Anatomy of a ring
Jewellery may look small and delicate, but each piece has many parts. If you’re shopping or
designing, you’ll likely see terms you haven’t heard before. To make things easier, we’ve put
together a simple guide to help you get familiar with them.
Setting:
The structure that holds the gemstone(s) in place. It affects security, height, light performance, and style.
Underrail:
A support bar beneath the center setting that connects the ring’s shoulders. It adds strength, helps the ring keep its shape, and can house hidden details or small stones.
Shank (band):
The part of a ring that wraps around the finger. It supports the setting and defines comfort, balance, and style
Gallery rail
The horizontal rail that links the prongs under the center stone, visible from the side. It stabilises the setting and shapes the side profile—often a spot for pavé, filigree, or decorative cut-outs.
Diamond set band
A ring band adorned with diamonds along part or all of its surface. The stones can be set in various styles, such as pavé, channel or shared prong, to add sparkle and enhance the overall design.
Claw (prong)
Small metal arms that grip the gemstone and hold it securely in place. They allow maximum light to enter the stone, enhancing its brilliance, and can be rounded, pointed, flat or decorative in style.
