More often than not, when it comes to engagement rings, it is all about the setting and the center diamond. Halos, Solitaire, and three stone styles dominate the bridal jewelry conversation when the topic comes up, however more and more engagement rings have become a complete package when paired with intricately designed shanks as well.
The twisted shank is the look seen most frequently when styling a band, with celebrities like Jenna Dewan and Portia di Rossi having been given twisted rings when proposed to by their significant others. The look is created when the band of an engagement ring is split into two parts, or sometimes more, and delicately twisted over one another. A perfect example of how this design can work as a solitaire or three stone style is the Venetian 5013P from Verragio. Featuring a larger center Princess cut diamond flanked by two smaller side diamonds and set onto a pave’ set twisted shank. The look is also available in a solitaire version in the Venetian 5003.
A simple split shank is also an interesting but more understated look than the twisted version, or more specifically when the band is split, the same as above, however in this version the two parts run parallel alongside each other rather than overlap. The Venetian 5016 is an interesting take on the technique, featuring a Princess cut center diamond; the shank appears to loop around at the center diamond, instead of form the prongs end.
In the Classico 0262 however, the two parts of the shanks split just before the center diamond and do go up to form the four prongs that hold the center diamond suspended above. The solid part of the band itself though has a row of channel set diamonds running around the width of the band in the middle and in between two rows of pave’ set round diamonds
For brides looking for a completely different look though, there is the Insignia 7040 which looks like a marriage of a twisted shank and halo styles. Featuring a Round cut center diamond, the pave’ set twisted shank slightly widens to go around the center diamond like a halo, and continues to twist on the other side. The unique look is completely with the scroll design under the band, for which the Insignia collection is known for, and slightly raises the ring higher on the finger so that no one can miss this look.
