The three stone engagement ring transforms a timeless, traditional setting into something unique yet rich with meaning. While the classic solitaire speaks to simplicity and the moi et toi celebrates duality, the trilogy engagement ring tells a story all its own. Each stone is symbolic for every couple’s journey. For some, it is spiritual or astrological, but more often it’s adapted to represent love across time. Discover how this setting layers beauty with symbolism and see why a three stone engagement ring may be perfect at capturing your own love journey.   

WHAT IS A THREE STONE ENGAGEMENT RING?

 

 

The alluring pull of the three stone engagement ring lies within the balance of its design–with its bold center stone framed perfectly by two sidestones, shown here with our Naples Oregon Sunstone Three Stone Ring. Traditionally, this setting may showcase three diamonds, perhaps a solitaire or princess cut set in a platinum band setting for its well known variation. Today, couples are adding more razzle dazzle, paving the way for edgier, one-of-a-kind designs. Diamonds remain stunning for the center or accent gems, but rough cut Montana sapphires in oceanic or golden hour hues, or even three contrasting tones, offer endless possibilities to represent your personal sparkle and forever love. 

WHAT DOES THE THREE STONE ENGAGEMENT RING MEAN? 

 

 

The most widely recognized meaning for the three stone diamond engagement ring celebrates a couple's journey, take Meghan Markle’s engagement ring for example, originating back to ancient civilizations. In Egypt, couples wore this ring to represent love and commitment. In the Victorian era, this piece captured the hearts of the rich, often representing certain sentiments and milestones. De Beers coined the modern interpretation in the late 20th century, where the marketing strategies promoted the ‘past, present, future’ concept we all know of today. 

Styles go through rotation and it seems this one is coming back into the limelight. Many jewelers are adding their own take on this traditional design themselves. Take our store for example, our Demi Naples Rough Montana Sapphire Trio Ring can allow you to go bold while still honoring the classic ideology of the trio ring. It’s a modern twist that adapts this beloved design perfectly to your personal taste.

THE MOST COMMON MEANING OF A THREE STONE RING: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE 

The three stone diamond ring celebrates a couple’s love across time. Each glistening stone holds a deep significance, represented perfectly in our Woodland Diamond Three Stone Ring. While the side stones honor the past and look forward to the future, the center stone celebrates the present. Together, they point toward a shared future full of potential and promise. This modern interpretation brims with romantic undertones, highlighting love, growth, and commitment, allowing couples to weave their milestones and shared significance into every stone.

FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND FIDELITY 

The three stone ring can actually hold many various interpretations. Some see the three stones as pillars of a healthy, thriving relationship. We’ve adopted “friendship, love, fidelity” to symbolize this, with each of the stones providing an important aspect of a successful relationship. This concept encourages couples to further nurture balance, trust, and devotion to one another for any everlasting love.

THE FAMILY UNIT

For many, the three stone engagement ring honors a growing family, with the side stones representing parents and the central stone a child. Today, however, modern couples are putting their own spin on this tradition. The central stone might instead symbolize a cherished fur baby, celebrating all the love, warmth, and joy that fills a home. In a way, the ring becomes a reflection of the unique bonds that define our modern families.

MAKE YOUR OWN MEANING 

Whatever meaning you give it, make it your own. If you’re spiritual, it might honor the gift of someone else’s heart, mind, soul. Perhaps you’re religious and see the trilogy ring as the Holy Trinity. Or, if you lean toward superstition, the Latin phrase omne trium perfectum (or “everything that comes in threes is perfect”) might capture your ring's significance. Maybe three is simply your lucky number.

The three stone engagement ring can carry whatever significance you choose. You can enjoy it simply as a beautiful ring, with no deeper meaning, which is equally valid. You define its meaning—whether sentimental, symbolic, or purely aesthetic. You hold the power to shape what your ring represents for a lifetime.

TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR OWN THREE STONE RING 

 

 

Are we convincing you that the trio-stone ring is truly sensational? No matter what stone you choose, we highly recommend taking the custom route. That way you can infuse your ring with your own one-of-a-kind magic that you deserve. Below, we are going to guide you through two tips that you may encounter when designing your three stone ring.

TIP #1: DIAMONDS ARE GREAT BUT YOU ALSO HAVE MORE OPTIONS 

While diamonds make a classy, timeless choice for three stone engagement rings, there are always many other gemstone options that you never even imagined. From multicolored sapphires, to ethereal opalescent stones to even earthy moss agate, there are countless gems to choose from that can add that individualistic style to your ring.

SAPPHIRES 

Want some added flare but don’t know where to start? Sapphires are the way to go. They come in an assortment of shades, besides blue. They also share the same hardness as a diamond, however be aware that rare colors can be pricier. 

Browse our assortment of sapphires.  

OPALESCENT STONES 

Craving something more mystical? Opalescent stones bring the perfect touch of enchantment to any design. Reminiscent of a dragon's eggs from a distant, far away land, these gems add an otherworldly flare. Keep in mind, their softer nature makes them better suited for occasional wear.

 Explore our opalescent stones.

MOSS AGATE 

Desiring something more deeply rooted to the Earth? Then moss agate is your choice. The beauty of the natural world has delicate green inclusions resembling moss, ferns, or miniature forests trapped in crystal. If you’re seeking luster, this choice wouldn’t be it since they’re matte compared to diamond's brilliance. 

Discover the moss agate.

TIP #2: THINK OUTSIDE OF ROUND BRILLIANT

Think outside the norm of a three stone oval engagement ring. In fact, a trilogy ring doesn’t have to contain round stones. There are various alternatives like a central pear cut, oval, or emerald cut stone that you can choose from. But if you’re seeking some even more magnificent, master cutter John Dyer does it well. With his custom, innovative cuts they future nature-esque and fantasy look designs.

Tour John Dyer Masterpiece Gemstones

READY TO DESIGN YOUR OWN? 

 

 

Each unique piece we make here at Olivia Ewing Jewelry embodies the wonder of your love and the connection you hold with both the natural world and the cosmos. Begin to explore our loose gemstones or settings to design a three stone ring that reflects your tale. Or if you’re having an artists block, our shop offers full bespoke services through our custom design process where we can help bring your vision to life. Whether you choose a pre-designed ring, create your own, or work with our team, your three stone engagement ring awaits being created today

  

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing