Sparkling Diamonds for Your Ring
Side stones are jewels which flank a larger, central gem. For colored gemstone or diamond rings, side stones are usually diamond. They add sparkle as well as greater design possibilities. The number of side stones on a band varies. They can range from a pair, to rows of little jewels traveling down the ring’s shoulders.
Brilliant cut diamonds are cut to be as bright as possible. White light enters the top of the jewel and reflects around the interior over and over. Light then exits the stone towards the viewer’s eye. A well-made brilliant cut balances light, shadows and flecks of prismatic color.
Cushion cut diamonds are an older brilliant cut. They were first developed as a way to balance brightness and weight retention. As side stones, they do well with brilliant diamond engagement rings. Cushion cuts can also look attractive on vintage inspired rings.
Half-moon diamonds are semicircular jewels. Designer engagement rings use them as side stones. When mounted, their flat edges touch the central jewel while the rest curves over the band’s shoulders. They may be well suited for square, rectangular or similar jewels. The straight sides will sit flush against one another.
Marquise diamonds jewels with curved sides and pointed tips. As side stones, they may be mounted one of two ways. When set parallel to the finger, they elongate the hand. If they’re set lengthwise along the shoulders, more of the band is diamond-covered.
Oval diamonds resemble extended circles. There are no set dimensions to their shape. They may be as long, short or slim as the wearer prefers. Oval’s outline makes the gems appear larger than their actual carat. They’re a good choice for the budget minded who prefer the look of bigger jewels.
Pear shaped diamonds are a mix between marquises and ovals. One end is round while the other is pointed, creating a tapered jewel. As with the marquise, it’s mounted one of two ways. One version directs the tip towards the finger. Another sets the blunt ends against the central jewel, the points aiming away from each other.
Round brilliant cut diamond engagement rings are a classic. Adding round brilliant side stones to the rings can be breathtaking. There are several ways to set these jewels. Prong mounts use wires to hold gems. Channel settings hold rows of diamonds in the shank. Pave settings place stones close together to encrust the ring.
Brilliant cut triangles are the most common triangular diamonds. Depending on the design, their edges may be straight or slightly curved. Though they’re used as central gems, they usually appear as side stones. They’re often set with their tips pointed away from the middle diamond.
