RING GUIDES

Parts of a Ring: Ring Anatomy Guide

Engagement ring anatomy

Have you started your ring buying process and are being confronted with words and phrases that you don’t understand? Or maybe you’re just wondering how all the different parts of a ring come together to make a beautiful end result. Well, in this guide we will be exploring the anatomy of the ring, learning what each segment of the ring is called and what its purpose is. 

Ring Anatomy

Before we delve deeper into the different aspects of a ring, take a look at our diagrams which highlight which part of the ring is which:
Parts of a ring diagram
Parts of a ring diagram

Centre Stone

The centre stone is the main event, it sits at the top of the ring and is often the largest stone in the ring. The most common choice for a centre stone is a diamond, but at Jessica Flinn we're big fans of alternative choices such as sapphires, salt and pepper diamonds and tourmalines. There are endless options for your centre stone, whether you're looking for a classic oval diamond or a modern hexagon cut tourmaline, the world is your oyster! If you would like to learn more about different gemstones then take a look at our guides!

Side Stones/Accent Stones

Side stones are optional and deciding to forgo this design element means you'd be opting for a solitaire ring. The side stones are gemstones which are placed beside the centre stone and are often a different shape, size or gem type to the centre stone. The most common choice for side stones are diamonds or lab grown diamonds, but you can be as creative and colourful as you want when it comes to choosing your side stones!

Accent stones are gemstones that are placed in the shank, not to be confused with pave, these stones are different stylistically. For example, these stones are sometimes placed within a more intricate design such as Penelope and Bethan.

Explore Different Stone Styles

Scroll through a selection of our rings to see how diverse the styles of centre stone can be, from hexagon cut salt and pepper diamonds to round cut sapphires, each centre stone gives a completely unique appearance.


Take a look at our gemstone cuts guide to learn more.

Round cut engagement ring
Hexagon cut engagement ring
Kite cut engagement rings
Oval cut engagement rings
Emerald cut engagement rings

Explore Different Stone Styles

Scroll through a selection of our rings to see how diverse the styles of centre stone can be, from hexagon cut salt and pepper diamonds to round cut sapphires, each centre stone gives a completely unique appearance.


Take a look at our gemstone cuts guide to learn more.

The Shank

The shank is best described as the band and is the circular metal section that wraps around your finger. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, widths, and shapes to suit different preferences and styles. The shank can be customised in numerous ways to add some extra flair, it can be engraved with designs, adorned with pave diamonds (diamonds set into the band), feature a beaded design, or remain plain for a more classic look.

It can also include a personalised inscription on the inside to commemorate a special occasion, making the ring even more meaningful. Additionally, the shank typically bears a hallmark indicating the metal's purity, as well as the jeweller's name or logo, certifying its authenticity and craftsmanship.

The Bridge

The bridge is the part of the shank that provides support to the gallery and the head of the ring. It's the part of the ring that sits on top of your finger.

Shoulders

The shoulders are located on each side of the shank and provide support to the ring. Shoulders can be plain or include intricate designs such as pave or engravings, as well as beaded designs or even a split shoulder. Choosing to include gemstones or pave on the shoulders can also give the illusion of a full pave band without the added cost of having gemstones all the way around the shank.

THE GALLERY

The gallery is the area underneath the head which holds the centre stone. The gallery is a way to feature a more intricate ring design, for example, our Raine ring features a lotus gallery which showcases a leaf-like design. Rose also showcases an intricately designed gallery, with an Art Nouveau floral inspired gallery.


THE MOUNT/SETTING

Think of the mount as the entire ring minus the gemstones—all the metal components make up the mount. Your ring can feature different types of mounts, such as a 'wed fit' or 'shaped to fit' mount, which ensures that your wedding ring sits flush with your engagement ring. Explore the examples below to see the difference between a wedding ring that sits flush and one that doesn't:
Sapphire and diamond engagement ring and wedding ring

Wednesday sits flush to Juno, meaning there is no space between the two rings and they neatly sit on the finger together.

Art deco engagement ring and wedding ring

Thea doesn't sit flush with Phoebe, meaning there is a bit of room in between the two rings.

The mount includes the setting, which holds the gemstones in place. There are many different types of settings which you can choose from, each has a different aesthetic and will provide varying levels of support and security to the gemstone.


Prong Setting

The prong setting is the most common setting for engagement rings and gemstone rings. This setting involves claws holding the gemstone in place and typically takes 4 or 6 claws to securely hold the gem properly. Claws can come in different shapes and sizes, from round to pointed and even V shaped.

Bezel Setting

A bezel setting (also known as a rubover) means there is a metal rim encapsulating the gemstone. This setting is arguably the most secure as it allows for the least amount of movement. There is also the option for a half bezel which means only part of the gemstone is covered by the setting. Take a look at Hattie for some half bezel inspiration and Annette for a full bezel.

Channel Setting

A channel setting is where gemstones are kept secure in the band within a horizontal channel. This setting is often used for wedding bands such as our Zara design.

Pave

Pave setting is where gemstones are set close together within a band and held securely with small beaded claws to achieve a seamless, sparkly appearance. Pave is also used when a ring has a halo!

Gypsy Setting

Also known as a flush setting, the gypsy setting is a classic setting that will give a ring a vintage look. In this setting, the gemstone is set deep within the shank by drilling a hole into the band and placing the gemstone inside.

Cathedral Setting

This setting has tall arches to hold the stone high above the band, giving a cathedral-like look.


Explore Different Ring Settings

Take a look at some of our rings to understand how each type of setting looks on a finished ring. 


Browse our ready to wear collection for some more inspiration or book an appointment with one of our team members if you would like to speak with someone directly about creating your dream ring.

PRONG SETTING

Tourmaline ring

BEZEL SETTING

Bezel set ring

CHANNEL SETTING

Sapphire eternity ring

HALO / PAVE

Halo engagement ring

Explore Different Ring Settings

Take a look at some of our rings to understand how each type of setting looks on a finished ring. 


Browse our ready to wear collection for some more inspiration or book an appointment with one of our team members if you would like to speak with someone directly about creating your dream ring.

PRONG SETTING

Gold tourmaline ring

BEZEL SETTING

Gold bezel ring

CHANNEL SETTING

Eternity ring

HALO / PAVE

Halo engagement ring

Care and Maintenance

Make sure to regularly inspect your ring, ensuring that all the different parts are secure and undamaged. You will also need to clean your ring regularly to make sure that it remains as stunning as the day you received it, take a look at our ring care guide to learn more about how you can best look after your ring.

If you come across any aspects of the ring that require attention then book in for our repair and refresh service, where a professional will look over your ring and give it the TLC it needs.

Find the Perfect Ring with Jessica Flinn

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect ring then take a look at our collection of engagement rings and wedding rings. Or if you’re thinking of going bespoke then you can book an appointment with one of our jewellery experts. Whether you’re local and want to visit our showroom or are located further away and would rather have a virtual appointment, we can work with you to find your dream ring.

Book an Appointment

At Jessica Flinn, we pride ourselves on creating a friendly atmosphere where all are welcome. If you book an in person appointment with us you will be welcomed into our beautiful showroom with a beverage of your choice, whether its a cup of coffee or a glass of champagne, we're here to make your appointment as memorable as possible. One of our experts will then guide you through the ring choosing or designing process and make sure you leave with a ring you absolutely adore!


Book an appointment today and start your journey.

Engagement ring appointment