Three Stone Engagement Rings – Determining Diamond Size Ratio

Q: 

Hello Liz,

I’m looking for three stone engagement rings in a trellis style platinum setting. She prefers round diamonds. My budget is around 20k. I am wondering about the ratio between the size of the center and side stones. I place a lot more emphasis on quality than size of diamonds or total ct. weight, but I want the center stone to be big enough so that the ring looks like a proper engagement ring. Any advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

A: 

Hi Nick,

Thanks for contacting me. I love three stone engagement rings and am more than happy to help you. With $20k being your total ring budget, I think a good way to breakdown the ring cost would be as follows:

– 2 x’s .50ct round brilliant side-stones (F-G, VS1/2) : will cost you around $2,200-$2,500 each

– 1 three-stone ring setting in platinum : will cost you around $1,300-$1,500

– 1 main round brilliant center-stone, approx 1.25ct (G/H, VS1/2, SI) : $11,000 – $13,000

I recommend checking out Whiteflash.com and reading my review: https://www.onlinediamondbuyingadvice.com/website-reviews/whiteflash/

I found a gorgeous setting that will allow you to pick all 3 diamonds: http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-butterflies-diamond-engagement-ring-230.htm

Let me know what you think.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Liz,

Thanks for your earlier help. I am finally looking around online and finding some possibilities. I am trying to find diamonds to go into a platinum “trellis” style 3-stone setting. I found a center on WF and was looking for side-stones. I found two that were almost identical in size and quality but the color is two shades off (E vs. G). My questions are as follows:

– Do you think that I should stick with the same color side stones to be on the safe side? The guy from WF says that most people would not be able to tell.

– I have found other pairs on WF with the G color, however the sizes are not always as close. Would it be at all noticeable to go with two G color sides that were .50 and .52?

– Do you think that the proportions will look good with the sizes that I have chosen?

– Do you see any other issues with or have any advice with respect to my possible choices?

I know this is just personal preference, however what are your opinions with respect to the trellis setting and butterfly setting on WF? My girlfriend had shown me the trellis setting on BlueNile as something she liked about two years ago (it seems very similar to the one on WF). I am now doing this shopping without her knowing so am not going to consult with her. I might like the butterfly one a little better, but not sure (just looking for your opinion on the two and which one you like better). The butterfly setting may be a bit more busy or more trendy??

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have to offer. I am attaching an email from WF for you to see.

Nick

Hi Nick,

A center “G” paired with two side “E” diamonds is perfectly fine. You don’t need to worry about this color difference at all. Even the magnified pictures can show you that the difference in color is barely perceptible. Believe me, you won’t notice anything but the sparkle. 

If you wanted to get the same colored side-stones as your center stone you would be saving cash. As far as beauty and sparkle is concerned, all would remain the same.

A side-stone of .50ct paired with a .52ct is absolutely fine. The difference in size wouldn’t be noticeable. Many women have earring studs that have a slight difference in size like this.

I think that the proportions you have chosen look fantastic. I love that the center diamond is noticeable larger – making it stand out and it being an obvious engagement ring. I also love how the half-carat side stones enhance the center stone’s beauty but doesn’t take away from it in anyway.

I don’t see any issue with what you have chosen at all. I think the diamonds below look stunning together and it will definitely impress your future fiance.

The Trellis 3-Stone is considered a more traditional design in the three stone engagement rings category. Is this the Butterfly setting you were referencing?: https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/3-stone-butterflies-diamond-engagement-ring-230.htm

Whiteflash’s Three Stone Butterfly Setting

The Butterfly would be considered a more modern take on three stone engagement rings and shows off a more fluid design. Personally, I like the Butterfly setting more. It adds a femininity that the other ring doesn’t have. It also has 6 prongs that surround the center-stone diamond in a way that makes it appear more round (sometimes a four-prong setting can make a round diamond appear squarish).

I hope this has given you more confidence about your choices! Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your help and opinions. Hopefully finalizing the deal this week.

Nick