When it comes to engagement rings, the diamond in the centre often gets all the attention. But what if we told you that side stones could be the secret ingredient that elevates your ring from beautiful to breathtaking?

Side stones not only add extra sparkle but also create depth and dimension, making your engagement ring a true work of art. Whether you’re considering adding side stones to an existing ring or selecting a new design, we’re here to guide you through the enchanting world of side stones and how they can transform your diamond engagement ring.

What Are Side Stones in Diamond Engagement Rings?

Side stones are smaller gems that flank the centre stone in an engagement ring, enhancing its beauty and adding extra sparkle. These stones can be diamonds or other gemstones, depending on your preference. The role of side stones is to complement the centre diamond, creating a harmonious design that amplifies the overall look of the ring. You can explore more stunning designs of engagement rings to see how side stones are incorporated.

The beauty of side stones is their versatility. They come in various shapes, such as round, pear, marquise, and baguette, allowing for endless customisation options. You can also choose from different gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies if you want to add a pop of colour to your ring.

Types of Side Stone Settings for Diamond Engagement Rings

When it comes to setting side stones, you have several stunning options, each offering a unique look. Let’s explore some of the most popular settings for side stones:

Pavé Setting: This setting involves small diamonds embedded into the band, creating a “paved” look that maximises sparkle. The stones are set close together, allowing minimal metal to show, which enhances the brilliance of the diamonds.
Channel Setting: In this setting, the side stones are placed in a metal channel, creating a sleek and secure design. This setting protects the stones and gives the ring a modern, streamlined appearance.
Shared Prong Setting: With this setting, the prongs holding the stones are shared between adjacent gems, allowing for greater exposure of the diamonds. This design increases light reflection, resulting in a more dazzling display.
Bar Setting: Here, the side stones are set between vertical metal bars that offer excellent security while still allowing light to pass through the diamonds. This setting is perfect for those who want durability without sacrificing beauty.

Popular Side Stone Combinations and Styles

The combinations of centre stones and side stones are limitless, but a few timeless styles stand out. Let’s take a closer look at some popular designs that have captured the hearts of many:

Three-Stone Rings: This design features two side stones that symbolise your past and future, with the centre stone representing the present. It’s a romantic option that carries deep meaning, making it an excellent choice for an engagement ring. To explore other elegant options, check out this collection of large diamond rings.
Halo Rings with Side Stones: Halo rings are known for their circle of smaller diamonds around the centre stone, but adding side stones to the band takes the sparkle up a notch. The halo accentuates the centre diamond while the side stones add extra brilliance to the band.
Tapered Baguette Side Stones: For those who love clean lines and symmetry, tapered baguette side stones are an elegant choice. These slender diamonds gradually narrow toward the band, drawing attention to the centre stone in a sophisticated way.
Vintage Designs: Side stones are a staple in vintage-inspired rings, often accompanied by intricate metalwork and filigree details. These designs are perfect for anyone who wants a ring with a bit of old-world charm.

How Side Stones Enhance the Overall Look

Side stones may be smaller, but their impact on the overall look of your engagement ring is anything but subtle. By reflecting light from multiple angles, side stones increase the sparkle and brilliance of the ring, making it appear more radiant.

One of the biggest benefits of side stones is that they can make the centre diamond look larger. The extra stones create an illusion of size and grandeur, making even a modestly sized centre diamond look more impressive. Additionally, side stones add balance and symmetry to the design, giving the ring a well-rounded and cohesive appearance.

For ideas on how side stones enhance different types of jewellery, you can explore pieces like diamond pendants and necklaces.

Customising Your Diamond Ring with Unique Side Stones

Side stones offer a fantastic opportunity to personalise your engagement ring and make it truly one-of-a-kind. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with coloured gemstones for your side stones. Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are popular choices, adding a burst of colour that enhances the central diamond.

Mixing different stone shapes is another way to create a unique design. For example, you can pair a round centre diamond with pear-shaped or marquise side stones for an unexpected and eye-catching look.

Genuine Story: One bride-to-be chose birthstones as side stones to represent her and her fiancé’s birthdays, adding a sentimental touch to her ring. This simple customisation transformed her engagement ring into a meaningful symbol of their journey together.

Selecting the Right Side Stones for Your Diamond Ring

Choosing the right side stones is all about balance. You want side stones that complement the centre diamond without overpowering it. Here are some factors to consider when selecting side stones:

Matching Cut and Colour: To create a cohesive look, it’s essential that the cut and colour of the side stones match or complement the centre diamond. For example, if you have a round brilliant centre diamond, you might want to choose round side stones for a harmonious look.
Carat Size: The size of your side stones should enhance the centre stone, not detract from it. Typically, side stones are smaller than the centre stone, but they should still be large enough to be noticed.

Genuine Story: One couple opted for baguette side stones that matched the sharp, clean lines of their modern centre diamond. The result? A stunningly sleek and contemporary ring that perfectly reflected their personal style.

For additional inspiration, explore different wedding bands that incorporate side stones in creative ways.

Side Stones and Their Impact on Ring Cost

While side stones undeniably add to the beauty of an engagement ring, they also affect its price. Several factors influence the cost of side stones, including the type of stone, size, and setting.

Adding side stones can increase the cost of a ring, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Smaller diamonds or alternative gemstones like sapphires or topaz can create a beautiful look without a hefty price tag. Side stones are a great way to add more visual impact to your ring without dramatically increasing the budget.

Caring for Diamond Engagement Rings with Side Stones

Like any fine jewellery, engagement rings with side stones require special care to maintain their brilliance. Here are a few tips to keep your ring looking as stunning as the day you got it:

Regular Cleaning: Clean your ring regularly with a gentle soap and water solution to remove dirt and oils that can dull the stones.
Check the Setting: Over time, prongs and settings can loosen, potentially causing side stones to fall out. Have your ring inspected periodically by a jeweller to ensure all stones are secure.

Genuine Story: One couple made it a tradition to have their engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected every year on their anniversary. Not only did this ensure their ring stayed in perfect condition, but it also became a meaningful ritual in their relationship.

For more details on caring for fine jewellery, see the guide on eternity rings.

FAQs

What are the most popular side stones for engagement rings?

Round brilliant diamonds and baguette diamonds are the most popular side stones, but coloured gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are also trending for a personalised look.

Do side stones make a diamond ring look bigger?

Yes! Side stones can create the illusion of a larger centre stone by adding visual width and depth to the ring, making the overall design appear more substantial.

How do I care for an engagement ring with side stones?

Clean your ring regularly with mild soap and water, and have it inspected by a jeweller to ensure the settings are secure. This will help keep your side stones shining brightly and prevent any damage.

Can I add side stones to my existing engagement ring?

Absolutely! Many jewellers offer customisation services where you can add side stones to an existing ring to enhance its beauty and brilliance.

Are side stones expensive?

The cost of side stones depends on their size, type, and setting. Diamonds tend to be more expensive, but you can opt for alternative gemstones to achieve a similar effect at a lower cost.

Conclusion

Adding side stones to your diamond engagement ring can transform it into a dazzling masterpiece that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to classic designs or looking for something uniquely yours, side stones offer endless possibilities for customisation and beauty. So go ahead, enhance your ring, and let it shine!