Choosing Side Stones In A Diamond Setting

Of all gemstones, diamonds are the most highly prized.  The stone is a transparent form of carbon, and is the hardest known mineral with many applications in cutting tools and abrasives. It is not uncommon for a diamond ring with a beautiful stone set in the center to be surrounded to have many smaller, complementary stones.  When choosing diamond jewelry, this facet is often overlooked by the consumer.  To the jeweler designing the setting, these stones are of equal value because of the role they play in illuminating the center stone.

Chosen on the design basis for the jewelry, the side stones are carefully crafted to perform their duty.  The different shapes of the side stones are referred to as “trilliants”. This includes baguettes, both single and double, bullets, straight, tapered, and bowed, trapezoids, brilliant and step cut; half moon, and home plate. 

Trilliants are triangular in shape and are set on either side of the single stone as if to announce its brilliance.  Baguettes are narrower at one end than the other, but do not come to a point.  Correctly set in the jewelry, it performs the same task as the trilliants.  Double baguettes are the same shape and design, but with two stones on each side of the center stone.  Bullets are set on either side of the center stone and are straight, tapered on one end, or bowed on one end.  Trapezoids and half moon shapes are self-explanatory, as is the home plate design.

When purchasing a diamond with side stones, it is just as important to notice how the “accessory” stones complement the center stone.  Does the side stone bring out the luster of the center diamond?  Does it look esthetically pleasing to the eye?  When making a purchase where glitter and glamour are the essence of what the jewelry should look like, then side stones are the key.  When deciding to buy the perfect ring, bracelet, pendant, or earring, knowing about side stones will aid you in making the best choice possible.

If I were going to go buy a car, I would do the research to be sure I got my money’s worth.  Buying a diamond should be approached with the same diligence.  I have learned that buying gold, silver, platinum, and any precious stone is an investment in the future because if the piece is well taken care of it will only gain value.  So, when you go to make your next diamond purchase, show the jeweler that you have done your homework, and surprise that special someone in your life with a diamond that will be priceless to you both.