TL;DR: if English is not your first language, this picture glossary gives the main ring words in French, German, Spanish and Polish, so you can describe the design you want and understand what we send you. Photographs and sketches fill any gaps, and we confirm every detail in writing before anything is made.
The main words
These are the everyday terms used for rings in each language. Jewellery vocabulary varies by region and by workshop, so treat the table as a starting point and, if a word really matters, ask a native speaker to confirm it.
| English | French | German | Spanish | Polish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement ring | bague de fiançailles | Verlobungsring | anillo de compromiso | pierścionek zaręczynowy |
| Wedding band | alliance | Ehering | alianza | obrączka |
| Band | anneau | Ringschiene | aro | szyna |
| Setting | sertissure | Fassung | engaste | oprawa |
| Claw or prong | griffe | Krappe | garra | łapka |
| Stone | pierre | Stein | piedra | kamień |
| Diamond | diamant | Diamant | diamante | diament |
| Halo | halo, entourage | Halo | halo | halo |
| Ring size | taille de bague | Ringgröße | talla de anillo | rozmiar pierścionka |
Why a glossary helps
Jewellery has its own vocabulary, and even confident speakers of a second language may not know the word for claw or gallery. Having the key terms in your own language helps you read descriptions, ask clear questions and avoid misunderstandings when you commission a ring from abroad. Most of our work with international customers happens by video consultation and message, so a shared set of words makes those conversations quicker and calmer.
Using pictures
A photograph often explains more than words. Save pictures of rings you like and mark the parts you love, such as the shape of the stone, the thickness of the band or the style of the claws. A simple sketch on paper can help too. You do not need to draw well. Arrows and a few labels are enough for us to understand what you mean, and we then turn your ideas into a design for you to review.
Ring sizes across Europe
Many European countries describe a ring size by its inside circumference or diameter in millimetres, while the UK uses letters. Because systems differ, a measurement in millimetres is the clearest way to share a size with us. We would rather you send us the number and how you measured it than guess a conversion. If you are unsure, tell us and we will explain what to do before anything is made.
More useful words
Other words worth knowing are gallery (the side profile under the stone), shoulders (the parts of the band beside the setting), pavé (small stones set closely along the band), bezel (a metal rim around the stone) and engraving. Some of these, such as pavé and solitaire, are borrowed from French and are often understood in other languages too. If a term is unclear, send a photograph and we will name the part in plain English.
Metals
Gold, platinum and silver have their own names in each language, and gold purity may be written in carats or in parts per thousand, so 750 means 18ct gold. When we quote a design we state the metal and purity in writing, so you can check it against what you have asked for.
Working with us from abroad
You do not need to visit us. We work by video consultation and message, share sketches and CAD renders for you to review, and make nothing until you have approved the design in writing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are, and delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx. Our guide on how written approval works explains that step, and ten questions international customers ask covers the rest. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
What is the French word for engagement ring?
It is bague de fiançailles. A wedding band is usually called an alliance.
What is the German word for engagement ring?
It is Verlobungsring, and a wedding band is an Ehering.
How do I share my ring size from Europe?
Send the measurement in millimetres and tell us how you took it. That is clearer than converting to UK letters yourself.
Can you work in a language other than English?
Please ask us. We can explain in writing what is possible before you order, and photographs and sketches help whatever the language.