Solitaire Engagement Rings

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

It depends on the shank and on whether the stone overhangs it, rather than on the stone itself. A plain, even shank will generally take 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.

There is no fixed interval that applies to everyone - it depends on how hard the ring is worn. What matters is that prongs hold the stone with a small amount of metal that does wear, so having them looked at periodically by a bench is routine care rather than a response to a problem.

Replacing the worn lower part of the band. A jeweller must assess whether the repair is suitable and how the setting and stone need to be handled.

It changes how light reaches the stone and how the ring reads from the side, but the stone's dimensions are unchanged. A higher setting also stands proud of the finger, so there is more to catch on clothing.