Side stones have the effect of enhancing the central stone and they also help to create balance so that a large central stone doesn’t look out of proportion on the ring.
Choosing the number of side stones
The two side stone setting is a popular choice but you can have as many stones as you like. Bear in mind though, that the more stones you have, the more care and maintenance your ring will require.
Choosing the size of side stones
If you’re having more than two sides stones, they should be considerably smaller than the centre stone. If you’re only having two, then you can have slightly bigger stones, although they should not be so big that they detract from the centre stone.
Choosing the colour of the side stones
The side stones should match each other, and if they’re the same colour as the centre stone, they will make it look larger. If they’re a different colour to the centre stone, they will accentuate the colour of the centre stone.
If the diamonds are ‘white’ (clear) they should be no more than one colour grade lower than the centre stone. The same applies to the grade of clarity.
Choosing the diamond cut
Round, oval and princess are the most common diamond shapes for the side stones but there are some shapes that are specifically for side stones, such as the half moon shape. Trapezoids, available in step-cut or brilliant-cut are also good choices. A step-cut suits an emerald or asscher cut central stone whilst a brilliant cut will suit a brilliant radiant or princess cut stone.
