If you’re thinking about popping the question with a side stone engagement ring this summer, you’re in good company. Many couples are fans of these sparkling beauties, which feature shimmering accent stones flanking the center diamond or gemstone. These additional stones help to highlight and complement the center stone, creating a more intricate and eye-catching design.

While their glam factor is undeniable, side stone engagement rings supposedly have some down sides that may make you think twice about buying one. The question is - are these drawbacks accurate? In this blog, we highlight five reasons why you might have second thoughts about choosing a side stone engagement ring (and why those reasons might be wrong).

What is a Side Stone Engagement Ring?

As their name suggests, side stone engagement rings are special and unique pieces that include smaller gems on either side of the center stone, enhancing the overall sparkle and design of the ring. Depending on the design, they can be halfway or all around the band. Choosing the right size and cut for the dazzling side diamonds is crucial to ensure they complement rather than overpower the main attraction. Typically, they should be a quarter to a third of the center diamond's size, with popular cuts including baguette, marquise, round, and pear.

Despite earning fans like A-listers Meghan Markle, Heidi Klum, and Priyanka Chopra, some hesitate when considering diamond rings with side stones, fearing it may not be their perfect fit. Let's explore the top five misconceptions surrounding these stunning diamond engagement rings and set the record straight.

Reason #1: Side Stones Steal the Spotlight from the Center Stone

Imagine this: you’ve found the perfect diamond, a dazzling gem that symbolizes your unique love story. Now, why would you want anything to steal its spotlight? Side stones, by adding extra sparkle, might draw attention away from your stunning centerpiece- won’t it?

Here’s the twist: side stones don’t overshadow the center stone—they enhance it! By framing your main diamond, side stones add depth and brilliance, making it look like a larger diamond. By adding more glam and sparkle, they ensure that the entire ring captures the light from every angle.

The Kristen is a captivating and brilliant example of this classic engagement ring style. Its band is adorned with round and marquise-cut lab grown diamond accents while twin round brilliant stones flank the larger center diamond, strategically enhancing its size and presence. This design not only amplifies the sparkle of the central gem but also creates a symphony of light, making it an exquisite choice for those who adore both classic beauty and contemporary sophistication.

Reason #2: Side Stones Can Be Overpowering

This one is partly true. We all love a bit of bling, but there’s a fine line between dazzling and overpowering. Some couples are concerned that side stones, if not sized correctly, can overshadow the center stone, creating a look that’s more chaotic than chic.

The key to a stunning side stone ring is balance. When proportioned correctly, side stones complement the diamond center stone beautifully, adding a harmonious sparkle that’s anything but chaotic. At Keyzar, we select each stone by hand to carefully preserve the side stone-to-center stone ratio, ensuring your ring is a masterpiece of balance and brilliance.

The Lindsey is a side stone diamond engagement ring distinguished by its captivating hidden halo design. Adorned with a striking array of marquise and round-cut diamonds along half of the band, this ring exudes elegance and charm. Its heirloom-quality craftsmanship ensures lasting beauty and timeless appeal, making it a perfect choice for those who seek a blend of modern sophistication and classic allure. The hidden halo detail adds a touch of glamor and brilliance, enhancing the center stone and creating a noticeable sparkle.

Reason #3: Side Stone Rings Are Trendy, Not Timeless

Trends come and go, and the last thing you want is for your engagement ring to feel dated in a few years. Aren’t side stones a little more than a trend that’s here today and gone tomorrow?

Not quite. Side stone engagement rings have been adored for generations and continue to be a classic choice, with celebrities like Meghan Markle sporting these timeless beauties. Their enduring appeal ensures that your ring will always be in vogue, symbolizing eternal love with gorgeous style.

A Keyzar bestseller, The Penelope stands out as a striking example of a side stone engagement ring. Featuring a thin band that exudes elegance, this ring is adorned with six pave-set diamond accents along the shoulders and four low-profile micro diamonds in the bridge area. The slender profile of the ring ensures that all eyes are drawn to the focal point—the center stone—making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate refined glamor and understated luxury in their engagement ring.

Reason #4: Side Stones Make the Ring Too Busy

In the quest for elegance, simplicity often wins. You might worry that adding side stones will make your ring look too busy, detracting from its elegance. It’s not true. Side stones actually add a layer of elegance and intricacy to your ring.

From delicate pave settings that create a seamless shimmer to accent diamonds that highlight unique design elements, side stones bring a refined touch to your ring. They transform a simple ring into a perfect piece of art, ensuring it’s as unique and beautiful as your love story.

The Twig is a captivating side stone engagement ring celebrated for its nature-inspired design and symbolic elegance. Crafted with a dainty, twig-like band, this ring delicately embraces the wearer's finger, evoking a sense of growth and connection akin to adding new branches to a family tree. Soft accents along the band provide a subtle yet enchanting sparkle, while the delicate setting accentuates the diamond size and brilliance, making it an ideal choice for modern brides who cherish nature-inspired beauty in their jewelry.

Reason #5: Side Stones Are Fragile and High Maintenance

Adding more stones means more potential for damage and higher maintenance, doesn’t it? The thought of constantly checking and cleaning multiple stones might seem daunting enough for you to choose a simpler engagement ring setting.

The truth is that high-quality craftsmanship ensures that side stone rings are durable and low maintenance. At Keyzar, we use secure settings and robust designs to keep those tiny gems in place. With a bit of regular care, your side stone ring will sparkle brilliantly for years to come, without requiring excessive upkeep.

The Mia is a side stone engagement ring with a high-polish band adorned with glamorous diamond accents. These details not only enhance the overall sparkle of the ring but also serve to amplify the brilliance of the center stone. A hidden halo discreetly embellishes the underside and sides of the ring, infusing it with additional shimmer and depth. This exquisite blend of craftsmanship and design makes the Mia a perfect choice for those seeking a ring that radiates elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect engagement ring marks the beginning of a cherished journey together. Amidst the myriad options available, side stone rings stand out for their timeless beauty and enhanced brilliance. Embrace the allure of these exquisite designs and let the sparkle of side stones elevate your engagement ring to unforgettable heights. Explore our collection and discover a ring that shines as brightly as your enduring love, a symbol to cherish now and forever.

5 Reasons Not to Choose a Side Stone Engagement Ring

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