< Engagement Rings & Weddings / Engagement Ring Styles
Split Shank Engagement Rings Offer Subtle Drama, Serious Staying Power
This setting adds architectural interest and visual lightness—proof that a ring can feel both timeless and quietly bold.
Published: January 16, 2026
Written by: Anouare Abdou
Split shank engagement rings offer an elegant solution to a common dilemma: wanting a ring that’s both unique and classic. A split shank engagement ring provides something a little more expressive than a simple solitaire setting, but it doesn’t feel overpowering, striking a middle ground between minimalist styles and chunky designs.
“Over the last several years, we’ve seen two distinct trends in engagement rings. On the one hand, we’ve seen minimalism – center diamonds on delicate bands either with or without pavé stones,” Greg Kwiat, CEO of Kwiat, says. “On the other hand, we’ve seen chunkier designs with wider bands or bezels, often in yellow gold. Taylor Swift’s ring is in this second category. A split band stands out as a unique and distinctive choice.”
From modern and architectural to feminine and airy, the possibilities for customization are endless with split shank settings, which have been around for decades but are now winning hearts all over again. “A split shank bezel set engagement ring was one of our most-viewed posts last year, with 10.4 million views on Instagram. There’s no doubt it’s going to continue to be a popular style,” says Audrey Yonkus, founder and designer at Bieta & Co.
Meet the Experts
Greg Kwiat is the CEO of Kwiat. Founded in 1907, Kwiat has been a family-run diamond house for more than 115 years, earning a reputation for exceptional quality and some of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds.
Audrey Yonkus, founder and designer of Bieta & Co, is known for her highly personalized, made-to-order approach to engagement rings, working closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind designs.
Stephanie Appotive is the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Howard Fine Jewellers. Founded in 1951, Howard Fine Jewellers has been a trusted, family-run destination for exceptional diamonds and bespoke jewelry for more than 70 years.
Ahead, discover what makes split shank engagement rings special and what to keep in mind when shopping for one.
What Is a Split Shank Engagement Ring?
A split shank engagement ring has a band that splits into two or more strands before hugging the center stone of the ring (or center stones, as there are three-stone split shank designs). The splits can be subtle or more dramatic, and the strands can vary in thickness and style, which offers an array of design options to play with.
Split shanks can be found in both modern and vintage engagement rings. They can enhance the natural beauty of diamonds by maximizing light return through the open spaces between strands.
Origins and Symbolism of Split Shank Engagement Rings
The origins of split shank bands are hard to pinpoint, as they aren’t tied to a specific moment in time or location. But they have roots in antique jewelry and appear in styles from the Georgian and Victorian eras in the 18th and 19th centuries, often paired with intricate metalwork.
Split shank engagement rings were also prominent during the Art Deco period, which ran from the 1920s through the 1930s and celebrated bold, geometric designs. Unlike the more delicate split shank rings of the Victorian era, their Art Deco counterparts emphasized the architectural nature and symmetry of the rings of the time.
Later, mid-century split shank engagement ring designs combined geometric Art Deco influences with softer, more fluid lines and pavé detailing, setting the foundation for some of the sleeker styles favored today.
More recently, celebrities like Beyoncé have given split shank engagement rings moments in the spotlight. The singer received a showstopping 18-carat emerald-cut diamond Lorraine Schwartz ring from Jay-Z, which is held in place by a pavé split shank band that perfectly frames the impressive stone.
And if you’re curious about the meaning of a split shank ring, there’s romantic symbolism behind the setting. It is said that the two strands represent two individual paths converging in the middle of the ring – a representation of a couple’s journey towards their shared future.
What Makes Split Shank Engagement Rings Special
From functional design aspects like durability to aesthetic details that blend elegance and style, discover what makes split shank engagement rings truly stand out.
Unique yet Timeless
A split shank engagement ring strikes a delicate balance: unique enough to get noticed, yet classic enough to be enjoyed for decades. “It takes a familiar classic and gives it a modern edge, making it ideal for those who want something timeless, but not predictable,” says Stephanie Appotive, director of operations at Howard Fine Jewellers.
Versatility
It’s also an incredibly versatile engagement ring style, whether someone is looking for an artfully designed pavé band, a hidden halo tucked under the center stone or streamlined metal lines that support a candlelight diamond.
Split shank engagement rings work with a variety of diamond shapes, from oval stones to emerald-cut diamonds and everything in between.
Sparkle and Dimension
Split shank rings deliver a certain je ne sais quoi that makes a piece pop without veering into overdone territory – it’s all about adding extra sparkle and dimension. “The split band changes the whole shape of the ring. It adds openness and movement, giving the design more presence than a traditional solitaire,” adds Appotive.
As Kwiat notes, you can create “width on the finger while preserving a light and delicate feel,” which appeals to those seeking both visual impact and elegance.
Framing Effect
A well-designed split shank engagement ring guides the eye towards the middle of the ring and frames the center stone without overpowering it.
It can make a diamond appear like it’s floating on the wearer’s hand, making it look bigger and brighter. Meanwhile, the negative space created by the bands amplifies a diamond’s brilliance by allowing light to hit it from different angles.
Durability
From a practical perspective, split shanks can offer an extra level of structure and stability to a diamond ring.
As Yonkus puts it, more support is never a bad thing, especially in an era where big stones often sit on tiny bands, which can look beautiful but end up bending the ring a few months down the line.
Split shanks aren’t the only way to have a durable ring, but they reduce the possibility of that happening.
What to Look for in Split Shank Engagement Rings
If you’re ready to find the perfect split shank engagement ring to mark your commitment, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a ring.
The width of the split is one of them, says Kwiat: “It’s important to consider how wide of a split you find appealing. Some rings have a subtle split with a small opening space between the bands. Others, like Beyoncé’s ring, have a deeper split with a much greater separation.”
There are so many styles to choose from that the right design boils down to personal preference, whether you’re into vintage yellow gold rings, modern platinum and diamond styles, or more edgy pieces.
That said, pay attention to how a split shank ring feels on your hand, recommends Appotive, as the “best split shanks sit comfortably and feel like they belong to you.”
It’s also important to consider your overall ring stack once you add a wedding band into the mix. You might fall in love with a ring at first sight, only to realize that it doesn’t quite work with your desired style of band – and split shank engagement rings may require a little more flexibility and imagination on that front.
“Depending on how far the split comes down, and how the ring is constructed, you may not have a flush edge,” says Yonkus, who suggests trying rings on in store with a straight wedding band to get a better idea of how everything sits.
Shop Split Shank Engagement Rings
Browse split shank engagement rings from some of our favorite designers and collectors.
Andria Barboné Donatella 2.01 Ring, $19,900, andriabarbone.com
Berlinger Split Shank Oval Champagne Diamond Solitaire, $19,980, berlingerjewelry.com
SG Bridal 2ct Round Brilliant Cut Pave Split Shank with Pave Scarf Engagement Ring, $31,800, stephaniegottlieb.com
Kwiat Ashoka Engagement Ring with Pavé Split Band, Price Upon Request, kwiat.com
Ashley Zhang Jewelry Antique Diamond Split Shank Ring, $2,950, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
AARYAH Saura Ring, $25,000, aaryah.com
Hamilton Private Reserve Collection Platinum and 18k Gold Radiant Cut Diamond Ring, Price Upon Request, hamiltonjewelers.com
Tiffany & Co. Soleste Oval Yellow Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum, Price Upon Request, tiffany.com
KatKim Pear Diamond Infinity Pavé Ring, Price Upon Request, katkimfinejewelry.com
