.
For those who desire a strong metal,
platinum and white gold are the best options.
These sturdy, lustrous metals are more resistant to wear and tear. As a result, engagement rings made of
white gold or platinum are less likely to need repair compared to some other metals.
Hannoush Jewelers offers engagement rings made in a variety of precious metals, so consumers can have their pick of beautiful, durable rings.
ACCENT STONES
Shanks that have been encrusted with diamonds create the popular style known as accent stones. This style has become quite popular as the added gemstones are used to enhance the allure of the engagement ring.
Depending on the person’s individual style, accent stones can be used to further personalize an engagement ring.
Similar to the center gemstone, accent stones can come in a variety of cuts and clarity — allowing you to achieve any style that your heart desires.
SIZING AREA
Located at the base of the shank is the sizing area — the part of the engagement ring that is adjusted to fit the wearer’s finger.
Jewelers can adjust the base or sizing area of an engagement ring’s shank to achieve the perfect fit.
After the ring is sized accordingly, the sizing area becomes the perfect place to
engrave personalized details like the engagement date or the couple’s initials.
DESIGN THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING AT HANNOUSH JEWELERS
An engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry a person will ever purchase — so it’s important to purchase the perfect piece.
And if something doesn’t capture your attention — or heart, a customized engagement ring could be worthwhile.
Assistance from expert associates and master craftsmen with years of industry experience, like those at Hannoush Jewelers, is vital when creating the ideal engagement ring.
During your visit, our master jeweler and sales associates will work with you to custom design the ring your special someone will love.
Using cutting-edge technology like a 3D printer to produce a ring prototype, the vision can come to life as a multi-dimensional concept before it is finalized.
Clients can also get inspired by Hannoush’s extensive collection of engagement rings from world-renown designers such as A.Jaffe and Verragio.
Whether you’re looking to shop for or create the ideal engagement ring, Hannoush has the inventory and talent to procure a piece that perfectly represents your love.
Contact us today to learn more about our
engagement ring designing services or to schedule a time to explore our expansive selection.
