Meteor: east-west marquise, coiled wire shank, yellow gold

What this ring is made of

Marquise, set east-west

Long and pointed at both ends, with one of the largest face-up spreads for its weight. The two points are vulnerable and need prongs or a protective tip, and the shape can show a bow-tie like an oval.

East-west

The stone lies across the finger instead of along it, which gives a wider, lower look and suits long shapes like ovals, marquises and emerald cuts.

Collar and claws

A thin low collar with a claw at each point of the stone. It keeps the secure feel of a bezel while letting the shape read clearly.

Coiled band

A tapering wire wraps round the finger like a coil. It is graphic and unusual, and a jeweler will want to check how it handles being resized.

18k yellow gold

18k yellow gold is 75% pure gold, so the color is rich and warm. It is softer than 14k, which means it scratches a little more easily and can wear at the prongs sooner.