Side Stone Engagement Rings: Shapes, Styles, and How to Choose
A side stone engagement ring has a centre stone flanked by smaller accent diamonds or gemstones on either side of the shank. It is one of the most versatile engagement ring configurations: more elaborate than a plain solitaire, less visually complex than a full pavé or halo, and adaptable across almost every aesthetic from the traditional to the contemporary. The accent stones can take many forms — tapered baguettes, half-moons, trapezoids, rounds, or single cuts — each producing a distinct character in the finished ring.
TL;DR: A side stone engagement ring frames the centre stone with accent diamonds or gemstones on either side of the shank. Common configurations include tapered baguette sides, half-moon sides, and round brilliant accents. Side stones add brilliance alongside the centre without the full coverage of a halo. Bespoke side stone rings are available at À Vie Diamonds from £2,200.
Why Choose Side Stones
Side stones add visual interest and additional light return to an engagement ring without the full coverage of a halo. They frame the centre stone rather than surrounding it, which creates a different compositional effect: the centre stone remains the clear primary element while the sides provide context and support rather than competition.
For buyers who find a plain solitaire too minimal but find a halo too full or too maintenance-intensive, the side stone configuration is frequently the right answer. It adds meaningful detail without fundamentally changing the character of the centre stone presentation.
Side Stone Shapes and Their Character
Tapered baguettes are the most widely chosen side stone shape in contemporary bespoke commissions. A rectangular step-cut stone that tapers slightly from the outer to the inner end, the baguette produces a clean, architectural look that suits oval, round, and emerald cut centre stones particularly well. The combination of an oval or round brilliant centre with tapered baguette sides is one of the most enduringly elegant engagement ring configurations available.
Half-moon sides are curved stones that follow the shape of the girdle of a round or oval centre stone. They create a more flowing, organic transition from the centre stone to the shank than baguettes, and produce a ring where all three elements read as a unified composition. Well suited to oval and round brilliant centres.
Trapezoid sides are four-sided stones with one shorter parallel side, giving a geometric character that suits emerald cut and Asscher cut centres particularly well. The combination of an emerald cut centre with trapezoid diamond sides is a strong Art Deco-influenced configuration that has seen renewed interest.
Round brilliant accents set directly on the shank on either side of the centre stone produce a simpler, more accessible version of the side stone look. Less architecturally defined than baguettes or trapezoids but versatile and well suited to more traditional solitaire-inspired designs.
Coloured gemstone sides pair a white diamond centre with coloured stone accents — sapphire sides being the most widely chosen, followed by ruby and emerald. This configuration is a cost-effective way to introduce strong colour to the ring without the full commitment of a coloured centre stone, and produces rings with a distinctive visual identity.
The Trilogy vs the Side Stone Ring
A trilogy and a side stone ring both feature three stones, but they differ in the role of the accent stones. A trilogy places three stones of more similar size in a balanced composition, with the side stones as significant elements in their own right. A side stone ring typically has a dominant centre stone with smaller, supporting accents. The trilogy emphasises the symbolic meaning of three equal stones; the side stone ring emphasises the centre stone with additional context.
At À Vie Diamonds
We produce all side stone configurations as bespoke commissions. See our bespoke journey page, our diamond shapes guide, and our pricing guide. Get in touch to discuss a side stone commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a side stone ring and a trilogy ring? Both feature three stones, but the proportion and role differ. A trilogy has three stones of more similar scale, each significant in the composition. A side stone ring has a dominant centre stone with smaller accents providing framing and context.
What centre stone shapes suit baguette side stones best? Oval and round brilliants are the most natural pairings with tapered baguettes. Emerald cut centres suit trapezoid sides particularly well. Round brilliants also work with half-moon sides for a more flowing composition.
Can I have coloured gemstone side stones? Yes. Blue sapphire sides alongside a white diamond centre are the most frequently requested coloured accent configuration. Ruby, emerald, and teal sapphire sides are also available. Get in touch to discuss coloured accent options.
How much does a side stone engagement ring cost? Bespoke side stone commissions at À Vie Diamonds start from £2,200. The additional stones and the more complex setting work place them slightly above a plain solitaire at equivalent centre stone grades. Contact us for a personalised estimate.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds