Oval Moissanite Open Split Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring

Oval Moissanite Open Split Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring

A plain rounded band runs up each side of the finger and then, a little way before the head, divides into two arms that open outward and pass beneath the stone. The gap they leave is the whole design. Because nothing solid sits under the oval, light comes through from behind it, the head appears to float, and the ring reads as far less heavy than a conventional solitaire even though the band is the same thickness. Four narrow claws hold the stone and nothing else is added. Made to order in Surat, India, in ten metals and four centre stone sizes.

Center stone details

• Stone type: Moissanite, a lab created silicon carbide gemstone
• Shape: Oval brilliant cut
• Color: Colorless
• Clarity: VVS
• Carat options: 2 carat, 3 carat, 4 carat and 5 carat
• Cut and polish: Excellent
• Symmetry: Excellent
• Luster: Excellent
• Hardness: 9.25 on the Mohs scale
• Setting: Four narrow claws over an open gallery

Design details

• Shank: Rounded band splitting into two open arms below the head
• Finish: High polish throughout
• Accent stones: None

Design and craftsmanship

The two arms of a split shank have to be identical or the ring looks bent. Ours are formed from a single length of wire, divided, then shaped over a mandrel together so both curves match exactly before either is soldered to the head. The point where the split begins is filed to a clean fork rather than left as a rough junction, because that transition is what the eye follows down from the stone. Keeping the arms slim while still carrying the head safely is the balance to strike, and it is why we build the head first and size the arms to it rather than the other way round. Every ring is finished by hand in our Surat workshop.

How moissanite compares to a diamond

Moissanite is silicon carbide, a different material from diamond rather than a lower grade of one. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale against a diamond at 10, it is hard enough for everyday wear. Its refractive index is higher, so it returns more coloured fire, and an open setting with nothing solid beneath the stone lets light enter from below as well as above, which is the single biggest thing you can do to make any stone look brighter. This ring is sold as moissanite and is never described as a diamond.

Metal options

Available in 925 sterling silver, 10K yellow gold, 10K rose gold, 10K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 14K rose gold, 14K white gold, 18K yellow gold, 18K rose gold and 18K white gold. Yellow gold, as photographed, makes the split clearly visible against the skin. White gold gives the most weightless look because the metal recedes against the stone. Rose gold is the warmest option. For a split shank worn daily 14K is harder than 18K and keeps the two arms from spreading over years of wear, and 925 sterling silver is the most affordable way to try the design.

Ring size

Every ring is made to your finger size, so choose your size at checkout. We make US sizes 3 through 13, including half sizes. The lower half of the band is a single solid ring, so resizing later is straightforward.

Custom orders

We can set pave along the two arms, add a hidden halo in the open space beneath the stone, widen or narrow the split, use a lab grown diamond or a coloured moissanite as the centre, or make a matching plain band. For any other request please contact us at https://mapplegems.com/pages/contact and we will quote it before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a moissanite ring or a diamond ring?
It is a moissanite engagement ring. The centre stone is lab created moissanite and the ring is sold as moissanite. We never describe it as a diamond.

What is a split shank?
The band divides into two arms before reaching the setting, leaving an open gap on each side. It makes the head look larger and the ring look lighter than a solid band of the same weight.

Is a split shank as strong as a solid one?
Yes when correctly proportioned. Each arm carries half the load, and because the split is short and rejoins under the head the structure stays rigid. 14K holds its shape best over decades of wear.

How is this different from your milgrain split shank ring?
That one adds a beaded collar under the stone and milgrain detailing. This one is completely plain, so the split itself is the only thing to look at.

Does the open gap collect dirt?
Less than a closed gallery does, because there is nowhere for anything to sit trapped. A rinse under warm water clears it.

Will a wedding band sit flush against it?
Yes, closely. The arms sit level with the finger where the band would meet them, so a straight band lies against the ring with only a slight gap at the very top.

Which centre size suits this setting?
All four. The open space scales with the stone, so a 5 carat oval sits in a proportionally larger opening and the ring stays balanced.

Does moissanite scratch or cloud over time?
No. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale it resists scratching from ordinary contact, and its brilliance comes from the material itself, not a coating.

How do I clean it?
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush around the four claws. With no pave and an open back, this is one of the easiest rings we make to keep clean.

How long does it take to make?
Production usually takes ten to fourteen working days, plus shipping time. Every ring is made only after it is ordered.

Our services

• Free tracked worldwide shipping
• Made to order in your exact ring size, US 3 to 13
• Lifetime prong check with cleaning
• Thirty day return window
• Secure packaging in a presentation box
• Conflict free and ethically produced stones

About Mapple Gems

Mapple Gems is a made to order fine jewelry workshop in Surat, India, one of the world leading diamond cutting and polishing centres. We set moissanite, lab grown diamonds and coloured gemstones in solid gold and sterling silver, and we make each piece only after it is ordered, which keeps prices low without holding stock. Questions before you buy are welcome at https://mapplegems.com/pages/contact.

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