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Jewellery Terminology Explained
Jewellery terminology is the language used to describe ring settings, diamond shapes, gemstone placement, ring anatomy, wedding band styles, clasps, chains, precious metals, finishes and custom jewellery design. This OgilvieGems guide explains the words clients commonly hear when choosing an engagement ring, wedding band, diamond ring or custom jewellery piece. Understanding terms such as prong, bezel, pavé, halo, shank, gallery rail, eternity band, milgrain, carat, karat and rhodium plating helps you compare designs properly, understand quotes, ask better questions and choose jewellery that suits your lifestyle.
What Jewellery Terminology Means
Jewellery terminology gives you the vocabulary to understand what you are buying, how a piece is made, how gemstones are held, how strong a design is and how different options affect beauty, comfort and maintenance.
Choose Your Future With Better Jewellery Language
When a client understands the words used in jewellery design, the entire custom process becomes clearer. A ring is no longer just a picture. It becomes a combination of stone shape, setting style, shank structure, metal choice, gemstone protection, side detail and long-term practicality.
This guide is written for real buyers who want plain-language explanations before choosing or approving a design.
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Ring Anatomy And Diamond Anatomy
Before choosing a setting, it helps to understand the basic parts of a diamond and the structural parts of a ring.
Crown, Girdle And Pavilion
The crown is the upper section of a diamond, the girdle is the outer edge, and the pavilion is the lower section. These areas influence appearance, proportions and how the stone is set.
Head, Prongs And Gallery Rail
The head holds the centre stone, prongs secure the gemstone, and a gallery rail can add support beneath or around the setting.
Bridge, Shoulders And Shank
The bridge and shoulders connect the ring head to the band, while the shank is the circular section that wraps around the finger.
Diamond Shape Terminology
The diamond shape is the outline seen from the top. Shape affects style, finger coverage, setting choice and how the finished ring feels.
Round
The classic brilliant shape, known for balanced sparkle and timeless engagement ring appeal.
Oval
An elongated brilliant shape that can look elegant, soft and visually lengthening on the finger.
Cushion
A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, often chosen for a romantic softer look.
Emerald
A step-cut shape with long facets, clean lines and a sophisticated glassy appearance.
Princess
A square brilliant-cut shape with strong geometry and modern sparkle.
Marquise
An elongated pointed shape that creates strong finger coverage and a dramatic silhouette.
Pear
A teardrop shape combining rounded and pointed features, often protected with a tip claw.
Heart
A romantic symbolic shape that requires careful proportions and secure setting design.
Diamond Ring Settings Explained
The setting is the design structure that holds the gemstone. It affects sparkle, protection, height, comfort, durability and the whole personality of the ring.
Prong Setting
Small metal claws hold the diamond while allowing strong light exposure. Common versions include four-prong, six-prong, double claw and talon claw settings.
Trellis Setting
Interwoven prongs cross beneath the gemstone, creating a sculptural side profile with strong visual craftsmanship.
Illusion Setting
A design that makes smaller stones appear larger through reflective metal work, shape framing or visual structure.
Tiffany Style Setting
A raised six-prong style that lifts the centre stone above the band for a classic solitaire look and strong light exposure.
Tension Style Setting
A modern design language where the stone appears suspended. For real-world wear, additional hidden support is often safer than relying on pressure alone.
Bezel Setting
A metal rim surrounds the gemstone, offering a smooth, modern look with excellent protection for active wear.
Solitaire Setting
A single centre stone takes full focus. This is one of the cleanest and most timeless engagement ring styles.
Cathedral Setting
Arches rise from the shank toward the stone, adding height, support and traditional architectural elegance.
Three-Stone Setting
A centre stone is framed by two side stones, commonly used to symbolise past, present and future.
Halo Setting
Small diamonds surround the centre stone, adding sparkle and making the centre appear visually larger.
Cluster Setting
Several smaller stones are grouped together to create a larger sparkling arrangement, often floral or geometric.
Channel Setting
Diamonds are secured between parallel walls of metal, creating a smooth line of sparkle without raised claws.
Bar Setting
Each stone is held between vertical bars, balancing structure with more visible gemstone sides.
Flush Or Gypsy Setting
The gemstone is set directly into the metal so it sits level with the surface, creating a durable low-profile finish.
Pavé Setting
Tiny gemstones are set closely together with small metal beads, creating a paved surface of sparkle.
Invisible Setting
Stones are set with minimal visible metal, creating the appearance of a continuous gemstone surface.
Antique Setting
Vintage-inspired detail may include milgrain, filigree, engraving and period-style design language.
Twist Setting
The band twists or interweaves around the centre stone, often symbolising two paths joining together.
Wedding Band And Side Stone Setting Terminology
Band settings affect comfort, durability, sparkle and how well a wedding band sits beside an engagement ring.
Claw, Scallop And Castle
Claw settings use small claws, scallop settings create softer rounded side shaping, and castle settings create more angular side detail.
Channel, Invisible And Star
Channel settings protect stones between metal walls, invisible settings sit low in the band, and star settings add decorative points around stones.
Thread, Grain And Fishtail
Thread and grain creates fine traditional detail, while fishtail settings create a decorative fan-like side profile.
Eternity Band
Diamonds or gemstones continue around the full ring. Beautiful, symbolic and sparkling, but more exposed to wear because stones continue underneath the finger.
Half Eternity Band
Stones cover the visible top section of the band only, making the ring easier to size and often more practical for daily wear.
Contour Or Fitted Band
A shaped wedding band made to sit neatly against an engagement ring, especially when the centre stone or basket prevents a straight band from fitting flush.
Chain, Necklace, Pendant And Clasp Terminology
Jewellery terminology is not only for rings. Chains, pendants and clasps also have important names that affect strength, comfort and style.
Chain Styles
Box chains use square links, cable chains use classic oval links, rope chains have twisted shimmer, Figaro chains alternate link lengths and paperclip chains use elongated modern links.
Pendants
A pendant is the decorative piece that hangs from a chain. Common examples include solitaire pendants, lockets, bar pendants, initial pendants and medallions.
Necklaces
A necklace is the complete piece worn around the neck. It may be a plain chain or may include a pendant, gemstone, charm or decorative centrepiece.
Clasps
Lobster clasps are secure, spring rings are compact, toggle clasps are easy to use, magnetic clasps are convenient, and box clasps are often used for fine bracelets.
Precious Metal And Finish Terminology
Metal terminology explains colour, purity, durability and maintenance. Finish terminology explains the final surface appearance of the jewellery.
Gold Karat
9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold, 14K contains 58.5% pure gold, and 18K contains 75% pure gold. The remaining percentage is alloy metal used for strength and colour.
Platinum And Palladium
Platinum is a naturally white precious metal valued for durability and prestige. Palladium is a lighter precious metal from the platinum family.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium is a bright white precious metal coating often applied to white gold to improve whiteness, shine and surface brightness.
Finishes
A polished finish is reflective, a brushed finish is softly matte, a hammered finish is textured, and an oxidised finish creates darker antique contrast.
Bonus Jewellery Terms Every Buyer Should Know
These terms appear often in custom jewellery conversations, certificates, appraisals, design discussions and aftercare explanations.
Alloy
A mixture of metals used to improve colour, hardness or durability.
Bail
The loop or connector that allows a pendant to hang from a chain.
Carat
A measurement of gemstone weight, not physical size.
Karat
A measurement of gold purity, such as 9K, 14K or 18K.
Hallmark
A stamped mark that can indicate metal purity or manufacturing information.
Inclusion
A natural internal feature or characteristic inside a diamond or gemstone.
Milgrain
Tiny beaded metal detail often used on vintage-style jewellery edges.
Filigree
Decorative fine metalwork using delicate open patterns or wire-like detail.
Mounting
The metal framework that holds the gemstone before or during final assembly.
Setting
The method and structure used to secure a gemstone into jewellery.
Tarnish
A surface reaction that can dull or darken certain metals, especially silver.
Laser Welding
A precise jewellery manufacturing or repair method used to join metal with controlled heat.
Why Jewellery Terminology Matters Before You Approve A Design
The right language helps prevent expensive misunderstandings. A design can look beautiful in a picture but still differ greatly in stone security, band strength, claw style, height, fit and future maintenance.
Better Quotes
When you understand setting type, metal, stone size, certification and construction, you can compare quotes more accurately.
Better Design Decisions
Knowing terms like gallery rail, cathedral, contour band and bezel helps you understand how the ring will actually be built.
Better Long-Term Wear
Jewellery terminology helps you choose designs that match your lifestyle instead of only choosing what looks good in a photograph.
All OgilvieGems Education Links
Use this full index to move through OgilvieGems jewellery education pages, product guidance, process pages and support resources.
Who Is OgilvieGems
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Who Is Duncan Alan Ogilvie
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→What Makes OgilvieGems Different
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→OgilvieGems Custom Jewellery Process
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→How OgilvieGems Designs Custom Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Real Custom Engagement Ring Stories
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Custom Engagement Rings Johannesburg
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Custom Jewellery Johannesburg
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Can My Ring Be Resized
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Custom Ring Consultation Explained
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Diamond Certificate vs Retail Certificate
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→From CAD To Finished Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→How Jewellers Price Custom Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→How To Choose A Trustworthy Jeweller In South Africa
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→How To Choose An Engagement Ring For Your Partner
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→How To Compare Jewellery Quotes
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→How To Insure An Engagement Ring In South Africa
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→How To Redesign An Heirloom Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Questions To Ask Before Paying A Deposit
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Red Flags When Buying An Engagement Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→What Documents Should You Get When Buying A Diamond Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→What Is A Jewellery Appraisal
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→What Is My Engagement Ring Worth
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→What Should Be On A Jewellery Certificate
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→What To Ask A Jeweller Before Buying A Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→What To Know Before Getting A Custom Ring Made
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Appraisal Value Is Not Resale Value
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→Why Cheap Rings Fail
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Custom Rings Cost More
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Jewellery Prices Vary So Much
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→Why Two Identical Diamonds Can Cost Different Prices
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Best Jewellery For Sensitive Skin
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Do You Need An Appraisal For Insurance
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→How Long Does A Custom Engagement Ring Take
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→How Tight Should An Engagement Ring Fit
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→How To Check Jewellery Reviews Properly
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→How To Choose A Jeweller For Heirloom Repairs
Education guide covering jewellery care, repair, aftercare, warranty, resizing and long-term ownership.
→How To Know If A Jewellery Quote Is Too Good To Be True
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→How To Store Valuable Jewellery At Home
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Independent Jeweller vs Chain Store
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Local Jeweller vs Online Jewellery Store
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Should You Buy Jewellery As An Investment
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→What Happens After CAD Approval
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→What To Check Before Resetting An Old Diamond
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→What To Do If A Stone Falls Out Of Your Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→What Voids A Jewellery Warranty
Education guide covering jewellery care, repair, aftercare, warranty, resizing and long-term ownership.
→Which Rings Cannot Be Resized Easily
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Custom Rings Cost More Than Mass Produced Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→About Us
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Custom Jewellery Quote
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing An Engagement Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Wedding Bands
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→What Is The Best Metal For An Engagement Ring In South Africa
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→What Happens During A Custom Ring CAD Process
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Can You Make A Ring From A Pinterest Photo
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Thin Bands Bend More Easily
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→How Much Should A Custom Engagement Ring Cost In South Africa
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Lab Diamonds Cost Less Than Natural Diamonds
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→9K vs 18K Gold For Daily Wear In South Africa
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Can You Reset Grandmothers Diamonds Into A New Ring
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Why Small Diamonds Fall Out Of Eternity Rings More Often
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Will A Salt And Pepper Diamond Look Cloudy Over Time
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Ruby Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Morganite Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Wishbone Wedding Bands
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Crown Wedding Bands
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Eternity Wedding Bands
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Diamond Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Moissanite Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Moissanite vs Diamond
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Tourmaline Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Alexandrite Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Topaz Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Opal Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Garnet Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Peridot Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Birth Stone Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→The 4 Cs Of Diamonds
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Jewellery Terminology
Foundational OgilvieGems education resource explaining common jewellery terms, buying language, design wording, gemstone terminology and certificate-related phrases.
→Jewellery Care
Education guide covering jewellery care, repair, aftercare, warranty, resizing and long-term ownership.
→Custom Engagement Rings South Africa
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Diamond Shapes
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Moissanite
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Lab Grown Diamonds
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→White Gold Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Platinum Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Palladium Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Silver Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Gemstone Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Halo Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Round Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Marquise Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Emerald Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Radiant Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Princess Square Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Cushion Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Elongated Cushion Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Salt And Pepper Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Tanzanite Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Sapphire Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Thank You
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Gallery
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Reviews
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Get Quote
Education guide covering jewellery pricing, quotes, value, appraisal, insurance and documentation.
→Diamonds Gemstones
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Consultation
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Warranty Certification
Education guide covering jewellery care, repair, aftercare, warranty, resizing and long-term ownership.
→How To Clean Your Jewellery
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→9K vs 14K vs 18K Gold
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Platinum vs White Gold
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→What Is Palladium Silver
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Non Tarnish Jewellery vs Real Jewellery
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Jewellery Repairs
Education guide covering jewellery care, repair, aftercare, warranty, resizing and long-term ownership.
→Swapping Stones
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Certification vs No Certification
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Lab vs Mined Diamond
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Will A Lab Grown Diamond Hold Value
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Oval Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Hidden Halo Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Solitaire Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Vintage Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Pear Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Three Stone Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Yellow Gold Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Custom Design Process
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Book An Appointment
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→FAQs
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Your Jewellery
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Contact Us
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Diamonds
Education guide covering diamonds, gemstones, certification, value, appearance, durability and buying confidence.
→Certification
OgilvieGems education resource for custom jewellery, engagement rings, buying confidence and informed decision-making.
→Engagement Rings For Women
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Find Your Ring Size
Education guide covering ring design, buying decisions, durability, pricing, gemstones, metals or ownership questions.
→Jewellery Terminology FAQ
What is jewellery terminology?
Jewellery terminology is the language used to describe jewellery design, gemstone settings, diamond shapes, ring anatomy, precious metals, finishes, clasps, chains and manufacturing details.
Why should I understand jewellery terminology before buying a ring?
Understanding jewellery terminology helps you compare designs, understand quotes, ask better questions, choose suitable settings and avoid confusion during the custom jewellery process.
What is the difference between a prong setting and a bezel setting?
A prong setting uses small metal claws to hold a gemstone, while a bezel setting surrounds the gemstone with a rim of metal for a smoother and more protective finish.
What is the shank of a ring?
The shank is the band section of a ring that wraps around the finger and supports the setting, shoulders and centre stone structure.
What is a gallery rail?
A gallery rail is a support rail beneath or around the gemstone setting that can improve structure, connect claws and add strength to the ring head.
What is an eternity band?
An eternity band is a ring with diamonds or gemstones set around the band, usually symbolising continuous commitment or lasting love.
What does pavé mean in jewellery?
Pavé refers to small diamonds or gemstones set closely together with tiny beads of metal, creating a surface of continuous sparkle.
What is the difference between carat and karat?
Carat measures gemstone weight, while karat measures gold purity. For example, a 1 carat diamond describes weight, while 18K gold describes gold content.
What is milgrain?
Milgrain is a fine beaded decorative edge often used in vintage-inspired jewellery, antique-style rings and detailed wedding bands.
Can OgilvieGems explain these terms during a consultation?
Yes. OgilvieGems can explain jewellery terminology, ring setting options, diamond shapes, metal choices and design details during the custom jewellery consultation process.
Understand The Language. Then Design With Confidence.
Use this jewellery terminology guide to understand the important words before approving a custom engagement ring, wedding band or fine jewellery design with OgilvieGems.
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