When it comes to your dream engagement ring, you’ve probably given a lot of thought to the shape of the diamond, possibly the carat size as well, but what about the shank? We can feel your blank stare from the other side of the screen, and you’re not alone. What’s a shank? We had to look it up too. The shank is the part of the ring that wraps around the finger and connects to the part that holds the diamond. And, believe it or not, there are a ton of options! We did a deep dive with the experts at Grown Brilliance™ and found some seriously gorgeous options. Here are a few of our favorites…
Let’s start with the most timeless style, a classic shank. The shank follows a straight line and leads directly to the center stone. Classic shanks can have flat edges or a rounded finish for a more comfortable fit and they can be plain gold or encrusted in diamonds like this one. Notice how the diamonds in the shank blend seamlessly into the halo to create some major sparkle. If your personal aesthetic leans more minimalist, a ring with a classic shank will be the cherry on top of your polished look.
A split shank diverges just before it reaches the center stone and frames it beautifully. It gives the illusion of multiple rings, so it’s perfect if you’re someone who likes to stack their jewelry. A split shank looks particularly charming when paired with a halo, like this stunner. Split shanks work with just about any diamond shape, but we find it looks best with center stones that are oval or rectangular.
Form and function, the tapered shank is wider near the head and offers the support of a larger band then, it tapers as it wraps around the finger to give the band a more delicate feel. If you’ve got your heart set on a big rock, a tapered band is definitely the way to go because girl, diamonds get heavy! We also love a tapered shank because it has more room to incorporate additional bling like these lovely tapered baguette stones that frame the center stone so beautifully.
Shanks can also have different types of embellishments like a pavé finish where stones are set into the band, like this one. This type of setting was originally introduced in Europe and has become increasingly popular. A pavé shank is a great way to add a little extra sparkle to your finger while still keeping the center stone as the main focus.
Now that you’re an expert, design your dream engagement ring with Grown Brilliance™. All of these shank styles can accommodate almost any diamond shape–pear, emerald, oval, you name it. Plus, you can also play with head styles like three-stone, solitaire, and halos. Start by selecting your setting and then you’re ready to find your perfect diamond!
Jewelry: Grown Brilliance