In short: An engagement ring has two main parts: the diamond and the setting that holds it. Knowing the names of each part, from the table and girdle of the stone to the claws, gallery and shank of the ring, makes it much easier to describe what you want and to understand the choices in a bespoke design.
Why Learn the Parts of a Ring?
When you look at a ring you like, it is often one detail that makes it work: a slim band, a low setting, a hidden halo, or the way the claws are shaped. Having the right words for those details means you can explain exactly what you like, and a jeweller can show you how each part affects comfort, security and appearance.
This guide works from the top of the ring down: first the diamond, then the parts that hold it, then the band.
Part One: The Diamond
Table
The table is the large, flat facet on the top of the stone. It is the main window into the diamond, and much of the light you see returning from a stone passes through it.
Crown
The crown is the upper part of the diamond, between the table and the girdle. Its angled facets help create fire, the flashes of colour you see when the stone moves.
Girdle
The girdle is the thin outer edge where the crown meets the pavilion. It is the widest part of the stone, and it is where a setting usually grips the diamond. Many certified diamonds have their grading report number laser inscribed on the girdle.
Pavilion
The pavilion is the lower, cone shaped part of the stone beneath the girdle. Its angles have a large effect on brightness. A pavilion that is too shallow or too deep lets light escape, which can make a stone look dull or create a dark centre.
Culet
The culet is the very bottom of the stone. On most modern round diamonds it is a point or a tiny facet. Older cuts often have a larger culet, which shows up as a small circle when viewed from the top.
How well these parts are proportioned is what diamond cut grades measure. Our diamond cut guide explains how proportions affect brightness and fire.
Part Two: The Head and Setting
The head is the part of the ring that holds the centre stone. It includes several elements.
Claws (prongs)
Claws are the small metal tips that hold the stone in place. Most solitaires use four or six. Four claws show more of the diamond; six give extra security and a rounder outline. Claw tips can be rounded, pointed, flat or shaped like a talon, and each changes the look of the ring.
Bezel
A bezel is a rim of metal that surrounds the stone instead of claws. It protects the girdle well and suits active lifestyles. See our bezel engagement rings for examples.
Basket and gallery
The basket is the structure beneath the claws that supports the stone. The gallery is the area under the stone that you see when looking at the ring from the side. It can be plain, open, or decorated with details such as a hidden halo or a small accent stone.
Setting height
Setting height is how far the stone sits above the finger. A higher setting can let in more light and give a dramatic profile; a lower one is less likely to catch and often sits more comfortably next to a wedding band.
Halo
A halo is a ring of smaller stones around the centre stone. It adds sparkle and can make the centre look larger. A hidden halo sits just under the stone and is visible mainly from the side.
Part Three: The Band
Shank
The shank is the band itself, the part that goes around the finger. It can be straight, tapered, twisted or split. A European shank has a flat, squared section at the base, which helps the ring stay upright.
Shoulders
The shoulders are the upper parts of the band either side of the head. They may be plain, set with small diamonds, or shaped to lead the eye toward the centre stone.
Bridge
The bridge is a small piece of metal that sits under the head and connects the claws to the band on each side. It adds strength and can be a place for a hidden detail.
Band profile and width
The profile is the shape of the band when cut through: flat, D shaped, court (rounded inside and out) or knife edge. Width and profile both affect comfort and how the ring looks on the hand.
Hallmark
Inside the band you will usually find a hallmark, which shows the metal and its fineness. It is a mark of confidence in what the ring is made from.
How the Parts Work Together
No part of a ring exists on its own. A thin shank can make the centre stone look larger, but it needs to be strong enough to support the head. A low setting is practical, but it affects whether a straight wedding band can sit flush. Six claws add security, but they cover a little more of the stone. A good design balances these choices for the person who will wear it.
That balance is where bespoke design helps. When you design your bespoke engagement ring, you approve every one of these details in CAD before anything is made, and the finished ring is crafted by specialist goldsmiths.
Which Parts Need Looking After
Some parts of a ring wear more than others. Claw tips take the most contact and can thin over years of daily wear, which is why it is sensible to have them checked periodically. The base of the shank, which sits against the palm, also wears gradually, especially when the ring is worn next to a wedding band. A jeweller can re-tip claws or rebuild a shank when needed, so a well made ring can be kept in good condition for decades.
Using These Terms in a Brief
You do not need every term to start a commission, but a few can make a brief much clearer. For example:
- "An oval solitaire on four rounded claws, low setting, with a thin court shaped shank."
- "A round brilliant with a hidden halo and a plain gallery, so a straight band can sit flush."
- "Pavé shoulders, a split shank, and six claws for security."
If you have photos rather than words, that is fine too. See how the bespoke journey works, or get in touch to talk through your ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the part of the ring that holds the diamond called? It is called the head or setting. It usually includes claws or a bezel, a basket and a gallery.
What is the shank of a ring? The shank is the band that goes around the finger.
What is the girdle of a diamond? The girdle is the thin outer edge of the stone, where the top and bottom meet. It is usually where the setting holds the diamond.
How many claws should an engagement ring have? Four and six are the most common. Four shows more of the stone; six offers extra security.
What is a gallery on a ring? The gallery is the area under the stone visible from the side, which can be plain or decorated.