Three diamonds can look beautifully balanced on a single ring, but not every combination of side stones flatters a centre diamond.
Large centres stones and small, badly-proportioned side diamonds can make the ring resemble a haphazard collection of gems, but well-matched stones can add elegance and sophistication – while avoiding unecessary carat weights.
A ring with three stones trilogy diamond ring features one central gemstone and two smaller side stones . The three elements represent ‘the past, present and future’ of a relationship, but the trilogy-style ring appeals to people who appreciate the balanced presentation that these three stones create.
As Australia offers a significant number of buyers who prefer an engagement ring or anniversary gift in this style to any other, let’s examine which factors are worthy of special consideration.
The Three-Stone Design Depends on Proportion
The way these three stones relate to each other is more important than the qualities of any single diamond. Despite the fact that centres stones tend to dominate the trilogy design, size variations in the side stones change the overall impression of the ring.
Smaller side diamonds create a sense of balance around the focal point and ensure that the ring setting itself remains compact. Bigger side stones contribute to a more substantial appearance at a considerable finger width.
Diamond carat weights are of little value in predicting these outcomes. Two stones with the same weight can have dramatically varying sizes due to the way they are cut.
Ask the jeweller for the face-up dimensions of all the stones in millimetres. A photograph (or jeweller’s drawing) of the stones is often useful when considering these proportions.
Which Diamond Shapes Work Well Together?
Three round brilliants lend a consistent sparkle to this style of ring. These similar outlines create a traditional effect that’s most noticeable when the small size of the side stones is considered.
An oval-shaped centre diamond has a radically different impact on the ring. Not only does it make the whole piece appear longer along the vertical axis of the finger, but similar contours in the side stones provide a degree of rounding to the piece as well.
Diamonds with emerald cuts produce a different type of visual appeal entirely. Their broad, stepped facets produce an altogether distinct manner of brilliance, and more emphasis than usual is placed upon the clarity and appearance of each individual diamond.
It is possible to combine different shapes with pleasing results. For example, pear-shaped side stones should be matched so that they have identical outlines and orientations; this creates the impression of well-considered balance.
Where elongated diamonds have been used, refer to the length/width ratios rather than the names of the styles. Diamonds that differ considerably in shape can be made to look very distinctive when placed beside one another.
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds in Trilogy Rings
Lab-grown diamonds present an unusual option for a three stone ring. They have almost identical crystal structure and optical properties to natural diamonds, but their formation processes are radically different from those of mined diamonds.
The differences in origin influence their relative pricing structures, and this means that budget considerations can be made. It might even be possible to purchase a slightly larger centre stone when comparing a lab-grown diamond to a mined diamond of equivalent size.
Larger diamonds are not always the superior choice in terms of design, however. Increasing the size of all three stones in the ring can cause this ring style to become overly wide at the points where the stones are positioned.
When considering this ring style as an engagement ring alternative, it’s necessary to compare the way that the central stone, the side stones and the metal setting combine to produce the final impression of value and appeal, rather than considering the weight of the diamonds alone.
If a lab created diamonds is being contemplated, ask to see supporting evidence about its origin and treatment. In the case of grading reports, it’s also worth looking at the photos or videos of the diamond.
Matching Three Diamonds Without Overspending
A trilogy setting places diamonds right next to one another so that their individual characteristics are easy to identify.
White metals appear quite different when there are clearly noticeable variations in the colour of the side stones. A good match for colour grades can produce a much more consistent overall impression under these circumstances.
The same approach to clarity does not apply in the same way to three stone rings. There is no requirement for the three side stones to have identical clarity grades.
A side stone that has tiny inclusions only visible when using a loupe or microscope may be perfectly acceptable, depending on personal perceptions of clarity.
Cut quality plays an equally prominent role. If an ideally proportioned centre stone has dull side stones, it will appear less attractive as a consequence. The alternative is to pay for higher grades than might be considered necessary in a particular case.
In the case of round brilliant cut stones, individual cutting grades can be taken into consideration. Asymmetrically-shaped diamonds require more critical visual comparisons because different cut qualities are not available for these shapes.
The Setting Can Change How the Ring Feels
Three stones take up more space than a regular soliter. Construction features are particularly important for this sort of everyday wear.
Prongs create the maximum amount of exposed diamond surface and highlight the distinctness of each stone in the trilogy ring. They cannot be positioned incorrectly and will require occasional maintenance checks.
Bezel settings enclose the gems in metal, offering protection against impact but also making the ring slightly bulkier in appearance. The question of raised versus set settings is also significant. An elevated centre stone allows room for a wedding band to be worn closer, but it can snag clothing fabrics.
Flat set stones may have a more practical feel for people who use gloves or get their hands dirty at work. It can become difficult to wear a straight wedding band alongside them, however, since the ring band has pronounced basket settings.
Request an image of the ring from the side rather than simply viewing photographs from above prior to ordering.
Choosing a Metal That Suits Daily Wear
Platinum and gold are popular choices of metal for trilogy engagement rings, but the differences between them bear detailed consideration for this type of everyday ring.
Platinum is a precious metal that wears and tarnishes over time. White gold tends to be rhodium plated, and this may require occasional re-plating as the wear causes it to change appearance. Gold itself has distinctive qualities to take into account.
Yellow gold provides an entirely different type of colour contrast than white diamonds. Rose gold can offer a gentler alternative.
Construction plays a bigger role in determining the ring’s strength than the choice of platinum versus white gold.
The jeweller should be asked to consider the thickness of the band in a trilogy ring. The weight of the band, the reinforcement at the shoulders and each of the individual stone supports are all relevant factors. Thin metal settings have a tendency to look good in photographs but they can be disappointing in practice.
Plan the Wedding Band Before Ordering
Compatibility with a wedding band is easy to overlook when selecting a trilogy engagement ring.
Side stones tend to be mounted in larger proportion than the central stone. As a consequence, the entire centre area may appear wider than a ring that features a single centre stone.
A normal-width straight wedding band may actually have a visible space between the engagement ring and the band itself when worn together depending on the way the side stones were mounted.
Some people prefer this visual separation in these circumstances. Alternative options can also be made, such as a shaped wedding band that curves to follow the trilogy mounting.
Testing these ring shapes together will reduce the likelihood of making adjustments later on.
For Australian buyers who are ordering custom jewellery from online retailers, it is always a wise precaution to note the ring sizes as specified by these jewellers and to ensure that resizing is possible without changing how the stones are set.
It’s also worth making inquiries about delivery insurance, returns and the general rules regarding custom-designed rings.
The final design authorisation must take the ring shape, the side view, stone measurements and metal choices into account rather than the carat weights that have been specified and the photo of the ring.
