How to Choose Side Stones for a Three Stone Engagement Ring
The center stone may be the star, but the side stones completely transform the overall look of the ring. Their shape, size, proportion, and setting can make a three stone ring feel classic and timeless, soft and romantic, or modern and unexpected.
So, how do you choose the right ones?
It really comes down to three things: the shape of your center stone, the overall look you want to create, and how you plan to wear your ring every day.
Should Your Side Stones Match Your Center Stone?
One of the first decisions to make is whether you want your three stones to match or whether you want to mix diamond shapes.
Matching shapes create a beautifully cohesive look. Think of an oval center diamond flanked by two smaller ovals or a round brilliant surrounded by two smaller rounds. Repeating the same shape allows the eye to move seamlessly across the ring and creates a sense of symmetry.
Mixing shapes creates contrast and can make a three stone engagement ring feel more distinctive. An oval center paired with marquise side stones, for example, combines soft curves with elongated points for a look that feels a little more unexpected.
There really is no right or wrong answer. Matching shapes tend to feel more traditional, while mixing shapes gives you another opportunity to make the ring feel uniquely yours.
14K Yellow Gold 3.76ctw Radiant & Trillion Diamond Engagement Ring
Finding the Right Side Stone Proportions
When it comes to a three stone ring, proportion is everything.
Side stones are generally smaller than the center diamond, allowing the center stone to remain the focal point while the additional diamonds add width, sparkle, and balance.
If the side stones are too large, they can begin to compete with the center. Too small, and they may feel disconnected from the overall design.
The ideal ratio varies depending on the size and shape of your center stone, which is why this is one of those details that is especially helpful to see in person. Comparing different combinations allows you to find the proportions that feel most balanced on your hand.
Tacori 18K White Gold Lunetta Three Stone Engagement Ring Mounting
Round Side Stones
There is a reason round diamonds remain one of the most popular choices for side stones: they work beautifully with almost everything.
Their brilliant faceting creates plenty of sparkle, even at a smaller size, making them an easy way to add extra brilliance without taking attention away from the center stone.
Pair round side stones with a round center diamond for a completely symmetrical, traditional three stone design. They are equally beautiful alongside oval or cushion cut diamonds, where their soft shape complements the curves of the center stone.
If you love a three stone engagement ring that feels classic and timeless, round side stones are always a beautiful place to start.
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Pear Shaped Side Stones
Pear shaped diamonds bring a softer, more romantic feel to a three stone setting.
Combining the curves of a round diamond with the elongated point of a marquise, pear shaped side stones naturally create movement within the ring. They are often positioned with their points facing outward, gently tapering the design toward the band.
Pears pair especially well with round and oval center diamonds because their curved edges complement one another without looking overly matched.
The result is elegant, feminine, and beautifully balanced, making pear shaped side stones one of our favorite choices for someone who wants something timeless with a little more personality.
14K White-Yellow Gold Oval Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Marquise Side Stones
For a three stone ring with a little more drama, consider marquise side stones.
Their long, pointed silhouette naturally draws the eye outward, creating the appearance of more width across the finger while adding a distinctive shape to the setting.
Marquise diamonds are especially striking when paired with a contrasting center shape. An oval center with marquise sides, for example, feels fresh and slightly unexpected while still maintaining the symmetry that makes a three stone ring so beautiful.
They can also flank a round center for an elegant mix of shapes or accompany a marquise center for a completely elongated silhouette.
Oval Side Stones
If you already love the elongated look of an oval diamond, why stop at one?
Pairing an oval center diamond with smaller oval side stones creates a soft, continuous silhouette across the finger. Because all three diamonds share the same curved, elongated shape, the finished ring feels cohesive and incredibly elegant.
Oval side stones can also be paired with a round center diamond when you want to add a little extra length and visual interest to an otherwise classic design.
14K White Gold Lab Grown 3.07ctw Three Stone Oval Engagement Ring
Baguette Side Stones
Baguette diamonds offer an entirely different look from brilliant cut side stones.
Their long, rectangular shape and step cut faceting create clean flashes of light rather than all-over sparkle, giving a three stone ring a sleek, architectural feel.
Baguettes pair particularly well with emerald cut and princess cut center diamonds, where their straight edges complement the geometry of the center stone.
If your style leans toward clean lines, vintage Art Deco influences, or understated elegance, baguette side stones are an especially beautiful choice.
14K Yellow Gold Oval and Baguette Engagement Ring
Emerald Cut Side Stones
Emerald cut side stones bring the sophisticated, mirror-like look of an emerald cut diamond to the entire three stone setting.
Because emerald cuts feature large, open step facets rather than brilliant faceting, they create broad flashes of light and a refined, structured appearance.
They are a natural pairing for an emerald cut center stone but can also look beautiful beside a cushion cut diamond, creating a subtle contrast between softer curves and crisp edges.
Clarity can be particularly noticeable in emerald cut diamonds, so choosing side stones with quality that complements the center stone helps create a consistent appearance across all three diamonds.
14K yellow Gold Lab Grown 5.0ctw Three Stone Emerald Engagement Ring
Princess Cut Side Stones
For something crisp, modern, and full of sparkle, princess cut side stones offer the best of both worlds.
Their square silhouette creates a strong geometric look, while brilliant-style faceting gives them plenty of sparkle.
Princess cut sides can accompany a princess cut center for a clean, coordinated design or provide structured contrast beside round and cushion cut center diamonds.
They are an especially beautiful option for someone who loves symmetry but wants something a little different from traditional round side stones.
Choosing the Right Setting for Your Side Stones
The shape of your side stones isn't the only decision to consider. How those diamonds are set can also change both the appearance and practicality of your ring.
Prong settings leave more of the diamond visible, allowing light to enter the stone from multiple directions and creating maximum sparkle. This is the classic choice for a three stone engagement ring and keeps the focus almost entirely on the diamonds.
Bezel settings surround the edge of the diamond with a thin border of metal. The result is a smoother, more contemporary appearance with added protection around the stone.
For someone who works frequently with their hands or simply prefers a more secure, streamlined setting, a bezel can be a beautiful alternative to traditional prongs.
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Can You Use Gemstones as Side Stones?
Absolutely.
An all-diamond three stone engagement ring is the most traditional choice, creating a bright and cohesive look across all three stones. But colored gemstones can make the design even more personal.
Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other gemstones can introduce color and contrast while giving you an opportunity to incorporate something meaningful, such as a favorite color or birthstone.
It is another reminder that a three stone engagement ring doesn't have to follow a formula. Every detail can be chosen to tell your story.
14K White Gold Oval Three Stone Sapphire & Diamond Engagement RIng
How Do You Choose the Perfect Combination?
The best side stones are ultimately the ones that make your center stone—and your personal style—shine.
Start with the overall feeling you want your engagement ring to have. Round and pear shaped side stones tend to create a softer, more timeless look. Marquise diamonds introduce movement and drama. Baguette, emerald, and princess cut diamonds bring cleaner lines and a more architectural feel.
Then consider proportion, setting style, and how the ring will fit into your everyday life.
Seeing different diamond shapes and proportions together can completely change how you envision your ring, and our team can help you compare combinations until you find the one that feels like you.
