Engagement Rings

The shape of the shank and whether the centre stone extends out over it. A plain, even shank generally takes a straight band. A split, twisted or tapered shank, or a stone set wide over the shank, is the usual reason a jeweller recommends a contoured band shaped to follow the outline.

Four leaves more of the stone's outline visible and reads squarer; six covers slightly more and reads rounder, with more points holding the stone. Both are standard and the choice is usually made on appearance.

For catching and profile, yes - a higher setting stands clear of the finger and meets more cuffs and gloves. It is not the main thing that decides whether a band sits flush, which comes down to the shank.

A ring of smaller stones set around the centre stone. It increases the apparent size of the centre and changes the outline of the head, which in turn affects what band will sit against it.

There is no interval that applies to everyone, because it depends on how hard the ring is worn. Prongs hold a stone with a small amount of metal at the tip and that metal wears, so having them looked at periodically is ordinary care rather than a response to a problem.