Styles & Significance of Split Shank Engagement Rings

Split shank engagement rings are set on a band that artfully divides as it approaches the center stone. Split shank bands comprise two, three or four strands which are separated with space or interwoven. In many engagement rings, the shanks unite at the bottom of the ring, underneath the finger. Some rings maintain the split all the way around.

Split shank engagement rings can be striking and dramatic, or subtle. Both options are beautiful and can be a great choice, depending on your personal preference. Although the style may seem specific, there are so many variations to choose from — no matter what aesthetic you prefer, there's a split shank setting out there for you.

The variations in a split shank engagement ring's proportions depend on the center stone's shape and carat weight. Those two characteristics can influence the number and depth of splits, and the size and width of shank. The stone's parameters also determine how the split shank's edges meet at the center stone.

Benefits of Split Shank Engagement Rings

Split shank engagement rings are downright stunning. But certain aspects of split shanks can make them truly stand out while lending them personal resonance.

Versatility of Split Shank Engagement Rings

One of the most appealing attributes of split shank engagement rings is that they lend themselves to many design variations and options. Split shank engagement rings can be as fancy or simple as you want them to be. They can be striking and bold, with generous space between arcs of the band. If you prefer a more subtle look, split shanks can also follow a more classic design.

Durability of Split Shank Engagement Rings

Another benefit of split shank engagement rings is that the setting is secure, particularly for the center stone. If you have an active lifestyle, you can have confidence that the center diamond will be held in place.

Sparkle and Split Shank Engagement Rings

One popular variation of split shank engagement rings is to pair it with pave set diamonds on the shank. This adds an immense amount of beauty leading up to the center stone and it makes the ring very elegant. Split shank engagement rings are great for people who want pave diamonds because parting the band allows for extra surface area for the smaller diamonds.

The beautiful bands of split shank engagement rings really help to highlight the center stone, whatever it may be. Split shanks are great for creating an illusion of a larger stone, which is a very appealing aspect to many. This can make the ring appear to have a higher value than it already does.

Popularity of Split Shank Engagement Rings

Split shank rings are a very popular choice for engagement rings. They've skyrocketed in popularity during the past two decades, particularly among celebrities. Beyonce rocked a split shank engagement ring with an 18-carat emerald cut diamond. Blake Lively showed off a pink oval-cut diamond engagement ring with a split shank band, gifted to her by Ryan Reynolds. And Paris Hilton celebrated her 2018 engagement to Chris Zylka with a split shank ring featuring an oval-shaped center diamond.

Do All Split Shank Engagement Rings Look Alike?

Definitely not! A beautiful characteristic of split shank engagement rings is that they offer tremendous opportunity for customization. There's so much variety to choose from. Here are some of the types of diamond shape options that are available for split shank engagement rings.

For example:

• A Princess Cut Split Shank Engagement Ring can create a beautiful field of sparkle, thanks to its broad central diamond and the opportunity for pave accents on the band.
• An Oval Split Shank Engagement Ring can lend itself to a delicate band design that complements a finger-flattering elongated focal stone.
• An Emerald Cut Split Shank Engagement Ring can blend a sleek, Art Deco evocative stone with a contemporary flowing band, creating the very best of both worlds.

There are split shank engagement rings for every diamond shape. The round brilliant cut diamond has always been a classic and the most popular diamond shape choice, and it pairs wonderfully with split shanks. The Asscher cut is another popular shape that looks great in a split shank setting.