A Three Stone Ring offers the best combination of a traditional and modern look.

Sapphire engagement rings, diamond solitaires, vintage rings, halo settings and cushion cuts are but a few of the terms that that L and I have become extremely familiar since embarking on our quest for the perfect ring. And yet there are times that L begins to feel somewhat overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices available. The idea of taking a step back actually to consider what we both simply find aesthetically pleasing to us sometimes seem to get forgotten along the way. I suggested that perhaps we consider a three-stone engagement ring as a way of getting the best of all that is available while also narrowing it down to just our top three favourite gems.

The beauty of a three-stone ring design is its amazing versatility when it comes to customisation and adding detailed touches. Every bride, L included, wants her ring to be unique and stand out from the crowd. A three stone setting offers a combination of opulence and simplicity. It is still glamorous without being ostentatious.

A three stone engagement ring can be a blank canvas for you to work on. Certain cuts of stone and prong settings suit the three stone styles best which will help narrow down a mind-boggling array of choices. With three stones to work with, you can introduce a variety of spectacular coloured gems to make the ring really stunning. For example, sapphire engagement rings are even more spectacular when the deep blue centre stone is cushioned on either side by dazzling white diamonds. Selecting your three stones should be based on how their cut and colours complement each other. Some will work and others won’t. If you can, consult with a custom jeweller who will have the skill and the artistic ability to advise you through the process.

If sapphire engagement rings are not your favourite you could consider rubies, emeralds or even a fiery topaz. This can be your opportunity to customize the engagement ring to your beloved’s personality. A more understated, but still breath-taking look can be created with opals. An opal’s milky white appearance comes alive with flashes of dazzling blue, red and orange streaks when tilted in the light. Try to choose a gem that reflects your sweetheart’s everyday style. A more outgoing personality might choose a brilliantly vibrant ruby or emerald whereas a more conservative bride could prefer the classic elegance of a pearl.

Sapphire engagement rings have grown in popularity since Kate Middleton and Halle Berry have been seen wearing stunning examples of the stone. Celebrities and Hollywood significantly influence today’s jewellery designs, and brides take note as well. If your fashion-forward girlfriend is taken by these designs but still wants to avoid a copy-cat version, it is possible to take her favourite elements of a celebrity ring and customise them into a three-stone setting. You can then change or keep the stone colours, choose the band colour and even add personal touches such as engravings. Thus a perfectly unique ring will be created that has just as much Hollywood glamour but with the addition of priceless sentimental value.

So much detail can be put into a three-stone engagement ring affecting the colour, cut, size and setting. Sapphire engagement rings, stunning rubies, brilliant emeralds and exotic opals are all enhanced by the setting. Unfortunately, hypothesizing about choosing a three-stone setting did not help us make any decisions at all. It simply opened up another exciting world of design options which are impossible to ignore!

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From a diamond to a sapphire engagement rings from a princess cut to a platinum band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.