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| Split shank engagement rings have
become really popular in terms of design and setting.
A split shank ring simply means that the shank (which is the top part of the band that holds the setting in place) is split into more than one piece as opposed to a single shank band (which is more common). The shank itself is an important part of an engagement ring's overall design regardless of whether it is split or single. |
 Ring courtesy of JamesAllen |
Over the years, the shank of engagement rings has been adorned, embellished and decorated. Both split shank engagement rings and single shank rings can have elaborate detailing on the shank—some of the more common design elements are engraving, filigree work, pave (as shown above), and diamond or jewel encrusted with accent stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
What a split shank does, is allow the finger to be seen through the band/shank giving the whole ring a kind of a peek-a-boo quality. Some people feel that seeing the finger through the ring makes it more attractive because the finger becomes part of the design. We personally think of a split shank ring as just another beautiful style or design.
We recently featured this split shank pave ring in our Bling-O column and the response was incredible. What was so interesting to us was that both guys and girls asked about the ring and wanted to know more. Usually it's one sex or the other that reacts to a particular ring style or design, but not this time. We think it's because this particular design is so simple and classic but has that little extra that sends it over the top in the split shank and full pave. Other split shank engagement rings that we've posted never quite got the same reaction. |
In terms of the split shank, the single split is the most common but doubles and triples are available (which means 3 and 4 bands of metal). So far we haven't found any of the multiple splits that are to our taste—they just end up looking 'too busy' and distract from the stone. If we come across any multiple shank engagement rings that we would wear, we'll definitely post them here.
Other things to consider with split shank engagement rings are:
Shank Width - These can be skinny or wide but just make sure that the end effect is proportionate to the size of the center stone and the ring as a whole.
Split Width - How far apart are the two bands? Does it look like the ring has a natural part or does it look somehow manipulated. Important to consider is the size of the diamond here because some splits can be very narrow while others quite wide and a small diamond floating in a wide split just doesn't look right. It all needs to work together.
Split Depth - How deep is the split? Does it start at the bottom of the band (like the Bling-O feature) or three quarters of the way up the engagement rings (like the first example on this page)?
Split shank engagement rings, like all diamond engagement rings, can be very elegant and beautiful or, not so nice. It really all depends on the proportions and style. So don't go for a split shank ring just because it's a split shank. Get one because you love the design, it looks good on you, and honestly feels right.
Return from Split Shank Engagement Rings to Engagement Ring Settings
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