Two three-stone rings with similarly sized centers can look quite different on the hand. Small side stones keep the center prominent and taper neatly toward the band. Larger sides give the three stones a more even presence across the finger. Start with the layout you enjoy at normal viewing distance, then look at the details up close.
Compare the width of the three stones together
Ask for the millimeter dimensions of each stone and the width of the complete setting. The complete width is especially helpful when you are shopping online, since it includes the space occupied by the settings around the stones. A hand photo can help you see where the outside stones fall relative to the sides of the finger.
If a listing gives a total carat weight, look for a separate figure for the center and check which stones the total includes. When you are comparing two rings, keep the center dimensions similar so you can see how the side stones change the overall width.
Choose a shape that follows the center
Look at how the inner edge of each side stone meets the center. Straight-edged shapes can echo a square or rectangular center. Rounded sides can soften the transition to the shoulders. The two examples above share a yellow gold and pavé design. Use them to see how a princess-cut center’s corners and a cushion-cut center’s curved outline change the silhouette.
Explore GIA’s three-stone ring buying guide for examples of different shapes and gemstone pairings. If you like colored side stones, compare both sides in the same light. Decide how closely you want the pair to match and how much contrast you want against the center.
Check the spacing and height in profile
In a top view, compare the gaps on either side of the center. In a side view, look at how the outer stones slope into the band and where the outer prongs sit. Two rings can have a similar face-up width and feel different if one set of prongs extends farther toward the neighboring fingers.
When you have narrowed your choice to two designs, look at each under the same lighting and angle. Pick the spacing you like, then compare the measurements to see which design fits the width you want on your hand.