Split Shank Settings: Elegant and Unique

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Split shank settings add character to an engagement ring with two slender shanks stemming from the center stone. From designs like this split shank halo from Blue Nile to this marquise split shank ring from James Allen, the beauty of this setting is endless.

No matter which setting style you choose, remember to buy your ring from a reputable vendor. We highly recommend the Blue Nile, James Allen and Brian Gavin Diamond collections to ensure you’re getting the best value and quality.

What is a Split Shank Engagement Ring?

In an engagement ring, the shank refers to the band or part of the ring that encircles your finger. Almost all shanks are round, but there are square shaped-shanks and other more creative shapes, too. A split shank is a ring in which the shank splits into two, creating two separate metal pieces that stem from the center stone.

Split Shank Flowering Tulip Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

A range of styles and variations of split shank settings exist. This halo ring from Blue Nile features a split shank design, with smaller diamonds lining the shanks. This open split shank ring from James Allen showcases a wider gap between the two shanks. As long as there are two shanks originating from the center stone, it’s considered a split shank ring.

Why Choose a Split Shank Engagement Ring?

A split shank setting offers something extra: sophistication and symmetry. The two shanks leading up to the diamond add character—and make the diamond the central focus. The split shank design is fluid and stunning for various diamond shapes and setting colors.

Many split shank rings are designed with a halo (a circle of diamonds around the center stone) and pave detailing (smaller diamonds edging the shanks). These settings make use of melee diamonds — small diamonds under 0.2 carats that can add to a ring’s brilliance at a lower cost than a single large diamond. As the GIA explains:

“Melee diamonds, which weigh less than 0.2 carats, are inexpensive compared to larger stones, so they can be generously used as dazzling accents in jewelry and watches. Their brightness and scintillation enhance the center stone in a halo-style ring or create intricate patterns in a pave-set design.” Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

These additional diamonds add sparkle and style to the ring, complementing the center diamond and giving it extra presence on the wearer’s finger.

Split Shank Settings for Every Shape

Split shank settings can be crafted for any Diamond Shape because of their secure design. The beauty of two shanks often compliments a range of styles, from Round Cut to Princess Cut rings.

Split shank engagement ring examples:

Pros and Cons of a Split Shank Setting

Want to know if a split shank setting is right for you or your fiancé-to-be? Review the pros and cons below to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this ring style.

Pros

Features additional surface area for side stones and sparkle
Offers a unique, attention-grabbing appearance
Leads the eye toward the center stone, making the diamond more noticeable and prominent
Can be designed in either a classic or modern look

Cons

Requires more cleaning than simpler settings
May not be as practical for those who do frequent work with their hands

Where to Buy a Split Shank Engagement Ring

In the jewelry world, there are brick and mortar stores and online vendors who will overcharge you while offering you inferior beauty and value. That’s why it’s so important to choose a reputable vendor for your engagement ring purchase.

Throughout our years of experience in the diamond industry, we’ve closely vetted sellers to determine the best and most reliable. The diamond dealers below are highly reputable and offer excellent value. All diamonds come with a GIA or AGS certificate—giving you confidence in what they’re selling you.

James Allen

Select a diamond and setting from a large inventory
Review each diamond closely with high-tech imagery
Receive an excellent customer experience

Blue Nile

Choose from the largest online inventory of diamonds and settings
Opt for a remarkable diamond and high-quality setting
Recieve an excellent price for your jewelry

Brian Gavin Diamonds

Consider some of the best-cut diamonds in the world
Choose from a special collection like the “Brian Gavin Signature” Hearts & Arrows collection

Leibish & Co. (Gemstone Alternative)

Choose from a wide selection of colored gemstone jewelry
Review colored diamond alternatives like canary yellow diamonds and purple diamonds
Receive a high-quality setting for any gemstone you choose

Evaluating a Diamond Ring for Beauty and Value

Our primary goal here at Diamond Pro is to help readers purchase the most stunning diamond within their budget. Our Diamond Pro resources can help you select the ideal ring for the love of your life.

Diamond Cut: Only consider Excellent and Ideal cut diamonds for the most stunning stone. Cut is the factor that most greatly impacts a diamond’s beauty and brilliance.
Diamond Shape: Review the variety of diamond shapes to decide which one matches your significant other’s style.
Diamond Clarity: Find a diamond that’s eye clean. In other words, no blemishes or inclusions should be noticeable when you look at it without magnification. Usually, a VS1 or VS2 Clarity grade will offer you an eye clean diamond, without the higher price of a higher Clarity grade.
Diamond Color: Your diamond should always appear white in relation to its setting. A diamond in the G to I range will almost always appear colorless but will cost far less than a D to F range diamond.

Want assistance in selecting an engagement ring? Send our experts an email.

Here are more specific setting style topics to browse:

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. For a limited time Save 25% during James Allen Valentine's Day!

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What we love about them:

No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
Free International Shipping
Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisals
One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
Free ring inscriptions
Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
24/7 Customer Service
Best-in-class packaging

Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Blue Nile have generously offered our readers an exclusive one-time use coupon. [dp-bn-coupon message=" (Click Here to save $100 off $1000 purchase)" type_id="1"]

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What we love about them:

No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
Lifetime Warranty
Free Shipping
Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
Provide insurance appraisal
One free resizing within the first year of purchase
High quality images of about half of their diamonds
24/7 Customer Service
100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
Best in class fulfillment

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About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.