When it comes to designing the perfect engagement ring, side stones can make all the difference. These dazzling accents add brilliance, personality, and balance to your center stone, enhancing the overall design. With so many options available, choosing the right side stones may feel overwhelming, but this guide will help you navigate your choices and create a ring as unique as your love story.
What Are Side Stones, and Why Do They Matter?
Side stones are smaller gemstones placed on either side of the center stone in an engagement ring. They serve to complement the main gem, emphasizing its size and brilliance while adding extra sparkle and dimension to the overall design. Whether you’re going for a classic look or something more modern, side stones allow for creative customization, making your ring truly one of a kind.
Popular Side Stone Options
Choosing the right type of side stones is crucial to achieving the desired look for your engagement ring. Here are some of the most popular choices:
1. Diamonds
Diamonds are a timeless choice for side stones, offering unmatched brilliance and sparkle. Their icy, crystal-clear appearance makes them a versatile pairing for any center stone, effortlessly amplifying its beauty.
2. Sapphires
Sapphires, with their deep and mesmerizing blue hue, bring a regal elegance to any ring. They create a stunning contrast when paired with diamonds and can evoke feelings of serenity and strength.
3. Emeralds
Emeralds are like drops of lush, green perfection. Their vibrant color adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, pairing wonderfully with yellow gold settings for a warm, vintage feel.
4. Rubies
Rich and fiery, rubies exude passion and romance. Their striking red hue makes a bold statement, offering a dramatic contrast to lighter center stones or enhancing a vibrant design.
5. Aquamarines
Aquamarines, with their soft, ethereal blue tones, bring a calming beauty to engagement rings. Perfect for white or rose gold settings, they offer a fresh and modern aesthetic that feels effortlessly elegant.
You have a whole world of options to choose from when it comes to gemstones. If you’re curious, feel free to explore gemstone engagement rings on our website or stop by our jewelry store in Woodcliff Lake, NJ to try some on in person and get personalized help from our experienced assistants.
The Best Cuts for Side Stones
The cut of your side stones significantly impacts the overall aesthetic of your engagement ring. Each cut offers a unique style and enhances the center stone differently. Here’s a breakdown of popular side stone cuts:
Baguette Cut
Sleek and sophisticated, baguette-cut stones feature clean, straight lines that create a minimalist yet elegant look. Their rectangular shape subtly directs attention to the center stone, enhancing its presence.
Round Cut
Round-cut stones are classic and endlessly versatile. With their radiant sparkle, they add a soft, timeless glow that complements any engagement ring style.
Pear Cut
Pear-shaped side stones bring a touch of grace and uniqueness to a design. Their teardrop shape feels whimsical and elegant, adding visual interest to your ring.
Trillion Cut
For a bold and contemporary feel, trillion cuts are a perfect choice. These triangular stones catch the light beautifully, creating a dynamic and eye-catching element in modern ring designs.
Oval Cut
Oval side stones lend an elongating effect to the overall design, creating a harmonious flow and enhancing the brilliance of the center stone.
Princess Cut
With their square shape and sharp angles, princess-cut stones exude a modern and geometric charm. They’re ideal for those who appreciate clean lines and symmetry in their jewelry.
By understanding these cuts, you can select side stones that harmonize perfectly with your center stone and desired ring style.
How to Match Side Stones with the Center Stone
Creating harmony between the center stone and side stones is key to a cohesive design. Here are some tips:
1. Choose Complementary Colors
Select gemstones that enhance the color of your center stone. For example, clear diamonds work well with any color, while blue sapphires or green emeralds provide striking contrast.
2. Consider Proportion
The size of the side stones should complement, not overshadow, the center stone. Smaller side stones allow the main gem to remain the focal point, while larger side stones create a bold, three-stone look.
3. Coordinate Shapes
Matching the shapes of your stones ensures a balanced aesthetic. For example, pairing a round center diamond with round or pear-shaped side stones creates a harmonious design, while baguette side stones lend a contemporary edge.
Selecting the Right Metal for Your Side Stones
Choosing metals for gemstone rings is an important decision because it will be essential to showcasing the side stones you choose. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to decide which metal to go with:
- White Gold or Platinum: These cool-toned metals enhance the brilliance of diamonds and light-colored gemstones.
- Yellow Gold: Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with colored stones like emeralds or rubies.
- Rose Gold: Creates a romantic and vintage-inspired look, particularly with soft pink or peach gemstones.
Customizing Your Engagement Ring
The possibilities for customization are endless when it comes to side stones. Whether you want to create a completely unique design or modify an existing one, working with a trusted jeweler like us here at F. Silverman helps to make sure that your vision comes to life. Here are a few ideas to consider when you’re dreaming about your perfect engagement ring:
- Adding a hidden halo of small diamonds beneath the center stone.
- Selecting a mix of gemstone shapes for a dynamic, asymmetrical design.
- Incorporating sentimental elements, like a family heirloom stone or your partner’s favorite color.
Feeling inspired? Contact us for custom engagement ring designs and let us help bring your dream ring to reality! We are excited and ready to help you get started.
Your Perfect Ring Awaits
Side stones are more than just accents; they’re an opportunity to tell a story, showcase your style, and make your engagement ring as unique as your love. At F. Silverman Jewelers, we offer a stunning collection of custom gemstone engagement rings and expert guidance to help you design the perfect piece.
Whether you’re looking for timeless elegance or a modern twist, our team is here to assist. Contact F. Silverman Jewelers today to schedule a consultation or browse our exquisite selection of rings.