What is the Euro Shank Ring? (Pros and Cons)

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From the wide range of shank types available, the Euro (or European) shank is the most unique. Featuring edges in contrast to the perfect circle of traditional rings, the Euro shank is stylish and functional. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of Euro shanks.

What is a Euro Shank?

First things first, what is a ring’s shank? The shank refers to the band or hoop of the ring and is an important part of the ring’s design. The image below shows the elements of a ring including the shank.

The shank impacts not just the beauty and appearance of the ring but also its fit and comfort. There are a wide range of ring shanks to choose from and the Euro shank is one of them.

Simply put, a ring with a Euro shank contains a flat or squarish bottom. This square bottom is only on the outer edge of the ring, as the inner circle remains perfectly round, making feel almost exactly like a regular ring. The rest of the ring can be of any style or setting preferred. The only difference lies in the lower outer edge of the ring.

Here’s what some brides with Euro shank rings say about them:

Mellissa: At the start, it felt uncomfortable and poked me at the edges. I had to break the ring in, and now I find it very comfortable.

Ayra: Because my fingers fluctuate in size a lot over the course of the day, the Euro shank is perfect because it doesn’t spin and the ring doesn’t droop. Once I got used to it, I really like it.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Euro Shank?

If you’re considering whether or not to opt for a Euro shank, these pros and cons are worth considering:

Euro Shank Pros

• One of the main benefits of the Euro shank is that it keeps rings from spinning, unlike traditional round rings. A spinning ring is extremely uncomfortable and painful especially if the center stone stabs your fingers from the sides. With a Euro shank, the square edges are thicker and angular, resulting in the ring being held in place easily. This is especially important if the ring has a large center stone and is top heavy.

• The Euro shank gives any ring a modern, avant-garde look. It’s a new twist to the traditional round ring style. However, when you wear the ring, you won’t notice a big difference from other rings as the square bottom of the ring will be underneath your finger.

• Some people find the Euro shank extremely comfortable. Here’s what one of our readers wrote to us when asked about the Euro shank:

I love the Euro shank! It’s so comfortable and doesn’t spin around like other traditional rings. If I had to pick all over again, I would go for the Euro shank without question.

Euro Shank Cons

• Some people find the shape of the Euro shank uncomfortable. If you’re not used to the feel of a ring on your finger, you may notice your Euro shank ring more than usual. Some people might find that the corners of the ring slightly touch the adjoining fingers, which can be rather annoying. However, this can be something you get used to quickly.

• Euro shank rings can be more expensive than traditional round rings because it contains more metal and requires more effort to be crafted. However, considering that you wouldn’t need to invest in things like ring guards to keep the ring from spinning, it’s well worth it.

Euro Shank Ring Designs

It can be difficult to find Euro shank rings on most engagement ring retail stores as this shank style is not as in demand as other types of shanks. If you can’t find the Euro shank style you’re looking for, you can always request it to be added to a regular ring as most rings can be modified to accommodate a Euro shank.

Here are some top Euro shank ring designs to inspire you:

1. Diamond Euro Shank Wedding Band

The Euro shank makes for an excellent wedding band style as it can be easily and comfortably worn daily with minimal spinning. This design features a range of small melee diamonds set in a unique style along with three baguette diamonds.

2. Men’s Euro Shank Wedding Band

Euro shanks can be crafted to feature masculine designs, making them ideal for men who want a unique looking wedding band with minimal spin factor.

3. Vintage Style Euro Shank Engagement Ring

The Euro shank adapts beautifully for vintage designs and becomes an integral part of the overall design. This elaborate hand engraved diamond ring with filigree and milgrain work is extravagant and brings out the stunning shape of the ring.

4. Rose Gold Morganite Euro Shank Ring

This beautiful design embellishes the edges of the Euro shank, making it an integral part of the overall design. The ring is very top heavy, with a large 10mm morganite gemstone and elaborate setting on top. The Euro shank will help to keep it in place and prevent it from drooping.

5. Cat-Style Euro Shank Wedding Band

This unique wedding band features four edges, imitating the ears of a cat. You’ll be able to notice the style from the top and the bottom of the ring, making it stand out from traditional rings.