Classic Meets Cool in a Three-Stone Lab Grown Diamond Ring

Whether you've already said "yes" to forever or you're just here getting ideas for your Pinterest board, clearly you're drawn to something classic with a twist. Because that's just what a modern three-stone engagement ring setting is. Symbolic and statement-making, a three-stone ring says romance, versatility, and sophistication all rolled into one.

Now, add in some lab-grown diamonds, and you're looking at the next level. It’s a modern classic with a conscious twist. So let’s break down everything you need to know about three-stone lab-grown diamond rings, from their history to how to design your own.

Three stones. One love story. Past, present, future—your forever in one unforgettable ring.

Why Three-Stone Rings Are Having a Moment

Three-stone rings have been around forever—and for good reason. There’s a certain timelessness to the balance of a center stone flanked by two side stones. They’re often said to symbolize your past, present, and future together, which makes them especially sentimental without being overly traditional.

But beyond the romance, it’s the design potential that’s really exciting. You can go full vintage with baguette sides, sleek and minimal with bezel settings, or bold and sculptural with step cuts or shield-shaped side stones. It’s one of those styles that never gets old because you can make it entirely your own.

Main character in the middle. A radiant center stone, flanked by perfectly paired shields—this is balance, brilliance, and bold energy.

Let’s Talk Lab Grown Diamonds

Here’s the truth: lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They’re just made above ground using science in a fancy lab instead of being mined from the earth after millions of years.

The Pros of Lab Grown Diamonds:

• They’re easier on your budget. Typically 30–50% less than natural diamonds, which means more wiggle room for custom details or a larger stone.

• They’re a more sustainable, eco-friendly diamond option. Especially when produced with renewable energy or in facilities with responsible sourcing practices.

• They look and perform just like mined diamonds. Unless you're carrying a microscope around, you won't be able to tell the difference.

A Few Tradeoffs:

• Lab diamonds tend to have lower resale value (though most engagement rings aren’t exactly being flipped for profit anyway).

• If you're someone who wants a gem with geological history, you might lean mined. But for many couples, lab-grown offers a more modern, thoughtful approach.

Classic, with a twist. The three-stone ring gets a modern glow-up with lab-grown diamonds and bold, customizable details.

How to Match the Stones: The Art of the 4Cs

You’ve got three diamonds instead of a solitaire, does it matter what their grades are? How do you make them all shine in harmony? First of all, yes, you should definitely try to match your stones, but they don't have to be exact. Here are some good guidelines to follow:

• Cut: If you’re going for all one shape (say, three emerald cuts), keep the cut quality consistent so everything looks balanced. Mixing shapes? There's a bit more wiggle room.

• Color: Keep your diamonds within one or two color grades of each other so they appear cohesive. Have a colorless center? Go for the same with your side stones. Have a warmer, champagne center, lean that way. Or, if you want to really change things, up, make your three stones a more obvious contrast for a bold take on tradition.

• Clarity: You can often go slightly lower in clarity on side stones since they're smaller and less scrutinized. Remember also that brilliant-cut stones hide inclusions better than step-cut stones like emerald or Asscher cuts.

• Carat: The center stone is usually the largest, with the sides being around 30–60% of its size. But hey, if you want three nearly equal stones? Go for it—it’s your ring.

Matching doesn’t mean identical. The goal is for the stones to feel like they belong together.

Designed by you, made for forever. Customize every curve, carat, and cut to tell your love story your way.

Choosing a Center Stone Shape for a Three-Stone Ring

The center stone diamond shape sets the tone—literally. It’s the focal point of your ring and will influence everything from the side stone shape to the setting style. So how do you choose the right one? It’s part personal taste, part lifestyle, and part vibe.

Here’s a cheat sheet to get you started:

• Round Brilliant: The most classic and versatile shape. It pairs beautifully with everything—tapered baguettes, half-moons, trillions—you name it. If you’re into sparkle and tradition, this one’s a forever fave.

• Oval: Elongating, romantic, and ultra-flattering on the hand. Ovals look especially dreamy with pear, marquise, or east-west set side stones. Bonus: they tend to look bigger per carat than rounds.

• Emerald Cut: Understated glamour. Emerald cuts have a hall-of-mirrors effect and a sleek, vintage feel. Pair with trapezoids or tapered baguettes for an Art Deco-inspired moment.

• Cushion Cut: Soft, pillowy, and full of charm. A great middle ground between round and princess cuts, with a slightly antique feel. Works well with rounded side stones or matching cushions for a cohesive trio.

• Asscher or Radiant: Want sparkle and structure? Asschers give vintage geometry, while radiants bring major fire. Both pair nicely with step-cut or geometric side stones for a bolder look.

• Pear or Marquise: If you want something with personality, these elongated shapes are unexpected and eye-catching. A three-stone ring with a pear center and smaller pears or tapered baguette side diamonds? Beautiful.

When choosing your center stone shape, think about the overall feel you want your perfect engagement ring to have. Minimalist? Go emerald cut with clean sides. Romantic? Oval all day. Bold and a little extra? Radiant or pear. There’s no wrong answer—just the one that makes you light up when you see it.

Three times the sparkle. One unforgettable moment. Modern romance starts here—with a setting that’s anything but ordinary.

Three-Stone Engagement Ring Styles for Everyone

This is where it gets fun. Some might say that three-stone settings are outdated or old-fashioned, but that's not the case at all. While the overall idea of them might have been around for some time, there are endless fresh and modern ways to wear this style.

• Tapered baguettes: Clean, crisp, and vintage-leaning.

• Trapezoids or shields: Edgy, architectural, and a little unexpected.

• Pears or half-moons: Romantic, with soft curves that frame the center stone beautifully.

• All matching stones: Three ovals, three Asschers, three cushions—just slightly graduated in size. We love this modern take.

Tapered baguettes, timeless vibes. Clean lines and vintage charm come together in this effortlessly elegant three-stone look.

Trapezoids and shields = instant edge. Architectural and unexpected, these side stones bring modern structure to your forever ring.

Setting Styles: Small Details, Big Impact

Your setting affects not just the vibe, but also the wearability of your ring:

• Prong settings: Classic and high-sparkle, they let in the most light and show off your stones.

• Bezel settings: Sleek and secure. Great for active lifestyles or a more modern aesthetic.

• Half bezels: The sweet spot between open and structured—ideal for showing off the shape without sacrificing security.

You can also play with band width, stone orientation (vertical vs. east-west), and even add a hidden halo or peekaboo diamond under the center. The details are where your personality really comes through.

From east-west settings to half-bezels, there’s no one way to wear a three-stone ring.

Metal Matters: Setting the Tone

The metal you choose completely changes the mood of your three-stone engagement ring. Here’s how to pick the one that fits your style and your lifestyle:

• 18k or 14k Yellow Gold: Warm, rich, and classic. 18k yellow gold has a deeper, more buttery tone; 14k yellow gold is slightly brighter and more durable. Both bring vintage charm and pair well with warmer diamonds or champagne tones.

• 18k or 14k White Gold: Clean, crisp, and versatile. 18k white gold has a softer glow, while 14k white gold is more scratch-resistant and budget-friendly. Both are great for showing off sparkle and suit just about any diamond shape.

• 18k or 14k Rose Gold: Romantic and modern. 18k rose gold is rich and coppery; 14k rose gold is pinker and a bit tougher. Gorgeous with ovals, cushions, and lab grown diamonds in warm or soft tones.

• Platinum: Bright, heavy, and ultra-durable. Platinum’s naturally white tone won’t fade over time, and it adds a premium feel to any setting. It’s often the priciest option—but also the most low-maintenance in the long run.

Price tip: 14k gold is usually the most budget-friendly and everyday-durable. 18k gold offers a more luxurious finish, and platinum sits at the top for longevity and weight.

Not sure what suits you? Start with the metal you already wear—and build from there.

The art of the trio. Three ovals= major main character energy.

Customize Your Own Three-Stone Lab-Grown Diamond Ring

This is your chance to design something meaningful and completely one-of-a-kind. Working with lab grown diamonds opens up a world of customization options at a more accessible price point. You can:

• Handpick each stone shape and carat weight

• Choose a custom setting or band profile

• Add hidden details (like engraving or a birthstone underneath)

• Mix metals or textures for something subtly unique

Whether you're working with a jeweler one-on-one or going semi-custom online, you don’t have to settle for something that’s “almost” right. You can build the exact ring you’ve been imagining—or even better, the one you didn’t know you wanted yet.

Side stones that steal the show. Tapered baguettes—your three-stone ring deserves sidekicks with personality.

Shop Our Three-Stone Collection

Three-stone lab-grown diamond rings offer the best of all worlds: timeless symbolism, next-level sparkle, sustainable sourcing, and total design freedom. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the idea of a ring with history and meaning—but wants to write a new chapter their own way. Explore our collection to find your dream ring, or design your own. Because when it comes to forever, the details matter.