What is a ring shank?

A ring shank is the portion of a ring that encircles the finger. It is typically made of metal, such as gold or silver, and may be embellished with diamonds or other gemstones. Ring shanks come in a range of different styles and designs, including smooth and plain, textured or patterned, and filigree or openwork. The size and shape of the ring shank will depend on the style of the ring and the size of the wearer's finger. Some ring shanks are adjustable, while others are fixed and must be accurately sized to fit the wearer's finger.