Three-Stone Engagement Rings

The Three Stone Ring

Three Stone Engagement Rings

A three stone engagement ring sets one center diamond between two side diamonds, matched in shape or set against it. It is the design with the most light across the finger of any classic setting, and the one where the proportions matter most: the sides are usually a quarter to a third of the center's weight, set a touch lower so the center stays the subject. Get that ratio right and the ring reads as one piece. Get it wrong and it reads as three.

Every three stone ring here is made to order in our Los Angeles atelier. The CAD model is built around the measurements of your center diamond, and the side diamonds are selected to its size, so the three sit in one line with no step between them.

Three stone settings by side diamond

• Matched shape. Oval beside oval, emerald beside emerald, round beside round. The quietest version and the one most often chosen for a first ring.
• Tapered baguette. Two step cut sides that narrow away from the center. Pairs with emerald cut, radiant and round centers and reads as deco without being vintage.
• Pear or half moon sides. The sides point outward and draw the eye along the finger. The most elongating three stone design.
• Trapezoid. Angular sides that frame a square or rectangular center. The architectural option for an emerald or radiant.
• Double prong and channel. Settings where the holding detail is the design: double claw prongs on each diamond, or a channel of pavé between them.

Two ways to own one

Build your ring. Choose a three stone setting below, then pair it with a natural or lab center diamond from our inventory. A ROSI™ Score Report, our gemological intelligence, reads the cut performance and fair market position of any natural diamond you are considering, and John Anderson, our Lead Gemologist, reviews the shortlist with you and matches the side diamonds to the center you choose.

Choose a Select ring. The Select three stone rings arrive complete, with an IGI certified lab center and matched sides already set, in the carat weight you choose.

How to choose a three stone ring

• Ratio. Side diamonds at 25 to 35 percent of the center's carat weight keep the center as the subject. Equal thirds is a different ring, and a heavier one.
• Color match. The sides should sit within one color grade of the center. A G center with J sides shows; a G center with H sides does not.
• Shape pairing. Matched shapes are the safe choice. Mixed shapes work when the sides are step cut (baguette, trapezoid) against a brilliant center, or pear against oval. Round sides against an emerald cut rarely do.
• Height. The sides are set a little lower than the center so the three outlines read as a curve. A flat line of three looks heavy on the hand.
• Wedding band. Many three stone rings sit high enough for a straight band. The lower profile designs take a contoured band, which we make from the same CAD file.

Three stone rings by shape

Round · Oval · Emerald Cut · Radiant · Vintage · All Engagement Rings

Talk to a jeweler before you decide

Matching three diamonds is the part of this ring a listing cannot show you. John Anderson, our Lead Gemologist, selects the sides to your center and walks you through the pairing on the phone or by video. Call 1-800-779-1726 or request a consultation. There is no charge and no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions