What is a Side Stone Ring Setting?A side stone setting refers to a design in which a center diamond is flanked by two or more decorative stones. These side stones can either be matching diamonds or brightly colored gemstones such as rubies or sapphires. Accenting a center stone with
diamonds or
precious gemstones is an elegant way of creating a bold and striking look.
Poplar Side Stone Ring Designs- Three Stone: By far the most popular side stone setting. The most common design for a three stone ring showcases a center stone diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds on either side. The three stones are frequently said to represent a couple’s past, present and future. Another common three stone ring design incorporates three diamonds, increasing in size, set horizontally in a precious metal band. There are many variations to the three stone setting in which the side stones differ in carat weight, shape and color.
- Five Stone: This particular side stone setting is a popular choice as a wedding anniversary gift. This setting features four evenly sized stones set in a horizontal row, or a total of four stones set on either side of a larger center stone to accentuate its brilliance. The five stones in a five-stone ring are commonly said to symbolize the “cornerstones” of a happy relationship: love, trust, serenity, strength and health.
- Pave Setting: A popular side stone setting for engagement rings, the pave setting adds wonderful brilliance and sparkle to the entire ring design. A skillfully embedded cluster of diamonds coats or “paves” the surface of the band with tiny diamonds, creating eye-catching radiance.
- Halo Setting: In this inspired approach, smaller side stone diamonds are set around the entire circumference of the center stone diamond, creating a “halo” of shimmer. Not only does this enhance the overall brilliance of the ring, but it also creates an optical illusion that makes the center stone diamond appear larger than it actually is.
Why Should I Choose a Side Stone Ring?Side stones can add accenting brilliance to a center stone diamond. They also add intricacy to a ring’s over all design. Moreover, three stone and five stone rings are imbued with romantic symbolism, making them popular choices for
wedding bands,
engagement rings and
anniversary rings.
Side stone settings aren’t necessarily unaffordable. For those who are shopping on a budget, opt for a setting with smaller side stones. Low carat accentuating side stones are often less expensive. Also, because side stones are typically smaller and deeply set into the band’s metal, their clarity, cut and color grades aren’t as essential to the overall look of the ring as the center stone’s. Of course, you this doesn’t mean that side stones are negligible. They are still significant components of the ring and their quality should not be compromised.
