Rings can come in many different shapes and sizes - figuring out where to start describing a particular ring can be a difficult task if you're not familiar with the different options. You will need to describe both the band and the gemstones (when possible). It may also be important to mention other details, such as its meaning.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Describe the Physical Characteristics of the Ring
Step 1. Find out how to name the various parts
When describing a ring it is useful to know how a professional goldsmith would define the various parts.
- The band is the part of the ring that wraps around the finger.
- The term "stem" can be used to refer to the entire band, but it most commonly defines the part of the ring that is located on both sides of the precious stone.
- The gallery is the lower part of the band that rests on the top of the finger.
Step 2. Identify the metal
The rings of the rings can be made with different basic materials, but gold, platinum, silver, tungsten carbide, titanium and palladium are the most common choices.
- Gold bands are a classic choice and are available in different colors. Yellow gold is the purest, as well as the most traditional option. White gold is created by plating yellow gold with rhodium, while pink gold by mixing a copper alloy into the metal. Purity is indicated by the number of carats. A higher amount of carats indicates a higher purity.
- Platinum is almost always 95% pure. It is a very strong, heavy and naturally hypoallergenic white metal.
- Silver is a very soft and not very resistant gray-white metal, so it is generally an inexpensive choice. It is used more often in beauty rings than in engagement rings or wedding bands.
- Tungsten carbide is a gray metal, made up of tungsten and carbon. It is very hard, heavy and strong. Although it still retains its luster, due to its resistance it cannot be cut and re-welded, so the size of the bands made with this material cannot be changed.
- Titanium has a natural gray finish, although it can occasionally be polished to black. It is as strong as steel and as light as aluminum and is therefore a popular choice for men's rings. It is also a hypoallergenic metal.
- Palladium has a silvery-white color. It does not oxidize and is both hypoallergenic and flexible.
- The rings can also be made from recycled materials, which can come from a large variety of combinations and which possess the traits of the dominant metal.
Step 3. List the distinguishing features
A ring could have particular decorations or other uncommon characteristics which, as such, cannot be categorized. Even if it is not possible to make them fall into a specific category, in fact, it is still important to mention them when describing a ring.
- A common example of this type of feature is metalworking. The band, for example, could be worked to mimic the shape of some leaves, or a finely crafted metal flower could be in the center of a simple metal band.
- Another special feature worth mentioning are any incisions on the surface of the ring. In fact, most of the engravings have a personal meaning and can be found both on the gallery of the ring and on the surface of the band.
Step 4. Specify whether the ring has precious stones or not
Some rings simply consist of a metal band. Others, however, have one or more precious stones. The second type will have to be described in detail, as it will be necessary to specify the type of stone, its quality and its placement.
Step 5. Describe the type of setting
The style of the setting of a ring corresponds to the positioning of the precious stone. It is possible to choose between different types.
- The rail setting has two guidelines with a row of small precious stones in the middle.
- Bezel setting involves placing a single precious stone on a flat and thin piece of protective metal.
- In a pavé setting, a large stone is placed in the center of the band, while the rest is covered with many smaller stones.
- In a claw setting, a central precious stone is held in place by thin metal "claws" that extend starting from the band. Generally the metal prongs can be four or six.
- There is also shared claw setting, in which smaller and adjacent precious stones have prongs in common with the larger central stone.
- The cluster setting has a larger precious stone in the center of the band, surrounded by smaller stones facing outwards.
- In a grained setting, the stone or stones are inserted into special holes along the band of the ring. The stones are therefore not in relief with respect to the surface of the ring and, for this reason, this setting is also called "flush".
- The tension setting is similar to that of grains, but the holes are less thick and the precious stones are raised with respect to the surface of the band. The stones are held in place solely by tension.
- In a plate setting, small precious stones surround the entire ring, separated from each other by small metal bars.
- In an invisible setting, special grooves are carved in the band that allow the precious stones to remain in place without the need for metal bars or prongs.
Step 6. Identify the gemstone
Learn what the center stone is called. If the ring has more than one gem, you will need to know the names of each.
- Diamonds are very popular gemstones, especially for engagement rings. They are also the stone of the month of April. Cubic zirconia resemble diamonds, but are less bright and much less expensive.
- The stones of the other months of the year are: garnet (January), amethyst (February), aquamarine (March), emerald (May), alexandrite (June), pearls (also for June), ruby (July), peridot (August)), sapphire (September), opal (October), tourmaline (always for October), topaz (November), tanzanite (December), turquoise (always for December) and zircon (again for December).
- Other gemstones that can be found are citrine (ranging from yellow to brown-orange), jade (bright green), lapis lazuli (dark blue), moonstone (usually colorless), morganite (light pink) and peach), onyx (black), paraiba tourmaline (electric blue and green) and spinel (bright red).
Method 2 of 3: Describe the Four Cs of a Gemstone
Step 1. Specify the cut of the central gemstone
In short, the cut (from the English "cut", the first of the four Cs) of a stone corresponds to its shape. The decorative stones are usually square or round, while the central one can have a large variety of different cuts.
- The round or brilliant cut is the most popular shape. It typically features a round crown, surrounded by a smaller conical base.
- The oval cut features a symmetrical oval crown.
- The princess cut is square.
- The banquette cut resembles a subtle triangle.
- The triangle cut features a triangular crown.
- The marquise-cut stones have an almond shape, similar to a rugby ball.
- The pear cut is also called the teardrop cut. The top of the crown is pointed, while the bottom is rounded.
- The heart-cut stones have, as the name suggests, a shape similar to a heart.
- The emerald cut resembles a vertically elongated rectangle, with cut corners.
- The radiant cut is a mix between the emerald cut and the brilliant cut. The external shape resembles that of an emerald cut, but the faces of the gem are strategically placed to reflect light, just like a brilliant cut would.
- The trillion or trilliant cut resembles a triangle with curved sides.
Step 2. Find the carat weight
Carats (from the English "carat", the second C) are the standard unit of measurement for weighing precious stones. A higher number of carats indicates a larger stone.
- One carat equals 200 milligrams.
- Precious stones can also be measured by their size, but to describe them, generally, reference is made to the weight in carats.
Step 3. Indicate the color of the gemstone
Simply mentioning the name of the stone, in fact, is not the same as accurately describing its color (from the English "color", the third C). The latter can be described by specifying three distinct characteristics: color, hue and saturation.
- The coloring refers to the main color of the stone. Some stones have a single color, while others can be of different colors. For example, jade is always green, while moonstones can be colorless, gray, brown, yellow, green or pink.
- The hue simply indicates how dark or light the color of the stone is.
- The saturation corresponds to the intensity of the color. Stones with vivid and brilliant colors are more saturated than stones which have only a slight tint of color.
Step 4. Describe the purity of the gemstone
The purity of a stone (from the English "clarity", the fourth C) basically refers to the amount of inclusions present inside it. The stones that have fewer inclusions inside them have a higher purity.
- Inclusions are fractures and cuts visible within the stone.
- Some random inclusions can decrease a stone's value, while other specially made inclusions can increase it. Some types of gemstones are more likely to have inclusions than others.
Method 3 of 3: Describe the Ring in General
Step 1. Remember the purpose for which the ring was purchased
Very often, in fact, this type of jewel is purchased for a particular reason or meaning. Generally, we tend to immediately define the rings on the basis of their function.
- Engagement rings and wedding bands are the most striking examples.
- A ring set with a stone that represents a person's month of birth can make a great birthday gift.
- In the United States, “class rings” are often worn to recognize and celebrate one's graduation or graduation class.
Step 2. Specify the dimensions
Describing your ring you could also indicate its size, which is based on the diameter of the band.
- American adult ring sizes typically range from 4.5 to 13.
- Rings in size 4.5 measure 148mm.
- Size 5 rings measure 15.6mm.
- Size 6 rings measure 16.45mm.
- Size 7 rings measure 17.3mm.
- Size 8 rings measure 18.2mm.
- Size 9 rings measure 19mm.
- Size 10 rings measure 19.9mm.
- Size 11 rings measure 20.6mm.
- Size 12 rings measure 21.4mm.
- Size 13 rings measure 22.2mm.
Step 3. Determine if the ring belongs to a set or not
Most of the rings are standalone accessories, but some are sold as a set. Each ring belonging to the set in question may appear slightly different, but there must still be some general design similarities.
- Sometimes the engagement rings are sold in sets with the wedding bands.
- Sometimes even simple beauty rings can be purchased in sets, but it is less common.
Step 4. Consider declaring the price
Including the cost of the ring in your description is often not necessary, but sometimes circumstances may require it.
- Always state the price clearly when describing a ring you intend to sell.
- Name the price of the ring if you are undecided whether to buy it or not and you are describing it to someone who could help you decide.
- It is generally best not to make explicit the price of a ring you already own when describing it to friends and acquaintances.
