Extra Brilliance for Diamond Rings
Most designer engagement rings have a single stone that serves as its focus. While this jewel may be left as is, many styles add more gems for extra shine. Side stones are diamonds mounted on the shoulders of the ring and flank the main stone. Brilliant cut diamonds help the ring glitter.
Round brilliant diamonds are the most celebrated of brilliant cuts. As side stones, they multitask. At their simplest, a diamond may sit on either side of the main jewel. Round brilliants do well with channel settings, creating rows of side stones to make your ring shine. The smallest ones may become pave set side stones, adding fine sparkle to diamond rings.
Oval diamonds resemble elongated circles. This shape of diamond cut is centuries old, and may be good for vintage inspired diamond engagement rings. Their outline makes ovals appear larger than their carat indicates. Those on a budget might do well with these side stones.
Pear shaped diamonds have a pointed end and a rounded one. Their shape allows them to be mounted in several directions for varying effects. Some types place the diamonds so the point faces the fingertip, making the hand look longer. Other rings mount pears with the blunt ends against the central jewel. This can create the impression of leaves.
Marquise diamonds are slim ovals with two pointed tips. As with pears, they look attractive set different ways. Mounted lengthwise along the band cover more of the ring’s top with jewels. When set parallel to the finger, the hand appears slimmer and more delicate.
Cushion cut diamonds resemble a mix between square and circle. Like ovals, they predate the round brilliant and do well in antique style rings. Their shape helps them coordinate with a variety of other diamond shapes, from straight-edged to round. Their facet patterns stand out from the round brilliant, giving contrasting brilliance.
“Trilliant” is a blend of the words “triangle” and “brilliant.” Triangular diamonds are paired with a wide range of cuts and shapes. They are usually set with a side against the central jewel, and a point tapering down the band. Their versatility makes them a popular side stone.
Half-moon diamonds are semi-circular jewels. While they’re rare as central gemstones, they’re often used as side stones. Half-moons are set with their long sides against the main diamond. They may be better matched with rectangles or other jewels with straight sides. Some versions may have a slightly bowed edge for mounting with rounder gems.
Princess cut diamonds are actually mixed rather than brilliant cut. They shine like a brilliant, though they have elements of step cut jewels. Part of the appeal of princess side stones is their chevron facet patterns. They look good either typically mounted or as channel set rows.
