The Secret to Pairing a Split Shank Engagement Ring With the Perfect Wedding Band

What Is a Split Shank Engagement Ring?

The names of engagement ring settings are pretty straightforward. A three stone engagement ring is defined by its three stones. A solitaire, like the card game of the same name, has a central gemstone that plays solely by itself. And a hidden halo style features a hidden halo. So, it should come as no surprise that a split shank engagement ring is a type of engagement ring that contains a split shank as opposed to a singular unending shank.

When we refer to the word shank, we’re talking about the band of metal that circles your finger. Thus, your split shank is simply a split metal band (aka shank) that connects at your diamond.

The Great Split

The split shank setting made its debut during the Victorian era alongside many other everyday wedding traditions, such as wearing a white dress and proposing with a diamond ring. The setting was adored, not only for its stylish design, but for its practicality. Splitting the shank creates more space, and more space means more room for precious diamonds and gemstones, which was something the Victorians wanted to take full advantage of thanks to the increased availability of precious stones after the 1866 discovery of South African diamond mines.

How to Style Split Shank Designs With Diamond Shapes and Metals

A major pro of split shank engagement rings is their endless versatility. Any diamond shape shines here. Our personal favorite? Diamond shapes with sharp corners and edge. Think emerald cut diamonds paired with baguettes, or princesses and Asschers that effortlessly turn eyes. And pro tip: turn square cuts 90 degrees for a kite setting that plays beautifully with visual space.

Then there’s the metal. Yellow gold is classic, but white or platinum adds that icy sheen. Then there’s rose gold, which is pink, dreamy, and romantic. You could even pair a rose cut diamond with a rose gold split shank setting for pure romance.

Shop Our Newest Split Shank Design – The Symphony Bezel

The Wedding Band Challenge: Why Pairing Isn’t Always Simple

Despite their popularity, the split shank engagement ring poses one small problem. It can be hard to find a wedding band that pairs well. Thanks to its unique design, wedding bands that you think would pair well do not. Curved bands create more space. Straight bands get lost. Flush stacking? Forget about it. What’s a split shank lover to do?

Peaked Bands

A split shank engagement ring often shows off a diamond that extends past the shank, like ovals, elongated cushions, emeralds, and more. Because of this, we love pairing split shank rings with graceful arched bands. The band’s peak visually draws the eye to the stone without overshadowing the ring’s design. Plus, with a variety of curves, you can go for dramatic points to romantic dips and everything in between.

Eternity Bands

Featuring a continuous line of sparkling diamonds, an eternity band adds just the right amount of shine to any ring stack. When combined with an ultra-open split shank, it anchors the set, offering texture, sparkle, and a balanced weight that perfectly complements your split shank.

Chunky Wedding Bands

On the other hand, if you prefer a split shank with smaller open space, consider pairing it with a chunky or textured wedding band. Not only does a chunky band perfectly contrast the delicate nature of the shank, it provides visual interest while highlighting your stone.

Open Bands

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for wedding bands is the profile of your engagement ring. High profile rings stand loud and proud and keep your diamond high. Low profile rings, on the other hand, keep things low, and sometimes even flush to the finger. There are pros and cons to both, but when it comes to flush stacking, it can be tricky to pair a low profile ring with any band.

Enter the open band. These have small gaps that create a nook for your central diamond to rest, so it has the illusion of a flush stack. And when stacked with a second band, gap bands can allow your second band and engagement ring to be the stars of the show.

What band goes best with a split shank ring?

When it comes to pairing a band with a split shank ring, the goal is balance and style without stealing the spotlight. An eternity band, with its endless row of sparkling diamonds, is a natural choice because it adds texture and brilliance that mirrors the openness of the split shank.

Prefer a minimalist vibe? Try a slim pavé diamond band. Its delicate profile won’t overpower, but it still brings a touch of shimmer. For something a little bolder, consider mixing in contrasting metals or textures; this is a chic twist that adds personality. The key is finding a band that enhances and doesn’t compete.

Can you wear a straight band with a split shank ring?

Absolutely, you can pair a straight band with a split shank ring. The juxtaposition of a classic straight band against the dynamic architecture of a split shank can be striking.

While a straight band introduces a sleek, clean line that offsets the intricate openness of the split shank, it can cause some problems if your gold and diamonds are constantly rubbing up against one another (such as loosening prongs or scratched up metal).

Are split shank rings trendy or timeless?

Split shank rings elegantly dance on the line between trendy and timeless. But here’s the chic twist: they are, fundamentally, a classic design that’s been beguiling admirers for generations. Yet, they possess an adaptability that keeps them fresh and on the pulse of fashion.

Imagine a split shank ring as the little black dress of the jewelry world. Just as the dress can be reinvented season after season with new textures, cuts, and accessories, so can the split shank ring adapt, making a statement that feels both current and enduring. Whether it’s the bold openness of the design, the intricate detailing, or the way they offer a canvas for diamonds to sparkle even more, split shank rings have mastered the art of staying relevant.

So, are they trendy or timeless? They’re both. Split shank rings are a sartorial chameleon, evolving with the times while holding firm to their timeless roots.

Do split shank rings make diamonds look bigger?

Yes, split shank rings have a clever design trick: they create the illusion of a larger diamond. How? It’s all about framing. The split shank—where the band separates into two or more strands—draws the eye outward, adding visual real estate to the setting. That openness creates a spotlight effect, making the center stone appear bigger and more impressive. It’s basically the optical illusion equivalent of the diamond world.

But it doesn’t stop there. The extra space around the diamond amplifies light and sparkle, while the architectural design lends a sense of grandeur. Whether you’re working with a modest-sized stone or a showstopper, the split shank naturally elevates the diamond, giving it a “look at me” presence without overpowering the ring’s overall aesthetic.

So, if you’re after a style that maximizes wow-factor without upsizing your budget, a split shank ring might be your best-kept secret.

Can I resize a split shank ring easily?

Ah, the question of resizing a split shank ring—a task both possible and precarious, like threading a needle while wearing gloves. The split shank’s design, characterized by its split band that delicately frames the center gem, adds a layer of complexity to the resizing process. It’s not as straightforward as resizing a simple band, but it’s far from impossible for a skilled jeweler.

Resizing a split shank ring often requires a meticulous hand and an eye for preserving the ring’s integrity, design, and balance. The jeweler must ensure that the adjustments do not distort the elegant split or affect the setting of the stone. It’s akin to adjusting a haute couture gown—precision is key.