Split Shank Engagement Rings

Rings Courtesy of JamesAllen

Split shank engagement rings are interesting in terms of both 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 can be a very important part of an engagement ring's overall design regardless of whether it is split or single.

It's All About The Shank

Over the years, the shank of engagement rings has been adorned, embellished and decorated.

Both split shanks (center) and single shank rings can have elaborate detailing—some of the more common design elements are engraving, filigree work, pave (top of page), or jewel encrusted with accent stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

In the case of split shanks, they allow the finger to be seen through the band giving the whole ring a kind of a peek-a-boo quality.

Split Shank Engagement Rings: Good To Know!

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 shanks that we would wear, we'll definitely post them.

Other considerations:

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.

A good rule of thumb is the more slender the finger the wider you can go with a shank. Stubby fingers will look best with thinner shanks.

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 will actually make the diamond appear smaller than it is. 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)?

Love! Love! Love!

This dainty and elegant Danhov engagement ring is set in platinum with a tapered split pave shank and is available here.

We recently featured it in our Bling-O! column and the response was incredible!

What was so interesting, was that both guys and girls asked about it and wanted to know more. Usually it's one sex or the other that reacts to a particular ring style, but not this time.

We think it's because this particular design is simple and classic but has those little extra touches that sends it over the top.

The diamond pave shank gives a 'lightness' to the ring and the whole thing just sparkles and dazzles the eye.

Everything about it works—the proportions of the split, the width of the shank and the depth all work seamlessly together to produce a classic design that will work on any finger type. It will never go out of style and will be appreciated for years, and generations to come.

Split shank engagement rings, like all diamond 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.