Need help with diamond selection for a 3 stone ring

[Cardinals Fan 1]

I''m trying to build a great looking 3 stone engagement ring on a budget. For the center stone, I recently bought a 0.59C, AGS-0 (H and A) (HCA=1.2), SI-1, G color diamond from Whiteflash. I am very happy with this stone. I''d like to have it set in a 3 stone white gold setting. I have three questions:

1) Keeping in mind the casual observer (like myself)--Must I go with G color side stones? If not, would I be able to see much difference if I went with H or I color.

2) To make the ring look nice, what size side stones should I go with?

3) Finally, Do I need a 6 prong mount for the center stone or is a 4 prong mount with larger prongs just as secure.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[skphotoimages]

Hi Cardinals fan! Are you from St. louis or Arizona?
I'm no expert, but heres my opinion.
Color: I don't think I'd go up a color on the side stones, but I would go down one if need be. So if your center is a "G" I would look for "G"'s or "H"'s, but not F's. As far as using an "I". I think if they are conciderably smaller it would be ok.
Size: I like the way three stone rings look best when the side stones are noticably smaller. It lends to a tapering look that I think is flattering. Plus it keeps it looking more like an engagement ring. So I would go for side stones around 0.20-0.30.
Prongs: Well there is lots of debate on this one. Six prongs are more secure. Some people prefer the four though and are willing to take the risk. That's just a decision you'll have to make.
Good luck and keep us posted!