The relationship between the center stone shape and the side stone shape is what defines the character of a side stone engagement ring. Some pairings are classic and symmetrical; others are more architectural and unexpected. Oval diamonds are the most searched center stone for side stone rings right now, and they pair particularly well with pear-shaped side stones, half moon cuts, and trillion cuts — each of which follows the curved outline of the oval and creates a continuous, elongated silhouette. Marquise diamonds with trillion side stones produce one of the most dramatic profiles in this category, with the pointed tips of both the center and side stones creating a sharp, geometric look that stands apart from round-dominant settings.
Emerald cut diamonds with trapezoid or baguette side stones are a different kind of pairing — more linear and step-cut throughout, with a quieter, more architectural elegance. Round diamonds with baguette or tapered side stones are among the most enduring combinations in fine jewelry, partly because the contrast between the round center and the rectangular sides creates visual interest without competing shapes. Our oval engagement rings and marquise engagement rings pages show how each center stone shape performs across the full range of side stone options Beverly's carries.
Diamond Side Stones vs. Colored Gemstone Side Stones
Side stones do not have to be diamonds. Colored gemstones as accent stones have been a consistent choice in fine jewelry for decades, and their appeal has grown significantly among buyers who want a ring that reflects something personal rather than simply following convention. Sapphires are the most popular colored side stone by a wide margin — blue sapphires against a white diamond center create one of the most recognizable and historically significant combinations in engagement ring design. Ruby side stones bring warmth and intensity to the ring, while emerald side stones add a cooler, more architectural contrast against the center diamond.
The choice between diamond and colored gemstone side stones is ultimately about what the ring is meant to express. Diamond side stones maximize overall brilliance and create the most unified, white-light effect across the ring. Colored gemstone side stones shift the ring's character entirely — they introduce color, symbolic meaning, and a distinctly personal quality that a purely diamond ring does not carry. Both directions are fully available across Beverly's side stone collection, and our gemstone rings page covers the full range of colored stone options if you're considering a non-diamond side stone approach.
Side Stone Settings and Metal Choices
The way side stones are set affects both the ring's appearance and its long-term wearability. Prong-set side stones allow the most light to reach each accent diamond, which maximizes brilliance across the full ring. Channel-set side stones sit inside a metal groove with no exposed prongs, creating a cleaner, more streamlined profile and better protection for the accent stones during daily wear. Pavé-set side stones use tiny beads or prongs to hold each stone in place across the band surface, creating continuous sparkle that extends further down the finger. Bezel-set side stones fully enclose each accent stone in a metal rim, offering the most protection and the most modern, architectural look of any side stone setting style.
For metal, white gold and platinum are the most popular choices for side stone rings because they keep the visual focus on the diamonds themselves rather than the setting. Yellow gold adds warmth and works particularly well when colored gemstone side stones are part of the design. Our three stone engagement rings page shows one of the most established side stone configurations if you want a starting point for understanding how center and side stone proportions work together. For full metal comparisons, our Gold 101 guide covers every option in detail.
