Engagement Ring Glossary: Cuts, Settings, Stones & Terms Defined

A plain-English glossary of engagement ring terms — cuts, settings, stones, and quality measures — so you can shop and compare with confidence. Every ring at Segal Jewelry is custom-made to order in 14K/18K gold or platinum, with natural or lab-created stones. Browse the full list below.

Diamond & gemstone cuts (shapes)

Round brilliant

The most popular cut — 57–58 facets engineered for maximum sparkle. The benchmark for brilliance.

Emerald cut

A rectangular "step cut" with long, straight facets that create flashes of light rather than sparkle, emphasizing clarity and color. See emerald cut engagement rings.

Oval cut

A brilliant-faceted elongated shape that lengthens the finger and looks larger per carat than a round. See oval cut engagement rings.

Cushion cut

A soft, pillow-shaped square with rounded corners and large facets — vintage character with strong sparkle. See cushion cut engagement rings.

Princess cut

A modern square cut with brilliant faceting — near-round sparkle at a lower price per carat. See princess cut engagement rings.

Radiant cut

A rectangular outline with brilliant facets — the sparkle of a round in a straight-edged shape. See radiant cut engagement rings.

Marquise cut

An elongated shape with pointed ends that maximizes apparent size and slims the finger. See marquise cut engagement rings.

Pear shape

A teardrop blending a round and a marquise — elongating, and larger-looking per carat. See pear shaped engagement rings.

Heart shape

A romantic cut shaped like a heart; best in harder stones that protect the point. See heart shaped engagement rings.

Settings & styles

Solitaire

A single center stone with no side stones — the most timeless setting. See solitaire engagement rings.

Halo

A ring of small diamonds encircling the center stone, adding sparkle and making it look larger. See halo engagement rings.

Hidden halo

A halo of diamonds set sideways beneath the center stone, visible from the side rather than the top. See hidden halo engagement rings.

Three stone

A center stone flanked by two side stones, symbolizing past, present, and future. See three stone engagement rings.

Prong

Small metal claws that hold the stone while letting in maximum light — the most common and brilliant setting.

Bezel

A metal rim that wraps the stone's edge — the most protective setting, ideal for active wearers.

Pavé

Tiny diamonds set closely along the band so the metal "paves" with sparkle.

Cathedral

Arches of metal that rise to hold the center stone, adding height and elegance.

Split shank

A band that splits into two as it approaches the center stone, framing it.

Milgrain

A row of tiny metal beads along an edge — a hallmark of vintage and Art Deco designs. See vintage engagement rings.

Stones & materials

Natural diamond

A diamond formed in the earth. At Segal, all diamonds are conflict-free.

Lab-created diamond

A real diamond grown in a lab — chemically identical to a natural diamond, at a lower price.

Moissanite

A durable (9.25 Mohs), brilliant lab-created gem that is more affordable than diamond.

Black diamond

A diamond with dense inclusions that make it opaque black — a full 10 on the Mohs scale. See black diamond engagement rings.

Sapphire

A corundum gem (9 Mohs), most famous in royal blue — extremely durable for daily wear. See blue sapphire engagement rings.

Ruby

Red corundum (9 Mohs) — the precious red gem, among the most durable colored stones. See ruby engagement rings.

Emerald

The classic green precious stone (7.5–8 Mohs), best in a protective setting. See emerald engagement rings.

14K vs 18K gold

14K is 58.3% gold — harder and more affordable; 18K is 75% gold — richer color and purity, slightly softer.

Platinum

A naturally white, dense, hypoallergenic metal — the most durable and premium ring metal.

Quality & measurement

Carat

The unit of a gemstone's weight (0.2 grams). Larger carat means a larger, costlier stone.

The 4Cs

Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat — the four factors that determine a diamond's quality and price.

Mohs scale

A 1–10 hardness scale. Diamond is 10; sapphire and ruby are 9; emerald 7.5–8. Higher is more scratch-resistant.

Conflict-free

Stones sourced so they do not fund conflict. All Segal Jewelry stones are conflict-free.

Ready to design yours? Explore by cut, by gemstone, or read our guide to custom engagement ring cost.