Three-stone engagement rings are a classic, but have become popular again since Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, started wearing them. What does a three-stone ring symbolize? And what diamond shapes work best with it? Here are some tips to help you choose a beautiful ring.
What does a three-stone engagement ring represent?
Three-stone engagement rings typically feature a center diamond flanked by two gemstones of equal or smaller size. The style dates back to at least the 1600s, and the three-stone engagement ring has a wide range of meanings. For some, the three stones represent the love of “yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” For others, they symbolize “friendship, love, and fidelity” or “mother, father, and child.” Still others believe that a three-stone engagement ring represents the Holy Trinity. In some designs, the center stone is a colored gemstone, but here we’re focusing on three-stone engagement rings with diamond as the center stone.
A treasure from the Victorian era (1837-1901), this three-stone engagement ring features old mine cut diamonds set in 18K yellow gold.
Which sparkles more: a diamond solitaire or a three-stone engagement ring?
Cut is one of the 4Cs of diamond quality (the other three are color , clarity and carat weight ), and it’s an important factor that affects a diamond’s brilliance (what diamond experts call “sparkle”). The GIA Cut Grade takes into account factors such as the diamond’s proportions, culet size and girdle thickness, as well as the symmetry of the facet arrangement and the quality of the facet polish. Facets are like little mirrors; their size and placement affect how light reflects through the diamond and back to your eye.
A six-prong setting for a solitaire diamond is a classic engagement ring.
GIA only grades the cut of round brilliant diamonds; other diamond shapes do not have cut grades. The potential cut grade for a round brilliant diamond ranges from Excellent to Poor. You can learn more about diamond cut by reading GIA Diamond Cut Grades: Six Considerations . A GIA Diamond Grading Report tells you the cut grade of a round brilliant diamond, giving you the objective information you need for comparison. Read our blog to learn more about comparing loose diamonds .
A three-stone diamond engagement ring will sparkle more than a solitaire diamond ring, assuming the diamonds in both rings are the same size and quality . But what if you’re comparing diamonds of different cut grades? Or what if the diamonds you’re comparing aren’t round brilliants? Or, could you get a much larger solitaire for the same price as a three-stone ring? When comparing diamonds of different shapes, cut grades, or sizes, if sparkle is what you’re looking for, look at the solitaire and three-stone rings in different lighting environments —not just in the bright lights of a store.
Three oval diamonds form a stunning piece of jewelry. The center diamond weighs 1.70 carats (ct), and the two side stones weigh a total of 0.78 ct.
Which diamond shapes work best for a three-stone engagement ring?
Since the round brilliant is the most popular diamond shape, it’s no surprise that you’ll see many three-stone engagement rings set with round brilliant diamonds. Other popular diamond shapes for three-stone engagement rings are oval and square or rectangular princess and cushion cuts . An engagement ring with one large emerald cut diamond and two smaller emerald cut diamonds is modern and sophisticated. The symmetry of this shape adds a touch of elegance and class to the ring.
You can also mix and match diamond shapes. For example, a trilliant cut diamond flanked by marquise, oval or princess cut diamonds will complement the center stone.
Mixing diamond shapes and colors can create stunning pieces. This ring features a 3.03 ct Fancy yellow cushion cut diamond flanked by 0.54 ct half-moon cut diamonds. Platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold are used to create a richer effect. Image courtesy of Novel Collection
Diamond is a popular choice as a side stone in a three-stone engagement ring
Many three-stone engagement rings feature a striking center diamond flanked by two smaller side stones . To create a harmonious look in the ring, jewelry designers and manufacturers often choose side stones that have the same or a similar color grade as the center diamond. GIA classifies diamond color into five groups:
- Colorless (DF): the rarest and therefore the most valuable
- Near Colorless (GJ): A color that is difficult to detect except by trained graders.
- KM: Colors that are still difficult to see for untrained eyes
- Very Light (NR): A faint color that can be seen in larger diamonds by the untrained eye
- Light (SZ): A color that can be seen in diamonds of all sizes. The diamond has a slight hint of yellow or brown, but is not bright enough to be considered a “fancy colored” diamond.
You can use this information when searching for side stones to complete your three-stone engagement ring. Diamond Color: Seven Things to Know will help you get to the heart of diamond color.
The same is true for clarity grades, but they are not necessarily identical, as most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye unless the diamond’s grade includes them (I 1 , I 2 , or I 3 ). Learn more in Seven Things You Should Know About Diamond Clarity and VVS Diamonds vs. VS Diamonds: What’s the Difference Between Diamond Clarity Grades?
Colored gemstones as side stones in a three-stone engagement ring
Want to add a splash of color to your three-stone engagement ring? Then consider adding rubies or sapphires as side stones. Both gemstones are prized for their beauty. They have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale , making them ideal for long-lasting engagement rings (only diamonds are harder). You can use colored gemstones as the center stone of your ring. Here are some tips to help you choose a beautiful ruby or sapphire . You also have many other options for colored gemstones, which we explain in Buying Guide: Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings .
A 1.39 ct round brilliant cut diamond is flanked by two round rubies, weighing 1.41 ct and 1.37 ct. Courtesy: 1stdibs.com
The two sapphires are a tranquil night sky, contrasted by the center diamond that twinkles like a bright star in the sky.
Which settings work best for a three-stone engagement ring?
Deciding how to set the gemstones in a three stone engagement ring is a matter of personal preference and your loved one’s lifestyle. The most common choices are prong and bezel settings.
A prong is a narrow metal bracket, usually in groups of four or six, that holds a gemstone firmly in place. A bezel setting is a narrow band of metal that surrounds the edge of the gemstone and holds it in place. Prong settings show off the beauty of a diamond because the amount of metal covering the gemstone is minimal. Less metal means more of the diamond is visible to be admired. The trade-off for a prong-set diamond is that it is more fragile and easily damaged than a bezel setting. Because a bezel setting protects the gemstone, it is a good choice for active people and those who love outdoor activities.
Play ball! Or go hiking, climbing, or whatever you like! The 0.25 ct brown diamond center stone and 0.07 ct colorless diamond side stones are very secure in a bezel setting.
Three-stone engagement rings have been popular for centuries—and they’re more fashionable than ever today. Choose a beautiful three-stone ring and you’ll have an engagement ring that’s forever.
Three-stone engagement rings are popular, as are these seven other beautiful engagement ring styles .
