Three-stone settings offer both personality and additional sparkle. With the ability to create an original design, a three-stone ring is a beautiful, unique choice. This Round Cut engagement ring from James Allen, for example, is a timeless design, while this diamond and emerald ring is modern and colorful.
No matter which style you choose, be sure to purchase your ring from a reputable vendor. Based on our experience in the industry, we recommend Blue Nile, James Allen and Brian Gavin Diamonds.
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As their name indicates, three-stone engagement rings feature three diamonds or gemstones set closely together. The three stones are said to represent “past, present and future.”
Although many three-stone engagement rings feature three diamonds, others feature colored gemstones such as sapphires or rubies. Many couples choose gemstones that have a special significance for the bride or groom, such as birthstones or gemstones of a certain color.
Three-stone engagement rings aren’t as common as solitaire engagement rings. However, they are gaining in popularity, especially for couples that want an engagement ring that provides an opportunity to make a personal statement.
The stones can be the same size or the center stone may be the largest. This three-stone setting from James Allen uses colored stones for the side accents, while this ring from Blue Nile incorporates baguette diamonds.
You can design three-stone settings with any type of precious metal: white gold, yellow gold, platinum or rose gold. You can also pair a three-stone design with another type of setting, like a pavé band or a channel setting. The numerous options available with three-stone rings make them a popular choice for engagements.
Look through recently purchased diamond engagement rings to see more of them.
Three-stone engagement rings differ from solitaire engagement rings in several ways, from their appearance to their price:
Solitaire Engagement Ring | Three-Stone Engagement Ring |
Simple yet elegant appearance with just one diamond or gemstone. | Contains one large center stone (usually a diamond) with smaller side diamonds or colored gemstones. |
Center diamond as the center of attention, with no side diamonds or gemstones to distract from its beauty. | Side diamonds or gemstones can often complement the center diamond but may clash with it if poorly paired. |
Almost always the least expensive type of engagement ring setting. | Significantly more expensive than a solitaire setting, especially if the setting features large side diamonds or gemstones. |
Available in all precious metals, from 14K and 18K gold to platinum. Doesn’t contain pavé or halo diamonds. | Also available in all precious metals. Many three-stone settings also feature pavé or halo diamonds. |
Easy to clean and maintain due to simple, single-stone design. | May require more maintenance and care than a solitaire engagement ring. |
A good choice if you want a simple, timeless engagement ring that looks elegant but won’t attract unwanted attention. | A good choice if you want to add your own personal touch, whether via a birthstone or colored gemstones, to an engagement ring. |
The three-stone setting is a unique and versatile setting. The three stones, set closely together, are said to symbolize the couple’s past, present and future. Not only are you creating a ring that’s beautiful, but meaningful as well.
Many people choose a three-stone setting because they can personalize it. You have the option to choose similar-sized diamonds, diamonds of different shapes and sizes, or colorful side stones like emeralds, rubies and other birthstones.
Three-stone settings can be created with any Diamond Shape, but work best with Round Brilliants, Radiant Cuts, Cushions, Princess Cuts and Emerald Cuts.
When designing a three-stone ring, it’s important that the stones compliment each other, rather than clash. The styles below can be used as inspiration for designing your own three-stone ring.
Three-stone engagement ring examples:
A three-stone setting is a beautiful choice. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to every ring style. Review the pros and cons below to determine if a three-stone engagement ring is right for the one you love.
Throughout our years in the industry, we’ve closely vetted diamond sellers to determine the best and most reliable in the business. Choosing where you’ll purchase your engagement ring is extremely important. Both brick and mortar stores and online vendors can overcharge you—all while offering you inferior beauty and value. We don’t want that to happen to you, or any of our readers.
We recommend looking for an engagement ring through the diamond dealers below. They are reputable and maintain high-quality collections of diamonds and settings. All diamonds come with an AGS or GIA certificate—allowing you to trust what they’re selling you. If you have any questions about these vendors, please email us.
At Diamond Pro, we want you to find the best diamond for the best price. We have an extensive collection of diamond educational resources to help you select the most beautiful ring for your budget.
Shop for three-stone diamond engagement rings here.
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