If you are shopping for an engagement ring, you may be considering trilogy diamond rings as one of your options. In fact, when you learn about the symbolism behind many trilogy engagement rings, this might make them top of your list.
And if, like many others, you are intending to propose in December, now is the ideal time to start shopping for the perfect engagement ring. This will give you plenty of time to consider your options or even get a bespoke engagement ring.
So, let’s start with the basics: what is a trilogy ring?
What is a trilogy engagement ring?
As their name suggests, a trilogy engagement ring features three stones. Traditionally all of these stones will be diamonds, but there is no reason why you can’t incorporate other stones into your ring’s design.
You may want to choose a coloured stone for the centre of the ring, with diamonds on either side to add a touch more sparkle.
What do trilogy engagement rings symbolise?
Here’s where we think you’ll fall in love with the idea of a trilogy engagement ring – the meaning behind the design.
In a trilogy ring, each of the stones represents an element of the time in your relationship – the past, the present and the future. The stone in the centre of the ring is the one that represents your present.
On the left, you have the stone representing your past memories as a couple and on the right a stone that reflects your future dreams and promises to one another.
This nod to three different timelines could mean that a trilogy ring is an excellent choice if you have a stone from an old piece of jewellery that you would like to repurpose as part of the engagement ring’s design.
After all, what represents the past better than a stone from a piece of jewellery that has meaning to both of you?
While is the most common symbolism behind trilogy engagement rings, it is not the only way in which this ring design is interpreted. For some, they represent the three pillars of a successful relationship. Often these are referred to as friendship, love and fidelity.
But there is no reason why you can't assign your own meaning to each of the stones in a trilogy ring that you give to your loved one.
Are trilogy engagement rings popular?
Trilogy engagement rings have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to this style of ring featuring in some famous proposals.
One of the most memorable was Meghan Markle’s engagement to Prince Harry. He gave her a trilogy ring with one large, square-shaped diamond in the centre and two smaller diamonds (reportedly from Princess Diana’s collection) on either side.
Other celebrities who have been seen sporting a three-stone engagement ring include Taylor Hill (courtesy of fiancé Daniel Fryer), Amal Clooney and Miranda Kerr.
What’s clear is that these rings are very versatile in their design. The beauty of them is that you can choose whatever colour and shape of stones you would like, and work with a jewellery designer to create a unique ring for your loved one.
This is another reason why trilogy engagement rings are proving popular, because there are various ways in which to alter their design while remaining true to the original symbolism of the three stones.
What shape of stones can you include in a trilogy ring?
There is no standard shape or size of stone that you need to include in a trilogy engagement ring. One popular option is to have a stand-out stone in the centre, with baguette-cut diamonds on either side to accent it.
Baguette-cut diamonds are usually rectangular in shape or have tapered edges, which makes them ideal for setting on either side of central stone.
They provide understated elegance and a touch of sparkle without pulling focus from the main stone on the engagement ring.
Another popular choice for for trilogy rings is a pear-cut stone in the centre, with either round or smaller pear-cut stones on either side. In some designs, the two shoulder stones can be set so that they point out along the band.
This creates the impression of half a flower on the ring, with the large pear-cut stone pointing up in the centre, while the rounded ends of all three stones meet in the middle.
However, pear-cut shoulder diamonds can also look beautiful alongside round or marquise solitaire diamonds because they draw the eye around the band of the ring while allowing the central stone to really shine.
Can you combine a trilogy design with other engagement ring styles?
There is no reason why you can’t combine a trilogy stone design with other styles of ring design to create a piece that is truly unique to you and your partner.
For instance, halo rings – where a large central stone is surrounded by a halo of diamonds – are perennially popular. But this kind of setting for a stone can be at the centre of your three-stone engagement ring, with smaller stones on either side to provide further accents.
Then there are options to use emerald-cut stones of different sizes in a trilogy engagement ring. This is a good choice if you like the Art Deco aesthetic and are looking for clean, understated elegance.
Can you design your own trilogy engagement ring?
While we offer a range of trilogy engagement rings for sale, we love working with clients one-to-one to design engagement rings that are meaningful to you and your partner.
A bespoke trilogy ring design will be particularly valuable if you have existing stones or pieces of jewellery that you would like to repurpose and incorporate into an engagement ring.
Perhaps there is a family heirloom that would benefit from a new lease of life, or maybe a favourite piece of jewellery is broken and using its stones in a trilogy ring will be a way of breathing new life into it.
Whatever your aims, our team of in-house jewellery designers and goldsmiths will be able to help bring your vision to life. The process begins with an in-depth consultation to find out precisely what you are looking for.
Once we are clear about what kind of engagement ring you’re seeking, our designers will create 3D models of your ring. This gives you a chance to see how it will look before committing fully to the design.

