Are Split Shank Engagement Rings Popular?

If you are currently engagement ring shopping or just browsing through rings for future reference you may have come across split shank engagement rings and wonder what they are.

Engagement ring shopping is serious business and it is normal to be curious about various types of engagement rings as they can be overwhelming and a lot to take in.

When you do engagement ring shopping and want to find the very best, you often do research, compare notes and study up on different types of rings such as on gemstones, prices, metal bands, and design for the ring.

The split shank engagement ring has a timeless and elegant look that can make any wearer feel pride and joy.

It has a classic design and is very much a suitable design for people of all ages, as the double band design gives more opportunity for style and bling.

What is a Split Shank Engagement Ring

A split shank engagement ring can be distinguished by its band as it parts into two as it reaches the setting in the center.

The engagement ring has a design that has a visible gap between the band and the center stone or halo. This design can create an effect of making the ring larger and more detailed.

You may notice that the split shank engagement rings are found in antique or vintage rings as they often sport this stylistic design.

The band will be french-set or set with micropave diamonds. That is why if you want more dazzle and bling for a ring, the split shank engagement ring can be your best bet.

The split shank engagement ring is normally used for the typical round diamond halo style as the band is split near the center. The ring will offer a beautiful brilliance and an art-deco style, perfect for any bride or special someone.

How Can I Tell If My Ring Has a Split Shank

If you want to tell if your ring has a split shank look for a split in the band. The split can be small and minimal or it could be wider and longer, depending on the design.

This style can create various designs, if the split is wider, it can give much emphasis on the center stone like in solitaire style rings.

When the band is split on the sides of the finger, it can give a beautiful effect where two diamond sides will meet making the ring overall more dazzling and sparkling.

It will also give a shining frame to the center stone for it to be shone front and center with smaller diamonds on both of its sides.

The Different Types of Shank Engagement Rings

1. Straight Shank Engagement Rings

The straight shank is recognizable by a straight band that is usually flat-edged and has no tapers and like the name implies, it has no splits. This is a simple design that is easy to produce.

Most jewelers that are first starting out learn how to make the straight shank in the beginning.

The straight shank can have rounded edges, or comfort fit and this makes it more comfortable to wear.

2. Plain Shank

A plain shank is just a plain band with no diamonds or gemstones attached to it.

The plain shank is usually popular with the solitaire rings as it gives the center stone more space to shine as the sides are plain.

3. Cathedral Shank

The name cathedral comes from the top design of the ring as it resembles a steeple or a church tower. The center stone is surrounded on opposite sides by two arches. The shank is split into two as it reaches the center, creating the cathedral design.

The design is beneficial in two ways as it looks like it is lifting up the stone to enhance its look and the other benefit is it supports the center stone more securely.

4. Engraved Shank

The engraved shank is perfect for those who prefer the vintage look over clean lines that the modern designs have.

The engraving on the shank gives it more charm and added pop if you don’t want to add diamonds on the sides or want the subtle yet ornate look.

The engraving can be any way you want with the design choice, it can have leaves, flowers, intricate lines and swirls or names of special people and dates engraved for added meaning.

5. Tapered Shank

The tapered shank can be recognized as the metal band will be narrower as it reaches the center stone. The tapered shank is perfect for those who have wider bands as it makes it appear slimmer around the center.

It can also make the center stone look bigger and prominent.

6. Straight Diamond Shank

The straight diamond shank is a classic design that people young and old love. Like the name, the band has a straight row of diamonds glittering with a center stone in the middle.

The diamonds on the band can be all in the same size or can be set in ascending or descending order in size.

This shank is perfect if you want more bling added to your ring, even if the diamonds are tiny and the band is thin.

7. Knife Edge Shank

The knife edge shank has a sharp edge on the outer edge of the ring that can resemble the sharp edge of the knife. The sharp edge divides the ring into two which the two ends can meet either at the center or the knifepoint.

8. Twisted Shank

The twisted shank looks like two shanks that are braided together to form an intricate look. The twisted shank can feature two or more shans for the added style and design, as preferred by the wearer.

9. Bypass Shank

A bypass shank has a look where one side of the shank curves around the top of the stone and the other row of the shank curves around the bottom.

In this type of shank, two ends don’t meet at a point instead they each wrap around one side of the stone as two “bypass” it.

This design can add more personality and charm to the ring due to its unconventional yet elegant design.

10. Free-form Shank

This is an asymmetrical design that is a more complicated design than a bypass shank. It features multiple rows of shanks which can have a shank with diamonds, a shank with no diamonds, or a shank with a different color or metal altogether.

The free-form shank is the one for those looking for something that is not conventional or wants something other than a dainty design.

This shank can give the wearer freedom in choosing many style options or design features in the ring due to its multiple rows of shank.

Interested in a Split Shank Diamond?

If you prefer a ring or diamond that is timeless, a split shank is the way to go. Let Shira Diamonds help you find the diamond of your dreams. Contact us now!

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