Ah, engagement rings—some of us have had blingy dreams about them since our first taste of bubblegum ice cream, while others have never given them much thought until, bam, the love of our life is down on one knee. Either way, though, the first time you’re researching the world of rings, there’s a lot to download. Complicating matters is that especially for this purchase, everyone’s style is as distinctive as their dance moves. One person might imagine a classic diamond solitaire ring sparkling against their finger like a mini disco ball; another will fancy something understated, a whisper of a promise. But wherever you fall on that spectrum, we’ve got your back with some ringy lingo that’s good to have under your belt before diving into the sparkly pool of choices.
Because when it comes to pure volume of terminology, the world of diamond rings has little competition. There’s the various metals, for starters, from classic 14-karat gold to platinum, white gold, or rhodium. Then there’s the wide variety of stone-cut options, from Asscher to Tiffany.
And it doesn’t stop there. There are terms to learn about your ring’s anatomy (heard of a basket? Nope, not for picnics—it’s where your precious stone hangs out), band style, design flourishes, and stone orientation. The buffet of setting options alone is nearly endless.
It’s all *a lot* to take in, we know. But whether you’re still dropping hints like breadcrumbs or knee-deep in research and close to picking the one, the glossary ahead will shine a light on five key terms that’ll help you decode the matrix. Read on, bling seeker!
Engagement Ring Glossary
Setting The setting is more or less your gem’s throne, dictating its position and overall look. Prong settings use small metal, well, prongs (see below) to lift the stone above the band, enhancing both its prominence and its light entry. Bezel settings, on the other hand, encase the gem in a protective embrace, offering a sleek and modern appearance while increasing durability (if you’re tough on your jewels, this one’s for you). A flush-set ring style has a standard prong or a basket prong that sits on top of the engagement-ring band. Additionally, settings can affect your ring’s convenience, with flush and bezel settings providing the best protection against snagging.
Prong Think of prongs as delicate yet strong claws, securely holding your precious gem in place. The tiny grippers come in various shapes and angles, providing both an aesthetic touch and a functional purpose: ensuring your stone remains safely nestled while allowing maximum light exposure for that brilliant sparkle. With their strategic placement, prongs also play a key role in showcasing the diamond’s cut and enhancing its overall visual appeal.
Halo No angels here—this word refers to smaller stones that encircle the center gem, creating a luminous effect. This design not only adds a celestial touch but also visually enhances the size of the central stone, for breathtaking impact. Halos also offer a bit of extra protection to the center stone, as a buffer against potential impacts. There are a wide variety of options here, too, from the classic single halo to the double halo (when the center stone is surrounded by two rings of smaller stones), and even a “hidden” halo, which sits under the center stone to subtly illuminate it.
Pavé This term refers to a dazzling effect resembling a twinkling sidewalk, created by lots of tiny, closely set diamonds adorning the band or halo. The meticulous arrangement adds glamour, along with the illusion of a larger, more radiant center stone. The intricacy of pavé settings requires skilled craftsmanship—and accordingly ups the cost—but the way your ring will catch the eye from every angle is well worth it.
Solitaire It’s not a loner, it’s a confident soloist—a single, spotlight-loving stone that’s the focal point of the design and the star of the show. The solitaire’s timeless, minimalist elegance allows a gem’s natural characteristics to shine through, making it a classic choice that never goes out of style. Whether set in a traditional prong or a more contemporary bezel setting, it’s renowned as a symbol of pure and enduring love.
Basket The term basket is a type of setting crafted with delicate metalwork. It securely holds the center stone while allowing maximum shine and enhanced brilliance. It also has horizontal bands that connect the prongs and provide a base where the gemstone is set to make sure your diamond is protected. The intricate details of the basket setting make it a timeless choice, effortlessly flaunting the beauty of your rock.
Tiffany The Tiffany ring setting was introduced and named after the famous jeweler; it was so phenomenally successful that ‘Tiffany style’ soon became a generic term for any multi-prong solitaire setting. The setting allows more light to hit the diamond in the best way possible. For glamorous elegance, it’s the perfect frame to show off your gorgeous diamond.
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.