Mixed Metal Classic Solitaire Mounting with 18KT White Head and 14KT Rose Gold Shank
Knowledge is power! When it comes to the overwhelming task of engagement ring shopping you can never be too prepared. Regardless of if you want a classic solitaire or are shopping for vintage engagement rings, make sure you and your jeweler are speaking the same language by familiarizing yourself with these important jewelry terms:
Classic Solitaire Shown As A Mounting
- Mounting - The ring before a diamond is set into it. The mounting can be customized to fit a variety of diamond shapes and sizes.
- Shank - The band portion of the mounting.
A Basic 4-Prong Head
- Head - A setting that is attached to the top of the ring and is where the diamond is set.
- Prong Setting - Thin metal projections that hold a stone in place. When used on the head their make is specific to the diamond's shape and size and can come in any number of prongs.
- V-Prong - A prong that terminates in a v-shape and is often used on stones with pointed ends, such as a pear or trillion shape diamond.
From our Modern Engagement Ring Settings, A Full Bezel Engagement Ring
- Bezel Setting - A perimeter of metal that hugs the entire circumference of the stone (Full Bezel). This type of setting is popular with modern engagement ring settings.
From Our Collection of Vintage Engagement Rings, This Ring Setting Has Fishtail Prongs.
- Fishtail Prongs - A popular type of prong in vintage engagement rings that has prongs terminating in a two part fancy flared end.
Semi-Bezel Engagement Ring Settings Offer A Modern Twist On A Classic Solitaire
- Semi-Bezel Setting - Similar to a full bezel, the semi-bezel setting has two breaks in the perimeter hugging the top and bottom of a stone. This type of setting is also popular in modern engagement ring settings.
From Our Collection of Vintage Engagement Rings, This Style Features A Surprise Diamond Gallery
- Gallery - The gallery is located on the sides of your ring where the diamond sits (underneath) and is visible in the ring's profile view.
A Low Profile Classic Solitaire
- Low Profile - When looking at a mounting from the side a low profile ring has a head that sits lower and more level with the shank.
High Profile Engagement Ring Settings Sit High Above The Finger
- High Profile - When looking at a mounting from the side a a high profile ring has a head that sits high above the shank.
- Rhodium - An electroplated metal finish that makes white metal look clean and bright. This plating is commonly repeatedly as it wears off and fades. The frequency of plating depends heavily on the lifestyle and habits of the wearer.
- Carat - The size of a diamond in terms of its weight is referred to as its carat. Its abbreviation is 'CT', Example: 1CT represents a 1 carat size stone.
- Carat Total Weight - The total weight of all diamonds used on a piece of jewelry is its carat total weight. Its abbreviation is 'CTTW', Example: 5 diamonds at .20CT each will total 1CTTW.
- Karat - The percentage of pure gold in a metal's composition is its Karat. Pure gold has 24 parts of pure Karat. As the Karat weight declines through various process of alloying (or mixing metals) its Karat will decrease. Its abbreviation is 'KT' Examples: a 14KT gold has 14 parts of pure gold, likewise an 18KT gold has 18 parts of pure gold. NOTE: If you are buying an engagement ring for someone with an allergy to nickel, make your jeweler aware of this. The jeweler can find a ring that uses palladium instead of nickel in the white gold alloying process (like Jabel, nickel free white gold),
- Die Struck - A rare but superior method of jewelry manufacturing that creates heirloom quality jewelry by a process that strikes the precious metal with an incredible amount of force. A documentary explaining the process is available on our website.
- Cast - The most common method of jewelry manufacturing in today's market. It uses low pressure molds to create cost effective jewelry.
Hand Engraved Mountings In Our Collection of Vintage Engagement Rings
- Hand Engraved - An exquisite method of decorating jewelry that involves the precise hand-eye coordination of a skilled artisan who carves in relief a decorative pattern onto the surface of a piece of jewelry. For an in depth explanation of the process read An Artist's Touch: Hand Engraved Jewelry.
Email us to find a local Jabel jeweler at info@jabel.com