Luxury Bridal Guide To Buying A Three Stone Engagement Ring
Sotheby's expert guide to a 3 Stone engagement ring
History of the Three Stone Engagement Ring
A three stone engagement ring is a timeless choice. While the solitaire engagement ring may be considered the most “traditional” style, the three-stone engagement ring is also a classic. A three stone ring has more opportunities for personalization and storytelling. The three stone ring initially gained popularity in the Victorian Era starting in the mid 1840s. The three stone rings during this time included diamonds, sapphires, rubies adn emeralds. The symbolism of past, present and future also started to take shape during this period. The three stone ring is also known as the trinity or trilogy ring. The symbolism also made it popular as an engagement ring option. While popular during the Art Deco era too, DeBeers 2001 ad campaign solidified the three stone ring a meaningful choice for engagement rings and an engagement ring upgrade.
De Beers most famous ad campaign in 1940 A Diamond Is Forever linked diamonds as a symbol of love. The ad campaign capitalized on the eternal qualities of both a diamond and a partnership bound by marriage. In 2001, De Beers followed up with a three stone diamond ring campaign focusing on the meaning of the three diamonds representing a couple's past, present and future. This symbolism has made the three stone engagement ring a popular choice with couples.
Three Stone Engagement Ring Guide
When buying a three stone engagement ring there are many factors to consider. Most buyers start with the center stone since that is normally the largest and will help direct the size and type of side stones to compliment the center. A diamond center stone is the most popular for three stone rings but gemstones like a sapphire, ruby or emerald are also options. If your preferred three stone engagement ring will feature white diamonds, it is important to find very similar color and clarity diamonds. Sotheby's recommends only considering a three diamond stone engagement ring with diamonds that have aminimum clarity grade of VS2 or higher. VS2 stands for ‘very slightly included’, the inclusions are the small lesions that can be seen within the diamond. The best clarity is an ‘FL diamond’, which stands for flawless. For white diamonds we also suggest D, E, or F color rated diamonds. Almost all diamonds come with some unique inclusions. However, if you are looking for diamonds with no inclusions Type IIa diamonds are a great choice. Type IIa is the purest form of diamonds with no measurable nitrogen or boron impurities. These diamonds are often colorless but can also be found in rare colors like pink, brown, or blue. These are extremely rare and comprise less and 2% of all mined diamonds.
Three Stone Diamond Ring
The most classic three stone engagement ring is an all diamond 3 stone engagement ring. This ring consists of three diamonds with the center being the largest and the two side stones being smaller in the same or complimentary cut or shape. Round diamonds are the most common shape with the center stone being visually larger than the other round diamonds. While less popular, a three stone engagement ring could also feature three round diamonds that are around the same size. Sotheby’s suggests looking for a 3-stone engagement ring with a center diamond around 2.5 carats or more. The color should be D,E, or F with a clarity of VVS1 or higher. Megan Markle's engagement ring is a three stone engagement ring with three white diamonds. Her center stone is a diamond from Botswana, a sentimental place to the couple. The center diamond weighs approximately two carats. The two flanking diamonds are from the late Princess Diana's collection adding a special touch to the setting. The ring is estimated to be worth around $150,000 to $300,000. The price for a three stone engagement ring will vary widely depending on the size, quality and shape of the diamonds and gemstones. The flexibility of the design also allows for flexibility of how best to use a set budget to create a three stone engagement ring.
Fancy Colored Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
For something extra special a fancy colored diamond three stone engagement ring is a great choice. Fancy colored three stone engagement rings are very popular for brides who like to have something a bit more personal. A common fancy diamond choice for a three-stone engagement ring is a yellow diamond. A fancy yellow diamond is a timeless choice. In most three stone engagement rings only the center stone will be a fancy colored diamond and the flanking stones are white diamonds. The price of a three-stone radiant cut diamond ring with a fancy yellow center diamond starts at $17,000. For a 5.19-carat Cushion Cut Fancy Light Yellow Diamond with paired with white diamonds three stone ring the price jumps to approximately $75,000. Other popular center diamond choices are emeralds and sapphires. All fancy colored or gemstone 3 stone engagement rings are extra personal and always stand out.
Fancy Shape Three Stone Engagement Ring
The opportunities to customize a three stone diamond engagement ring are endless, choosing a fancy shape is another way to personalize your ring. Any diamond that isn't a round brilliant cut is considered a fancy shaped diamond. The most popular fancy shaped diamonds include oval, pear, emerald and cushion cut. A three stone ring can feature two fancy shaped diamonds or just one fancy shape. On Sotheby's marketplace, there are many exciting examples of 3 stone rings for immediate purchase. A more elaborate setting that includes more diamonds for the band or around the three stones is another possibility. Most fancy shaped diamond engagement rings start at $30,000 for a center stone that is at least 2 carats. If the ring is fancy shaped diamond is also a colored diamond the price will start at around $40,000 for a high quality yellow diamond that is 2 carats while pink and blue colored diamonds 2 carats or larger are significantly more.
Buying a Three Stone Engagement Ring
Sotheby's often has impressive three stone engagement rings available at auction. Sotheby's also sells three stone engagement rings on its marketplace, available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's sells three stone engagement rings from top luxury brands including Harry Winston, Tiffany, Cartier and more. Sotheby's salon specialists are also happy to assist with your three stone engagement ring purchase. Sotheby's is also able to source special three stone engagement ring from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to Jewelry Specialist about selling a three stone engagement ring.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280-year history.
