The Anatomy of a Ring
Crown, shank, gallery, prongs — learn the parts of a ring like a pro.
Knowing the parts of a ring makes shopping (and describing what you want) so much easier. Here's a friendly tour of ring anatomy, from top to bottom.
The center stone
The star of the show — the main gemstone, like a brilliant moissanite. Everything else is designed to showcase it.
The setting & prongs
The setting is how the stone is held; prongs are the little claws that grip it. See the options in Ring Setting Types Explained.
The head & gallery
The head is the upper part that holds the stone; the gallery is the decorative area beneath it. A pretty gallery adds detail visible from the side.
The shank (band)
The shank is the band that circles your finger. Its width and shape affect comfort and style — and whether a wedding band sits flush beside it.
The shoulders
The shoulders are the parts of the band that lead up to the center stone — often where accent stones or pavé detailing sit.
FAQs
What is the band of a ring called?
The band is called the shank — the part that circles your finger.
What are the claws holding the stone called?
Prongs — the small metal claws that grip and secure the center stone.
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