Three stone engagement rings are a traditional and timeless engagement ring option. These rings, defined by their three center stones, have been beloved for centuries thanks to their beautifully balanced look and even more beautiful meaning. Wondering if the style and symbolism of three stone engagement rings is right for you? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the traditional and alternative meanings of three stone engagement rings.
The Traditional Meaning of Three Stone Engagement Rings
Past, Present, and Future Symbolism
Traditionally, the three stones in a three stone ring tell the story of a couple’s past, present, and future together. The ring’s center stone, usually the largest in the trio, symbolizes the couple’s present, while the ring’s side stones represent their past and future.
This traditional symbolism resonates with many couples, as having the stages of your love story represented on your engagement ring can make it feel even more special and meaningful.
Often, the person who is proposing with a three stone ring will incorporate the traditional past, present, and future meaning into their proposal. This ring design provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the beautiful moments you’ve shared in the past, the love you currently share in the present, and the loving bond you’ll always share in the future.
Alternative Meanings of Three Stone Engagement Rings
Trilogy Ring
Three stone engagement rings are also known as trilogy rings or trinity rings because they can represent the Holy Trinity. Per this symbolism, the three stones in the ring represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Friendship, Love, and Fidelity
A modern interpretation of three stone rings views the ring’s center stones as a representation of friendship, love, and fidelity, the three building blocks of a strong relationship.
Family
Some couples view three stone engagement rings as a representation of family. The three stones in the design can represent family in more than one way. The center stone can represent the parent, while the side stones represent two children. Alternatively, the side stones can represent both parents, while the center stone represents a child.
The Meaning of Different Three Stone Engagement Ring Designs
One of the best things about three stone engagement rings is that, while they’re always classic, they’re also extremely versatile. Unlike simpler traditional styles, such as solitaire rings, three stone rings offer quite a lot of design possibilities. You, of course, have three center stones to customize as you wish. Then, you also have no restrictions when it comes to your stone settings, band accents, ring shapes, precious metals, or proportions.
Customizing a three stone engagement ring changes its style and can also change its meaning. Below, we’ll discuss some common meanings attributed to different three stone engagement ring styles.
Three Stone Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamonds are the most popular choice for a three stone engagement ring’s center stones. Choosing to have three center diamonds is a lovely choice both aesthetically and symbolically. Diamonds are a symbol of love, commitment, and eternity. A three stone diamond ring can symbolize the eternal bond of love in a couple’s past, present, and future.
Three Stone Gemstone Engagement Rings
Choosing to incorporate colored gemstones into a three stone ring allows you to completely customize its meaning because every gemstone has a unique meaning. For example, blue sapphires traditionally symbolize faith and loyalty, while rubies symbolize passion and love. Gemstones can be used to add a layer of meaning on top of the traditional meaning or used to symbolize something entirely unique to you. You could use a gemstone ring to spell out initials using the first letter of each gem, represent people with their birthstone, embrace crystal meanings, and so on.
Fancy Shaped Three Stone Engagement Rings
While the most popular gemstone shape for three stone rings is round, a three stone ring can feature any gemstone or diamond shape. A three stone ring can feature round brilliant cut, baguette cut, marquise cut, emerald cut, cushion cut, oval shaped, pear shaped, or princess cut diamonds— or any other shape you dream of. It can also feature a mixture of shapes, such as an emerald cut center stone that’s flanked by baguette diamonds.
Typically, the different gemstone shapes aren’t associated with specific meanings (except, perhaps, for the very romantic heart shape). Yet, they may carry personal meaning to you, so you can imbue meaning into your three stone ring using shapes if it feels right.
Precious Metals and Three Stone Engagement Ring Meaning
Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum are the most common precious metals used for engagement rings. Like diamond shapes, the different precious metals typically aren’t associated with specific meanings. However, you can make sure the style of your precious metal works well with the symbolism of your ring. For example, yellow gold is a natural fit for a traditional meaning, white gold and platinum are well-suited for more modern meanings, and rose gold is perfect for a romantic meaning.
Stone Settings and Three Stone Engagement Ring Meaning
Another customizable aspect of a three stone ring is your choice of stone setting. The center stones in a three stone ring setting can be held in place by prong settings, bezel settings, or halo settings. These stone settings don’t have a specific meaning but, as with precious metals, they can be used harmoniously alongside the symbolism of your ring. Prong settings are well-suited to rings with a classic or romantic meaning, while bezel settings are ideal for rings that use modern symbolism. Then, a three stone halo engagement ring is a modern style that has vintage roots, making it a lovely option for virtually any meaning.
Carat Weight and Three Stone Ring Meaning
For many people, the carat weights and proportions of their three center stones are mostly about style, rather than meaning. However, some people do attribute meaning to the sizes of their three stones. For instance, some believe that the center stone in a three stone ring should always be the largest in order to remind the wearer to treasure the present and live in the moment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re interested in a unique three stone engagement ring or a more classic three stone design, this engagement ring style is always a lovely choice thanks to its deep meaning. If you’re still searching for the right three stone engagement ring or bridal set style, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Frank Jewelers. We’d love to help you find your dream engagement ring and wedding band. You can schedule a free virtual or in-store consultation with one of our expert jewelers by clicking here.
