Side-Stone Rings – Arrangements, Shapes, and Styles

A side-stone ring has small diamonds with the band that highlights the main center stone. Side stones are significant in adding glamor without taking attention from the main stone. When light touches each of the side diamonds, it looks very beautiful and adds more charm to the piece. The side stones are normally held in prongs to keep them in place and safe while wearing the ring.

This beautiful design makes the ring look shinier, shaped and fancy. Jewelry designers choose this design for engagements, anniversaries, or special event rings. This design catches everyone's attention. A side-stone ring is the best option for those who want more sparkle and an attractive design. The Knot study in 2024 shows that side-stone settings are still popular among modern couples. People adore their graceful, radiant appearance.

What Types of Side-Stone Arrangements Can You Choose From?

Here are the four types of slide stone arrangements:

1. Single Side Accents: Such an arrangement is very beautiful, simple and classic. There is a small stone on the right side of the center stone that adds brightness to the ring without taking away attention from the main gem. 
2. Three-Stone + Side Accents: These three stones have a strong meaning, as they represent past, present and future. To add more shine, side accents are attached that give beautiful glamour under different lights.
3. Bands with Full Side Coverage: It provides maximum shine and glamour. Different diamonds or stones are attached to half or full bands that enhance the ring’s brightness and make it an ideal choice for brides.
4. Clustered Sides: It has several stones around the main gemstone, making floral and other beautiful designs. These cluster gives the ring more shine and sparkle. 

Which Stone Shapes Work Best as Side Stones?

Here are the four stone shapes best suited as a side stone:

1. Round Stones: These stones are the most classic and popular among all stones. It adds shine perfectly and works well with the main gemstone, whether it is round, oval and another shape. It works as the main side stones and tiny accents that make the ring more unique.
2. Baguette and Tapered Baguettes: These are long and rectangular stones that give them a clean cut and a modern appearance. They provide detailed elegance which perfectly matches straight-edged center stones to achieve a sophisticated, geometric design.
3. Pear or Marquise Accents: Pear (teardrop) and marquise (oval with points) accents provide an idea of a romantic and unusual appearance. Its curved lines make the finger appear longer.
4. Trillion Cuts: Trillion cuts are large, eye-catching, triangular-shaped stones that give a contemporary look. They introduce the sharp lines and the contemporary touch and are best used with the straight-edge center stones.

What Are the Popular Styles of Side-Stone Rings?

Here are the five popular styles of side stone rings:

1. Classic Side-Stone Rings: They are traditional, classic rings, such as three-stone rings or pavé rings. They provide classy glitz and universal accents that maintain the attention on the central stone.
2. Vintage Side-Stone Rings: Old rings feature exquisite designs such as milgrain, filigree and decorative engravings. Based on the previous epochs, they provide a romantic and unique flavor to make the experience really personal.
3. Sides Crescent- or Chevron-Style: This style employs V-shaped or curved side accents which are very beautiful in framing the center stone. It has a contemporary and proportional appearance and fits quite well in ring stacking.
4. Contemporary Minimalist Side-Stone Rings: Such designs are concerned with modest, clean lines with minor details. The sparkle and elegance are added with small, understated side stones not meant to distract from the main gem.

Which Gemstones Pair Well for Side-Stone Enhancements?

Here are the four gemstone pairs well-suited for side stone enhancement: 

1. Diamonds: The most traditional side-stone is diamond. Their incomparable glitter and brightness perfectly match and boost any center jewel, introducing the classic flair and a lot of value to the ring design.
2. Sapphires & Rubies: These gemstones are rich, colored, and they give the rich color of pop. Sapphires (blue) and rubies (red) are tough and are capable of matching or contrasting with a center stone to produce a bold, customized and royal appearance.
3. Emeralds: Emeralds are a very unique, rich green. They are softer than diamonds and have a unique vintage or nature-inspired accent. They are to be positioned in such a way that they are not damaged and also provide a nice contrast of colors.
4. Moissanite: Moissanite is a highly bright and tough stone. It is a widely used, inexpensive alternative to diamond which is known to burn intensely. The moissanite side stones give any ring a spectacular and ethical touch.

How to Select the Perfect Side-Stone Ring?

Here are the four ways to select the perfect side stone ring:

1. Match Stone Quality: Make sure that all side stones are as good as the center stone. Unbalanced colour or clarity creates an imbalance in the whole ring. It is matched with quality to make a unified, beautiful design.
2. Choose the Right Proportion: The side stones must also supplement the center stone and not overpower it. Right-sized accents design a balanced structure that directs the eyes of the key jewel, which makes the entire ring harmonious.
3. Pick a Setting Style: The environment influences wearability and glitz. Prongs are the most shiny, but snag; channel and bezel settings are safe and provide a less cluttered appearance and align to various lifestyles and preferences.
4. Try on Band Widths: The feel and appearance of the rings vary in the band. A broad band is very bold and a narrow band looks graceful. Experiment with the width to identify the best and comfortable fit for your hand.

How to Care for a Side-Stone Ring to Keep It Sparkling

Wash the ring using a light soap, warm water and a soft brush to clear the accumulation around tiny stones. Inspect prongs of stone to ensure that side stones are held. Avoid strong chemicals that make metal dull or corrosive. Keep the ring in a soft pouch separately to avoid scratches, to keep the ring sparkling and shiny forever.