Oval Cut Lab Grown Diamond Split Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring in Silver, 10K, 14K and 18K Gold

An oval laboratory grown diamond carried on a band that divides into two separate ribbons of metal as it approaches the stone. The split shank gives a plain solitaire far more presence on the hand, and the open space between the two strands lets light and skin show through, so the ring looks bold without looking heavy.

At a glance

• Centre stone: Oval brilliant laboratory grown diamond
• Carat options: 2, 3, 4 and 5 carat
• Colour and clarity: E colour, VVS2 clarity
• Certificate: IGI, included free
• Setting: Claw set oval on a split shank
• Accent stones: None, a true solitaire
• Metals: 925 silver, 10K, 14K and 18K gold in yellow, rose and white
• Made: To order in Surat, India

What a split shank does

A split shank starts as a single band at the back of the finger and splits in two at the shoulders, with each strand rising to meet the head. It widens the ring's footprint where it is seen, which balances a large centre stone beautifully, and the two strands spread the load of the head across more metal. It is a modern alternative to a pave band: all the width, none of the small stones to maintain.

The oval brilliant

An oval carries brilliant faceting in an elongated outline. It looks larger for its carat weight than a round because more of its surface faces up, and it lengthens the finger. A well proportioned oval, like the ones we choose, keeps any darker bow tie across its centre soft and small.

What laboratory grown means here

A laboratory grown diamond is a diamond. It is crystallised carbon with the same cubic structure, the same 10 on the Mohs scale, the same refractive index of 2.42 and the same dispersion as a mined stone. Ours are grown by chemical vapour deposition and high pressure high temperature methods, then cut and polished by hand. This is not moissanite, not cubic zirconia and not a simulant. A gemmologist testing it will read diamond, because it is diamond.

Metals

Choose 925 sterling silver, or 10K, 14K or 18K gold in yellow, rose or white. With two polished strands, the metal colour plays a big part in the look: yellow gold is bold and sculptural, white gold is crisp, and rose gold is warm. 10K is the hardest alloy, 14K is the everyday balance, and 18K is the richest colour but the softest metal. White gold is rhodium plated and will want replating every one to two years.

Every centre stone arrives IGI certified

The centre diamond is graded by IGI, the International Gemological Institute, and the certificate comes with the ring at no extra charge. It states the carat weight, the E colour grade, the VVS2 clarity grade, the measurements and the girdle inscription, and confirms in writing that the stone is laboratory grown.

Made to order in our own workshop

Mapple Gems is a family run workshop in Surat, India, where most of the world's diamonds are cut and polished. The split shank is shaped and polished by hand, the claws are set to your oval, and the ring is finished for your carat weight and finger size. Allow two to three weeks for making, plus shipping.

Looking after it

Warm water, mild washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush. Brush through the gap between the strands and under the head. Take it off for the gym, gardening and swimming.

Custom orders

We can change the prongs, the band or the setting of this design. Each change is quoted individually, so contact us with what you have in mind.

Questions we are asked

What colour and clarity is the diamond? Every centre stone is E colour and VVS2 clarity, on every metal and every carat weight. The IGI report in the box states both grades.

Is a split shank comfortable? Yes. It returns to a single band at the back of the finger, so it feels like any other ring between the fingers.

Will a wedding band sit flush? A straight band sits alongside, and the split shoulders frame it nicely.

Is it stronger than a single band? The two strands spread the load of the head, which makes it very sturdy.

Can it be resized? Yes. The band is single at the back where resizing is done.

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