Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

What is a Three Stone Engagement Ring?

A three stone ring is precisely that: a band that focuses not on a single gem, but one that highlights a row of three matched stones. Also called trilogy or trinity rings, three stone rings represent the past, present, and future of a couple’s relationship, making them particularly significant as engagement rings. Three stone rings are also popular as anniversary rings.

Three Stone Designs

The majority of three stone rings have only three stones, without additional side or accent stones, though more elaborate arrangements are available. While many engagement rings use more than one stone, three stone rings have very specific characteristics that distinguish them from more traditional settings.

Stone Size

In most three stone rings, all three gems are fairly close in size, though the central stone may be slightly larger than the other two. This is in contrast to traditional engagement rings that may indeed have three separate gems, but the side stones are far smaller than the center diamond. Overall, three stone rings typically are a heavier carat weight than traditional solitaires, because if the three stones are too small, they do not appear to be a three stone ring and instead simply make a pretty arrangement such as a channel or pave setting.

Stone Shape

For most three stone engagement rings, all stones are the same shape, with round and princess (square) stones being the most popular shapes because they fit together smoothly. Other shapes such as the marquise, emerald, and oval can be found, however. Heart-shaped three stone rings are very uncommon because they are not well-suited to having three large stones aligned together. A few three stone designs incorporate different shapes, such as two trilliant diamonds flanking a slightly larger princess- or emerald-shaped stone.

Type of Stones

The vast majority of three stone rings use three diamonds or other matched stones. If a setting were designed with one central diamond surrounded by other gems, it would not appear to be a true three stone ring. Diamonds are by far the most popular choice, but it is possible to customize a three stone ring with other gems.

Additional Details

To emphasize the symbolic significance of the three stone arrangement, most three stone engagement rings utilize a prong setting, and the center stone may be slightly elevated. Other details include engraving “past, present, future” into the ring’s band, or adding filigree embellishments along the edges. Like any engagement ring, a three stone ring can be crafted with different metals, even as a two-toned design.

When matching a three stone ring with a wedding band, there are several options. Because the diamonds are very prominent on the engagement ring, many couples prefer a plain wedding band. Another popular accompaniment is a channel-set wedding band that highlights multiple stones in a lower setting than the engagement ring. Eternity rings (bands where the diamonds circle the entire ring) are another option, though they are significantly more expensive.

Cost of a Three Stone Engagement Ring

Because the ring uses three large stones instead of a single solitaire, a three stone ring has the potential to be far more expensive than many traditional settings that use smaller, less costly stones as embellishments. Much of the ring’s price depends on the stone quality, however, and depending on the cut, clarity, carat weight, and color of the gems, the price can vary significantly from ring to ring. As with any engagement ring, always examine the quality of each stone, the ring’s setting, and other details before committing to a purchase.

Every engaged couple has a past together that has led them to the exciting present where they are planning their united future. A three stone engagement ring is a perfect symbol of those three relationship stages as well as a gorgeous alternative to traditional rings.