Split Shank Engagement Rings

What are split shank engagement rings? Well, in the wide world of bridal jewelry, they’re a pretty specific style of ring, referring to one feature – the shank. The shank is the part of the engagement ring that supports the center setting and wraps around your finger. It could be diamond studded, plain platinum, engraved, twisted (hello lace shank), or doubled or tripled up. When it is split, it simply means the band opens up to support the center of the setting on both top and bottom.

It gives the ring an airy look, by opening up the negative space between two shanks. And depending on the style of the center mounting, it can make the center stone look bigger – way bigger. It also gives the engagement ring a modern vibe, and still leaves plenty of room for individual customization. Here are a few of our favorite split shank engagement rings!

First up: a sampling of the stunners we’ll have at Diamonds by Raymond Lee. When we open our fabulous new showroom we’ll be carrying even more designers, including Simon G. This is the Marilyn Monroe, a stunning split shank with small diamond pave sandwiching a row of larger accent diamonds – beautiful and bold.

This gorgeous A. Jaffe setting is a beautiful split-shank with single row of shared prong accent stones. The large double halo of pave makes the ring look like one huge, glittering diamond, at a fabulous price point. .52 carats of accent diamonds make this setting a diamond-heavy bling-fest, but it’s still under $2000.

This amazing Verragio ring combines a bunch of gorgeous engagement ring features. We’ve got a halo, a lace shank, and that twisted diamond and white gold opens up into a split shank. By keeping the opening of the split slightly smaller than the princess cut halo, it gives the center the illusion of looking even larger than it already is.

This lovely Ever & Ever halo is a pretty, floral-inspired split shank. We love the super delicate bands and how they open wiiiiiide to hug the large diamonds of the halo. A bezel set cushion cut diamond is the perfect crowning touch to this look, as is the equally thin diamond wedding band.

Finally, we have a gorgeous, fancy colored example! This radiant cut light fancy yellow diamond sits snugly in a yellow gold bezel, enveloped by a white diamond and white gold halo. Again, very thin prongs open wide to meet the center of the ring, still enhancing its already huge size!