Three Stone Engagement Rings: Side Stones and How to Choose

A three stone engagement ring sets a center stone between two smaller side stones. The three are often said to stand for your past, present and future together. In practice, the side stones also make the ring wider across the finger and add sparkle around the center. This guide covers the side stone shapes, how to match them to a center stone and how to wear a three stone ring with a wedding band.

Round side stones

Shown: Isabel Round Moissanite Three Stone Engagement Ring

Three round stones in a row is the classic design. The side stones match the center in shape and sparkle, so the ring reads as one line of light. It suits a round center best.

Tapered baguette side stones

Shown: Sylvie Round Moissanite Three Stone Engagement Ring

Baguettes are long, step cut stones, and tapered baguettes narrow toward the band. They flash rather than sparkle, so they frame the center without competing with it. Our tapered baguette styles come with every center shape we offer, and they look especially clean next to an emerald or radiant cut.

Pear, heart, trillion and half-moon side stones

Shown: Arabella Oval Moissanite Three Stone Engagement Ring

Shaped side stones change the outline of the ring. Pears curve in toward the center and frame it. Hearts give a romantic look. Trillions are triangles that point out along the band, and half-moons sit flat against the center like two brackets. Our styles pair them with round, oval, cushion, emerald and pear centers.

Matching the center stone

Our three stone rings come with round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, heart and radiant centers. Three things decide how the ring looks:

• Size. Side stones much smaller than the center keep the focus on it. Side stones close to its size make a bolder, wider ring.
• Cut. Brilliant cuts (round, oval, pear, heart) sparkle; step cuts (emerald, baguette) flash. Matching cuts look calm; mixing them adds contrast.
• Width. A three stone ring covers more of the finger than a solitaire. On a slender finger, choose smaller or tapered side stones.

Every center stone in our three stone rings is moissanite. On some styles the side stones are cubic zirconia.

Wearing it with a wedding band

Because the stones sit across the top of the band, a straight wedding band can leave a gap under a three stone ring. A curved or contour band follows the setting and sits flush against it. Our wedding band guide explains how to get a flush fit, and our bridal sets pair an engagement ring with a band made to fit it.

Which should you choose?

• Three round stones, for the classic look and the most sparkle.
• Tapered baguettes, for clean lines that keep the focus on the center.
• Pears, hearts or trillions, for a shaped outline that stands out.

Common questions

What does a three stone ring symbolize?

The three stones are often said to stand for your past, present and future together.

Which side stones suit an emerald cut center?

Tapered baguettes. Like the emerald cut, they are step cut, so they flash rather than sparkle and frame the center with clean lines.

Does a three stone ring need a special wedding band?

Often. Because the stones sit across the top of the band, a straight band can leave a gap. A curved or contour band sits flush, or choose a bridal set made to fit.

Is a three stone ring wider than a solitaire?

Yes, it covers more of the finger. On a slender finger, smaller or tapered side stones keep it in proportion.

For how a three stone ring compares with a solitaire, halo or bezel, see our guide to engagement ring settings. Shop three stone engagement rings.