Need advice on a 3 stone setting

[Lurch556]

After having my fiancee look at various engagement ring styles, she chose an 18k yellow gold w/platinum prong 3 stone ring. The specs on the ring call out for approximately .75ct center stone with .3ct side stones. I need advice on what should I look for in the side stones? Should they be of comparible color, cut and clarity of the center stone or could they be of lower grade?

Also, would a 3 stone ring be too much on a small hand? She wears a size 5 and I also don''t want the ring to look too large on her hand. She picked the setting based on browsing the internet and is not in a position to go to a store to try on various rings (she''s in China and I''m in the U.S).

 

[JulieN]

they can be of lower color and clarity, but don''t have to be.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that size stones would be lovely on a size 5. I would try to go with stones the same color. I''d suggest trying the search on this site, and you can see that it is not too hard to come up with matching stones. Always put in excellent-excellent for cut, and you can decide your parameters for color and clarity. Also stick with AGS and GIA for the certs.

https://www.pricescope.com/sift.aspx

 

[vslover]

Heehee...I wear a size 3 3/4 and I can tell you there''s no such thing as "too big"!!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I think that size sounds fine on a size 5 finger.

As for the sidestones...I would not go more than a color grade (higher or lower) than the center stone.

 

[marcy]

I think a 3 stone ring would be fine on her finger; it is all a matter of personal preference. I would get the side stones in the same color range.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

I have a three stone and they''re not matched at all in terms of color and clarity. The center stone is a VS1 E and the sides are SI1 or 2 H''s. I can tell a difference from the side if I hold the ring up to my eye and stare, but I also happened to have those side stones and didn''t have to buy new ones to make the three stone ring.