Styles and Profiles of Ring Shanks

There is an variety of different styles and profiles when it comes to the shank of your ring, the band which encircles your finger. The two basic shank styles are Traditional and Euro- Style. When working on your design , be sure to discuss the desired shank depth and width as well as the profile and inside fit. The shank can be the same thickness all the way around or it can be thicker closer to the top of the setting. This area close to the stops of the ring in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions are referred to as the  Shoulders of the ring. Depending on the design of the ring, the shoulder area may Taper, Flair, Split, Bypass, Cathedral, or be Freeform, as shown below. 

Setting Styles on the Shank/Band

Shown below are some of the ways stones can be set into the shank of your ring. The most common setting is Prong  or Bead Setting, but depending on how you want the tones to sit or look, can be achieved with different settings. For example, if you want the stones to be flush with the ring,  you'd have the option of a setting like a Channel or a  Flush  Setting. If you need more bling that is a possibility as well with a setting like Pave. The complexity of the shank can lead to problems down the line if if needs repair, always think, that the more stones, the more prongs and little parts that eventually will need repair. Sizing is another thing to consider when thinking about shank styles, for example, the Euro Shank we do not recommend sizing as it will alter the look of the ring.

**A good rule of thumb is if a ring has stones set halfway down or more on the shank, it may lead to problems with sizing down the road. A simple solitaire or 3-7 stone setting can usually be sized, depending on the setting. We do not recommend getting any ring sized up or down over 1 size.**

Ring Shank Profiles

The ring shank will have a shape or profile that is most often just to the shoulders of the ring. Sometimes it will go the full circle of the ring. The most popular and well known ring shank profiles are "Standard/Half Round Fit, and Comfort Fit, the difference between a standard fit ring and a comfort fit ring is the shape of the inside edge. A standard fit ring has a flat, inner surface, which fits snugly against your finger. A comfort fit ring has a slightly curved inside edge, which allows it to slip on and off more smoothly. There are different levels of a comfort fit ring as shown below.