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Engagement Ring Shanks: 21 Different Styles to Know

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The ring shank is an essential part of an engagement ring, and choosing different shank styles can significantly impact the overall style of the ring. Therefore, understanding the various shank styles can be incredibly helpful when selecting the perfect engagement ring. In this article, we outline 21 different engagement ring shank styles to assist you in making an informed decision.

What is an Engagement Ring Shank?

First, let’s understand what an engagement ring shank is. The shank of an engagement ring is the band that encircles the finger. It does not include the setting that holds the gemstone. It is an important part of the ring’s structure and design. The style, width, and decoration of the shank vary, affecting the ring’s beauty and comfort.

Types of Engagement Ring Shanks:

The design, width, and decoration of the shank can vary greatly, thereby affecting the style and feel of the ring. Here are 21 types of engagement ring shanks, along with their features and pros:

Straight Shank

Straight Shank Design Ring

The straight shank is the most classic and common design. Its main feature is that the width of the entire band is the same, and when the straight shank is laid flat, every point is on the same horizontal line.

  • Pros: The straight shank design is very simple, classic, and easy to make, suitable for most designs.

Tapered Shank

Oval Cut Engagement Ring Flourish Cathedral Antique Hand Engraved Ring Tapered Shank

The tapered shank’s design feature is that the closer the shank is to the center gemstone, the narrower the band becomes, presenting a tapered shape when viewed from the front.

  • Pros: The tapered shank design can highlight the center gemstone, creating a visual difference that enhances the gemstone’s appearance.

Reverse Tapered Shank

Contrary to the tapered shank, the reverse tapered shank’s feature is that the closer the shank is to the center gemstone, the wider the band becomes, maintaining a tapered shape when viewed from the front, but in the opposite direction of the tapered shank.

  • Pros: The reverse tapered shank has a wider shoulder, making the ring more balanced and comfortable to wear, while also enhancing durability.

Bypass Shank

Trillion Cut Alexandrite Engagement Ring Unique Asymmetrical Promise Ring Bypass Shank

The bypass shank’s feature is that the shank wraps around the center gemstone in the opposite direction, creating a bypass effect.

  • Pros: The bypass shank design has a significant sense of flow in its lines, making it highly artistic.

Split Shank

Oval Cut Moissanite Split Shank Engagement Ring Surprise Gemstone Promise Ring

The split shank’s feature is that as the shank approaches the center gemstone, it splits into two or more designs, visible from the front.

  • Pros: The split shank design is delicate and bold, adding a unique highlight to the ring.

Open Split Shank

Radiant Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring Unique Split Shank Pavé Wedding Ring

Similar to the split shank, the shank presents a split form. However, its split point is closer to the bottom of the ring, and the split point cannot be seen from the front.

  • Pros: The open split shank design not only has the delicacy of the split shank but also is more unique and charming.

Cathedral Shank

Cathedral Setting-RG-6x8

The cathedral shank’s feature is that the shank arches upwards towards the center stone, resembling the arches of a cathedral.

  • Pros: This design raises the gemstone, allowing more light to enter, making the ring more brilliant. The raised part can also incorporate more designs to create a luxurious effect, making it ideal for vintage-style rings.

Twisted Shank

MollyJewelryUS Oval Cut Moissanite 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

The twisted band is a popular engagement ring design. The band is made up of two or more strands of metal that twist or weave together, creating a dynamic and flowing appearance.

  • Pros: The twisted shank design has a strong sense of design, symbolizing the interweaving of two lives or eternal love.

Euro Shank

The Euro Shank, when viewed from the front, is very similar to the straight shank, but its band’s bottom is flat, and the outer ring of the bottom metal is slightly square, filling the gap between the fingers when worn.

  • Pros: The Euro Shank’s design of the square bottom of the ring can prevent the ring from rotating on the hand, increasing wear comfort and stability.

Knife Edge Shank

The knife-edge shank’s feature is that the band has a raised ridge along the center, creating a knife-edge effect.

  • Pros: The knife-edge shank design has a modern and geometric feel, making the ring look more delicate and exquisite.

Pavé Shank

Kite Cut Sunstone Engagement Ring Pavé Design Anniversary Ring Pave Shank

The pavé shank’s feature is that small diamonds/gemstones are set on the band to enhance the ring’s sparkle, creating a more magnificent effect.

Infinity Shank

Round Cut Moissanite Wedding Ring Twist Rope Hidden Halo Bridal Ring Infinity Shank

The infinity shank’s feature is that it is made up of two metal strands that intertwine to form a pattern similar to the infinity symbol (∞).

  • Pros: The infinity shank design symbolizes eternal and infinite love, making it a very romantic design, ideal for engagement rings.

Crossover Shank

Emerald Cut Moissanite Bridal Ring Crossover Shank Halo Promise Ring

The crossover shank is made up of two or more lines that cross each other, forming one or more crossover points.

  • Pros: The crossover shank can create a fashionable, modern look with smooth lines, providing more possibilities for ring design.

Crossover Trellis Shank

This type of shank is an extension of the Crossover Shank. The strands not only cross but also form a grid-like structure, often with more interweaving.

  • Pros: The Crossover Trellis Shank design is more complex, can present a more three-dimensional appearance, and the grid’s cross structure makes the ring more sturdy.

Chevron Shank

Pear Cut Moss Agate Leaf Ring Marquise Emerald & Aquamarine Accented Bridal Ring Chevron Shank

The chevron shank’s feature is that the band forms a V shape when viewed from the front, with the center gemstone positioned in the middle of the V.

  • Pros: The bold design of the Chevron Shank focuses the ring on the center gemstone, highlighting the gemstone while making the finger look more slender.

Pinched Shank

The design of the pinched shank is similar to the tapered shank, where the shank near the center main stone narrows. It combines the characteristics of the tapered shank and the knife-edge shank, forming a raised ridge where the band narrows, resembling a mountain.

  • Pros: The unique protrusion of the Pinched Shank, combined with the tapered design, not only visually enlarges the size of the gemstone but also adds uniqueness to the ring.

Interlocked Shank

The Interlocked Shank has multiple intertwining bands, forming a braided or woven appearance.

  • Pros: The Interlocked Shank design provides a unique appearance. Additionally, the interlocking shank also represents intertwined destinies, making it a perfect choice for engagement rings.

Vintage-Inspired Shank

Marquise Cut Emerald Antique Engagement Ring Vintage Victorian Ring

The vintage-inspired shank incorporates design elements from past eras, such as intricate filigree, floral motifs, and elaborate carvings.

Typically, it has antique details and elaborate patterns.

  • Pros: The vintage-inspired shank adds a retro atmosphere to the ring, while also enhancing its depth and interest.

Nature-Inspired Shank

Peridot Cherry Blossom Engagement Ring Set Nature Inspired Bridal Ring Set nature inspired shank

The nature-inspired shank features designs inspired by nature, such as incorporating leaves, vines, flowers, or branches into the band design.

  • Pros: The nature-inspired shank reflects the beauty of nature, showcasing vitality and providing more design possibilities for engagement rings.

Wide Band Shank

Trillion Cut Moss Agate Men's Wedding Band Leaf Engraved Gemstone Ring wide band shank

Wide band shank is characterized by its broader width compared to standard ring bands, the width is usually similar to or greater than the diameter of the main stone.

  • Pros: This shank design wide metal surface allows for more design displays, offering a more substantial and often more intricate surface for design work.

Custom Shank

MollyJewelryUS Unique Moissanite Rose Gold Engagement Ring

Of course, there is another design—custom design, also known as the “seed in the heart.” The feature of this shank is that it is unique and one-of-a-kind, vividly presented in our minds. Now, draw it out or contact us to create it for you.

  • Pros: Unique, meaningful, and more possibilities.

Conclusion

    The design of the shank has a great impact on the overall style of the engagement ring. You need to envision the style you want and choose the appropriate shank based on your desired style. MollyJewelryUS offers many different engagement ring designs with various shank styles. Alternatively, you can contact us to customize an engagement ring with a unique shank.

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