10th July 2015 by Rebecca Smyth , posted in
As you search for the perfect diamond engagement ring, it is important to know that there are many different styles of shanks to accent your centre diamond. Although it may seem that the centre diamondis most important, the shank style can greatly enhance the way the engagement ring looks.
Firstly, “shank” is the official term for the band of the ring and some people may call this the engagement ring setting.
So now that you know the term, we can delve into the most popular shank styles and hopefully bring you one step closer to discovering your dream engagement ring setting.
Split shank
Split shanks are graceful and complement many diamond sizes and shapes. This particular style of shank divides into two, before joining with the centre stone, giving the appearance of two separate bands. The split shank can be designed in many different styles. The split shank can be simply separated with a space in between or even woven, twisted, or free form. The shank will merge back together towards the middle of the band to create a single band under the finger.
Cathedral Setting
The cathedral shank is one of the most traditional setting styles, imitating the grandeur of cathedral architecture. The way that the shank is crafted in a cathedral style lifts the centre diamond higher off the finger to highlight its beauty and prominence. In this style, the shank delicately tapers upwards to frame the centre diamond between elegant archways.
Fishtail
Fishtail style shanks can have a very vintage feel. Here, the small diamonds that line the shank are held together and separated by small cut-outs in the metal that are in the shape of small “v’s”. The way that the diamonds are set in this style of engagement ring setting gives the illusion of more sparkle and larger diamonds.
Knife-Edge
A knife-edge shank is characterised by the sharp edge that runs around the outside of the shank. This shank style features two smoothly slanted sides that meet at a point, encompassing the shank and creating a sleek and classic look. Depending on the design of the ring, “sharper” or “softer” knife-edge shanks can be found.
Pavé
The word “pavé” literally means “paved”. This describes how the pavé engagement rings have a shank that is “paved” in small diamonds, creating a sparkling avenue that gives the illusion that the shank is made entirely of diamonds and making the centre stone pop. The pavé style on the shank are set close together, separated by very small metal beads.
Bead-Set
The bead-set shank style is closely related to the pavé style. The shank is often set with many small diamonds, like pavé, but what makes it a bead-set shank is characterised by tiny metal beads that line either side of the shank. While there are also metal beads in the pavé shank style, there typically is only one metal bead fastening up to three diamonds whereas in bead-settings there are multiple beads running along the band securing the diamonds. The delicately placed beads give off a glamorous feel while securing the diamonds that run along the shank.
Channel Setting
In a channel setting, the diamonds are set along the shank in a metal channel. This shank style fastens the featured diamonds between two parallel walls of crafted metal. This style gives the shank a smooth and elegant, modern look.
Twist Shank
The twist shank style has become increasingly popular over the past few years. As the name suggests, the metal of the shank twists creating a lovely interlacing design around the finger. The twist can either be very tight or looser. This is usually dependent on whether the shank is pavé or just metal.
Tapered
A tapered style is one where the shank either tapers off towards the centre gemstone, or tapers outwards along the band as it circles under the finger. Most common is the style where the shank tapers on either side of the centre stone, creating a delicate resting place for the centre gem and highlighting its prominence.
Interlocked
An interlocked shank style is where the wedding band and the engagement ring setting fit together perfectly. This style has many interpretations, from where the wedding ring fits inside of the engagement ring, to where the wedding ring has the exact detailing and design of the engagement ring. The interlocked shank style particularly complements bespoke and custom-designed rings.
Micro pavé
The micro pavé shank style is similar to the pavé style except that the diamonds along the shank are even more delicately crafted. This gives the illusion that the pavé diamonds fuse together, making a brilliant band of dazzling light.
FAQs
There are many popular shank designs, from simple and traditional to creative and unusual. Ring shank designs will vary based on shape, width, and depth and include straight shank, tapered shank, knife-edge shank, bypass shank, split shank, pinched shank, cathedral, and Euro shank.
What is a shank style ring? ›
The shank is formed of a rectangular strip of metal that creates flat sides around the band. It doesn't taper off or split and is commonly flat edged and not rounded off. This band is primarily designed to hold the centre stone but it's also a great shape to be worn alongside a wedding band.
What is a pave shank? ›
The term diamond pave refers to the tiny little diamonds that are embedded on the shank of the engagement ring. Diamond pave is also in reference to any small diamond that could be on the halo of the engagement ring, whether a traditional style diamond halo or a hidden diamond halo.
What is the difference between a shank and a shiv? ›
The term “shiv” is slang for any sharp, pointed object that is used as a knife, and can be created out of anything from a shard of glass to a hardened, sharpened toothbrush handle. Similarly, “shank” refers to a makeshift, knife-like weapon, and the two terms are often used interchangeably.
What is so special about Shanks? ›
Shanks possesses the ability to use Kenbunshoku Haki, as revealed in his vivre card and has almost unrivalled mastery over it. He is known for being the Killer of Observation Haki as he is able to stop people from being able to use it as seen from Kidd.
What is a tapered shank ring? ›
A tapered ring shank is when the band tapers off to a thinner section, either where the stone is set or in the opposite direction from where the stone is set. When the band tapers off to a thinner section on both sides of the stone, it can make the stone look larger and make the band itself look much more delicate.
Can you change the shank of a ring? ›
Re-Shanking rings is a relatively straightforward process. The old thin shank is cut away with a saw and a new, thicker and wider section is custom made and soldered into its place.
What is a European shank ring? ›
The term “Euro shank” refers to a modified version of the traditional engagement ring shank. The term means European shank. This variation of the round band features a wider band slightly squared off at the bottom, with flat edges.
Are pave diamonds cheap? ›
Are Pavé Diamonds Expensive? Since pavé refers to a setting and not a diamond, this question is a bit of a misnomer. However, a pavé set diamond ring is often much more affordable than other types of diamond rings simply because it's paved with accent diamonds.
What is a French set ring? ›
One design element that many find attractive is called the french setting style. Technically, to qualify for “french setting” an engagement ring or wedding band needs to feature accent stones (typically round) on and down the side of the band in order to accomodate the french setting style.
The pavé setting is a ring setting that features small diamonds along the band of the ring. The French word translates to "paved," and this jewelry technique was named as such because it resembles a paved or cobblestone road.
Does a split shank make the diamond look bigger? ›
Not only does a split shank design make the diamond appear larger. (Which can't be a bad thing, right?) It can also make the stone look a lot more ornate on your finger. Guaranteed to bring the “oohs” and the “aahs” from your nearest and dearest when you enter the room.
Does split shank make diamond look smaller? ›
Contrary to many a misconception, a split shank setting doesn't make the diamond look smaller. In fact, it can even enhance the stone's visual presence by allowing more light to interact with it, creating a dazzling effect.
What is the most expensive part of an engagement ring? ›
Diamonds are the most expensive part of an engagement ring, so you can save a lot of cash by using a diamond alternative as the center stone. “Consider a white sapphire, which is hard enough to withstand daily wear and has a similar color,” says Jennifer Gandia, a jeweler and owner of Greenwich St.
What are the two types of drill Shanks? ›
Common Shank Types:
Reduced Shank - Usually 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2" and are designed to allow a larger diameter drill to be used with a chuck capable of holding only smaller diameter drills. Tanged Shank - This style of shank is used with a split sleeve drill driver as a replacement for taper shank drills.
What does a shank look like in jail? ›
A shank is a handmade weapon made out of items received in jails or prisons. The item is sharpened by scraping metal on concrete floors and the handle is typically made from paper or cloth. Full-size pencils, toothbrushes, pens, candy canes, and even chicken bones aren't handed out at CCDC.
Are there two Shanks? ›
This has led the fans of One Piece to come up with the fan theory which speculates that Shanks has an evil twin brother. The fan theory goes on to state that Shanks and his twin belong to a family of celestial dragons, and the pirate king, Gol D. Roger, found Shanks at the God Valley and the latter became a pirate.
