A Split Shank You Cannot See from the Top
By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 28, 2026
Short answer: A split shank can be made so small that it disappears from the top view. On this 2 carat oval, the client had one rule: no split shank visible from above. We made the smallest split we could, with a half petal in the middle, so from the side the band flows into the tulip petals instead of ending abruptly, and from the top it looks like a plain band.
The client had very specific requirements. Here is how we met them.
Read the video transcript
Custom rings you will never find at your local big box store, featuring this beautiful tulip basket. To start, it's this 2 carat oval diamond with these six claw prongs, set into our classic six tulip petal basket, which looks so floral. And then on the side profile, we added the tiniest split shank you can possibly add with this little half petal right in the middle. The reason we made it so tiny is the client had very specific requirements. She doesn't want to see a split shank from the top view, but it just adds a little bit more flow to the band instead of coming to an abrupt end. It's flowing so naturally directly into those tulip petals.
The ring
A 2 carat oval with six claw prongs in our classic six petal tulip basket. On the side profile, the tiniest split shank we could add, with a small half petal right in the middle.
Why so small?
She did not want to see a split shank from the top. A bigger split would show as a gap in the band from above. A small one stays hidden under the head, but still adds flow to the side view.
Tell us what you do not want
Most people come in with a list of what they want. The list of what you do not want is just as useful. No visible split, no halo, nothing that catches, nothing higher than a certain height. Each one shapes the design.
How big should a split shank be?
It depends on the look. A baby split stays subtle. A wide split opens up and becomes a feature. Our baby split shank guide shows the range.
Tell us what you do not want to see.
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Book a free callGet a 60 second estimateQuestions we get about this
Can a split shank be hidden from the top?
Yes, if it is small enough to sit under the head.
What is a half petal?
A smaller petal on the side profile of a tulip basket, often where a split shank meets the head.
Does a tiny split shank still add strength?
It adds a second connection point to the head, and flow. Strength comes mostly from the band thickness.
How much does an oval tulip ring with a split shank cost?
A fully custom ring from us starts at about $4,000 USD, and most of the rings we build land between $4,000 and $5,000. Our Ready To Order settings start at $1,299 CAD, plus the diamond. The centre stone moves the price most: in September 2026 a 2 carat lab grown diamond ran about $2,500 CAD and a 3 carat about $2,700 CAD. Hand engraving, a hidden halo, a split shank and gemstones in the petals each add bench time. Real numbers are in our cost guide.
Can a split shank ring be resized?
Usually yes, because resizing happens at the bottom of the band, away from the split. Very ornate bands can limit how far.
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