Ring Glossary

When you begin your search for a diamond engagement ring, the terms and phrases involved are likely incredibly unfamiliar and even a bit intimidating. To help make the process less daunting, the glossary below offers short explanations of a few of the most important terms you should know before shopping for an engagement ring:

Bezel
A setting with a protective, metal rim that encircles the perimeter of the diamonds.

Blemish
An impurity on the outside surface of the diamond, generally formed from the environment it encounters.

Brilliance
The brightness or white light that is returned from the diamond.

Complete Engagement Ring
A ring that already includes a center stone and any accent diamonds in its setting Complete Engagement Ring.

Fire (or dispersion)
The flashes of colorful light returned from a diamond.

4 C’s
The four characteristics used to describe the quality of your diamond: clarity, color, carat weight, and cut. Read more about all four in the Understanding the 4 C’s section.

Inclusion
An impurity on the inside of the diamond, generally formed from the Earth.

Multi-stone
A diamond engagement ring with three or more featured diamonds.

Pavé
A ring featuring tiny accent diamonds on the band set closely together (so that very little metal shows through).

Prongs
The most commonly used diamond setting, especially popular to display solitaire engagement rings. To create a prong setting, a diamond is inserted into three or more metal prongs that form a basket-like base.

Proportions
The measurements of the diamond that determine the quality of the cut.

Scintillation (or sparkle)
Reflections of light that are caused by movement of the diamond.

Semi-mount
A ring that is already decorated with diamonds and has space for a central, featured diamond. Again, this alone does not include a center diamond.

Setting (also, blanks or mountings)
This is the part of the ring on which the diamonds sit and holds the diamond in place. A setting alone does not include a center diamond.

Solitaire Diamond
A diamond engagement ring with one featured (center) diamond.

While this list doesn’t include every diamond term out there, it should get you started. Regardless, make sure to do plenty of research before you begin shopping and communicate with your friends, family, and fiancée. This will help you to be more confident in finding the perfect engagement ring for her!