The History Of Three Stone Engagement Rings

While solitaire engagement rings are thought of as the most “traditional” engagement style, three stone rings are also considered a classic, elegant option. DeBeers was the first company to introduce a three stone engagement ring on a wide scale, and marketed the style as representing the “past, present, and future” of a couple’s relationship.

Also known as trinity or trilogy rings, three stone rings remain a fashionable choice not only for engagements but also for anniversaries and other relationship milestones.  The symbolism of the ring style has a religious aspect to it reflecting the Holy Trinity, but also has been adopted on a more secular basis to represent “friendship, love, fidelity”, and “mother, father, child.”

Over the years, three stone styles have evolved as well. The first three stone rings featured “traditional graduation,” a design style that remains popular today. In traditional graduation, the center stone is as large as the two side stones put together. In other words, each side stone is half the size of the center stone. The ring pictured about is an example of traditional graduating. The center stone is 5mm in size, while the two side stones are each 2.5mm.

Other three stone rings feature “slight graduation”.  The Trio ring above, for example, has side stones that are nearly the same size as the center stone. Another example of slight graduation is the rose cut ring by Erica Freestone pictured above, which features a very large center stone and much-smaller side stones.

A third option is the “equally sized” three stone ring. The example below from Porter Gulch includes three 2.5mm moissanite stones.

Of course, the three stones of a three stone ring need not all be the same gem. They don’t even need to all be colorless stones! Birthstones and favorite jewels can serve as the side stones or center stone of a three stone style. For example, the Tina from Rosados Box is set with moissanite side stones and a morganite as the center stone.  The ring below for WanLoveDesigns, however, has sapphire side stones and a moissanite center.

The stones also need not be all round cuts, although they are the most prevalent cut choice. Radiant cuts, for instance, look particularly dramatic in a three stone style. However, the stones don’t even need to all be the same cut.  Rounds and cushions, pears and rounds, ovals and baguettes – the options are endless!

There is a three stone ring out there for every style, from the traditional to the trendy. Three-stone styles also make great right-hand rings, and even stackers. These versatile rings offer something for everyone!

Are you a fan of the three-stone style? Let us know in the comments section.