Have you ever heard of the Latin phrase “omne trium perfectum?” It translates to “everything that comes in threes is perfect” or “every set of three is complete.” The manifestation of this in the jewelry world is the three-stone trilogy ring – because why would you wear just one diamond or gemstone when you can wear three and get triple the sparkle?!
What is a trilogy ring?
A trilogy ring, also known as a three-stone or trinity ring, features three consecutive diamonds or gemstones on the head of the ring. The three stones may be of equal size and carat weight, or the center stone may be slightly larger and more elevated than the stones on either side.
What does a three-stone ring mean?
If you’re drawn to jewelry that tells a story, get ready to be swept away by the special meaning behind the trilogy ring. The three stones are said to symbolize the “past, present and future” in a romantic relationship, making it the ultimate love token and a popular choice for an engagement ring or wedding band.
The ring’s center stone, often the largest in the trio set, symbolizes the current chapter in a couple’s love story. The stone on the left marks the beginning of the courtship and holds shared memories from the past. The stone on the right embodies the hopes and dreams for the future and the promise of forever. Imagine a proposal that incorporates these beautiful and intimate sentiments. Are you swooning yet?
Alternative trilogy ring meanings
The three stones in a trilogy ring are open to different interpretations, including your own! But here are a few more traditional meanings:
- Love, friendship and fidelity (the three pillars of a strong relationship).
- Love, honor and cherish (standard wedding vows).
Are three-stone rings for engagement rings only?
No! Trilogy rings aren’t exclusive to engagement rings. They can be used to commemorate and celebrate various milestones and relationships in life, such as:
- Anniversary or vow renewal: A trilogy ring is a great way to express that your love has gotten stronger with time. It can be worn alongside an engagement ring or wedding band or as a standalone piece.
- Birth of a child: Celebrate the arrival of your first born with a three-stone ring that symbolizes mom, dad and baby. It also makes a great Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift.
- Friendship: Share the same ring with your bestie or favorite circle of friends to show your lifetime bond.
- Family: A trilogy ring expresses a lifetime of bonding with a sister, cousin, mother, or other family member.
History of the three-stone ring
The trilogy ring is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where the three stones were thought to represent the three stages of life (birth, life and death) or the three phases of the sun (rising, noon, and setting). It wasn’t until the Victorian era, however, when it was acceptable to wear multiple diamonds together, that they became popular as engagement rings. The trilogy ring continued to evolve during the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 30s when it became fashionable to wear colored gemstones with diamonds.
In 2001, it reached iconic status as a symbol of love and romance thanks to a marketing campaign by De Beers that depicted the three stones as the “past, present and future.” Fast forward to 2017 and the trilogy ring saw a “stratospheric rise” in popularity after Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a cushion-cut center diamond surrounded by two small round-cut diamonds. It remains just as coveted today.
5 reasons to choose a trilogy ring
- It’s meaningful and symbolic. A trilogy ring is more than just a stunning accessory; it’s a cherished keepsake that serves as a constant reminder of what’s important to you.
- It’s timeless and classic. The three-stone ring has been beloved for centuries and always seems to be in style. As the ultimate statement maker, three stones work together in harmony to create a dazzling display of brilliance and shine.
- It offers versatile design options. No two trilogy rings are alike. With so many variations, you can find one that suits your style and preferences.
- It’s highly customizable. When it comes to designing your own trilogy ring, the world is your oyster. Choose from various gemstones, shapes, sizes, metals and settings to create your dream ring (more on this below).
- It has a higher perceived bang for your budget. A three-stone ring takes up a lot of space on your finger, achieving a unique “wow” factor that rivals a solitaire ring design. And since there are so many types of gems in various sizes and carat weights, the odds of finding one in your budget are high.
How to build your own trilogy ring
Interested in designing a one-of-a-kind bespoke trilogy ring? Follow these steps:
- Pick three gemstones. Do you like colorless diamonds, colored gemstones, or a mix of both? While you ponder, consider any sentimental attachments to certain gems, like a birthstone or heirloom gem.
- Determine the size of the gemstones. Do you want all three stones to be identically sized? Or would you like the center stone to be the star of the show?
- Choose shape/cuts of gemstones. Do you want the gemstones to have matching or varying cuts? Round, princess, and emerald shapes are commonly used in trilogy rings because they go well with one another, but feel free to experiment and combine with other shapes, like a marquise cut (elongated elliptical shape), baguette cut (elongated rectangle), Asscher cut (square emerald shape), heart, oval or pear cut.
- Pick a ring setting. Common settings used in trilogy rings include a prong setting (traditional and classic) bezel setting (sleek and contemporary) or halo setting (modern yet vintage).
- Choose a metal type. Do you gravitate towards cooler colors and sleeker, more reflective surfaces? White gold or platinum will likely suit you best. If you prefer a warmer tone and softer appearance, yellow or rose gold should do the trick.
Popular three-stone ring styles
Three-stone rings boast infinite design variations, but here are four of the most common styles:
- Three diamonds. A trio of diamonds is timeless, romantic and forever classic. The most popular diamond trilogy ring features a brilliant round center diamond flanked by two smaller-sized round diamonds. Other widely used center diamond cuts include oval, princess (square) and emerald, often accompanied by matching side cuts. For contrasting accent stone cuts, here are a few trendy options: baguette (elongated rectangle), trilliant (triangular-shaped), pear, half-moon, cadillac (elongated triangle) and trapezoid (a four-sided triangle).
- Diamond center stone + two colored gemstones. If you want a hint of color that adds sparkle but doesn’t steal the center diamond’s spotlight, consider a trilogy ring with colored gemstones on the side. Blue sapphires, red rubies, green emeralds and purple amethysts are all stunning options.
- Colored gemstone + two diamonds. For an Art Deco look that makes a bold statement, opt for a three-stone ring with a vibrant colored gemstone as the focal point, flanked by icy diamonds. Here are just a few eye-catching colors to choose from – red (ruby, red spinel, garnet), blue (blue sapphire, aquamarine, topaz), green (emerald, peridot, jade), pink (morganite, pink sapphire, pink tourmaline) and yellow (yellow diamond, citrine, golden beryl) to name a few.
- Three colored gemstones. Wear your favorite color times three for a striking monochromatic look or combine two complementary colors or create your own triadic (3-colored) rainbow. Here are a few popular color combinations to consider:
- Red and green
- Purple and yellow
- Green and blue
- Red, blue and green
- Blue, pink and yellow
- Orange, purple and green
Protect your three-stone trilogy ring with jewelry insurance
A three-stone ring reflects your most cherished memories and intimate stories. Protect all that it represents with a jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that provides coverage beyond the limits of a typical homeowners policy, including protection against accidental loss, damage and worldwide travel. Check your rate from Jewelers Mutual by clicking the button below!
