Shanks

The bottom half of a ring mounting is called the shank. Any ring with a top and a bottom is considered to have a shank. Bands do not really have a shank, but if there is a definable top to a ring, then the bottom is still called the shank.

Of course, the focus of attention for most rings is the top, where the major stones and most visible elements are. The shank, however, is the foundation of the ring, takes lots of wear and tear, and adds detail and elegance to the ring. Most fingers are not truly round, so although round rings are the most common, a softly squared shank, or a shank with heavier corners sits better on the finger, and turns less.

The shank is also the place where unusual detail can be added that may be meant to be less obvious to the world, and more visible> and personal to the wearer. Side face engraving, filigree or stones set in the shank can make a ring much more interesting to the everyday side view you see when you look at your hand at rest.

Adding a split shank or a straight or curved taper to the shank will change the look and feel of a ring dramatically. Patterns can also be carved and cast into or even forming the shank, and the most dramatic rings have heavy or ornate shanks that are just as important as the top of the ring.