When creating your dream engagement ring or statement piece, the diamond shape and setting style work together to define its character. At Universal Diamonds, Atlanta’s premier diamond jewelry destination for over 45 years, we’ve guided countless clients through this important decision.

“We do have clients who come in thinking about how they want to match their diamond to the setting, how the shape and the setting go together,” explains Ronnie Agami. “That is something that’s personal, but here at Universal Diamonds, we are excellent at showing you how things go together, how, when they are proportional and fit well, they look incredible together.”

The Enduring Appeal of Three-Stone Rings 

Before exploring specific diamond shapes, it’s worth highlighting the exceptional versatility and symbolism of three-stone rings, which have become increasingly popular for good reason. These designs are an excellent way to showcase a center stone while offering nearly endless possibilities for personalization. 

In some three-stone rings, the side stones complement the center diamond, extending its visual presence and creating a seamless, blended appearance. In others, contrasting side stones highlight the center diamond through juxtaposition, drawing the eye to its unique characteristics. 

From matching shapes to intentional contrasts, the combinations are truly endless, allowing you to create a ring that's uniquely yours. This versatility makes three-stone designs an excellent choice across all diamond shapes, as you'll see in our recommendations below. 

While personal preference should always guide your final decision, our decades of expertise have revealed specific pairings that consistently create stunning, balanced designs. Here's our guide to finding the perfect match: 

Round Brilliant Diamonds: Timeless Versatility 

Round brilliants capture and reflect light like no other cut, making them the most popular diamond shape. Their perfect symmetry pairs beautifully with: 

  • Solitaire Settings: This classic combination allows the diamond's brilliance to take center stage. 
  • Halo Settings: For additional sparkle and perceived size. 
  • Three-Stone Settings: Round centers paired with rounds, tapered baguettes, bullets, pears, or half moons create a harmonious flow with balanced proportions. 
  • Micro Pavé Settings: Tiny, precisely set diamonds along the band create additional sparkle that complements the round brilliant's fire without overpowering it. 

Oval Diamonds: Elongated Elegance 

Oval diamonds offer the brilliance of a round with an elongated shape that flatters the finger. They pair exceptionally well with: 

  • East-West Settings: For a contemporary, distinctive look. 
  • Halo Settings: With curves that follow the oval's outline. 
  • Split-Shank Settings: The diverging bands complement the oval's shape. 
  • Three-Stone Settings: Oval centers with half moons, trapezoids, matching smaller ovals, or tapered baguettes create a flowing, harmonious composition. 

Emerald Cut Diamonds: Elegant Steps 

The emerald cut's hall-of-mirrors effect showcases clarity and color, making it perfect for: 

  • Three-Stone Settings: Creating cohesive, linear elegance with tapered baguettes, smaller emerald cuts, or trapezoid side stones that echo the center stone's geometry. 
  • Clean Solitaires: Allowing the unique faceting pattern to shine. 
  • Art Deco-Inspired Settings: Complementing the cut's geometric precision. 
  • Micro Pavé Accents: The contrast between the emerald cut's clean lines and the shimmer of micro pavé creates sophisticated visual interest. 

Cushion Cut Diamonds: Romantic Softness 

Blending a square shape with rounded corners, cushion cuts offer romantic appeal with exceptional brilliance. They shine beautifully in: 

  • Solitaire Settings: A solitaire's clean lines allow the cushion's unique sparkle pattern to be the focal point. 
  • Antique-Style Settings: Detailed milgrain work and vintage-inspired elements honor the cushion cut's traditional heritage. 
  • Three-Stone Settings: Cushion centers paired with trapezoids, half moons, tapered baguettes, pears or bullets create balanced, sophisticated designs. 
  • Halo Settings: The soft corners of cushion cuts flow naturally with the curves of a halo, enhancing the diamond's perceived size. 

Pear and Marquise Diamonds: Distinctive Elegance 

These distinctive shapes create a lengthening effect on the finger and make bold, unique statements. They shine in settings that provide both protection and showcase their unique silhouettes: 

  • Solitaire Settings: Very popular for these cuts, allowing their distinctive shapes to be the focal point while properly protecting their pointed tips. 
  • East-West Orientations: A modern, unexpected approach that creates a unique and eye-catching presentation. 
  • Three-Stone Settings: Create beautiful, harmonious designs with pear and pear, pear with marquise, or pear with tapered baguettes that complement and enhance the center stone's shape. 

The Universal Diamonds Difference 

While these guidelines provide an excellent starting point, at Universal Diamonds, we understand that the perfect pairing considers: 

  • Your Style: Whether classic, contemporary, or unique. 
  • Lifestyle Considerations: Finding the right balance of beauty and durability. 
  • Hand Anatomy: Considering which pairings look most harmonious on your hand. 

Finding Your Perfect Match 

At Universal Diamonds, we've refined our approach to make finding the ideal combination surprisingly easy: 

  1. Education without overwhelm — We explain options in clear, understandable terms 
  2. Visual comparisons — We show you multiple options side-by-side 
  3. Expert guidance — Our specialists draw on decades of experience to suggest perfect pairings 

Many clients are delighted to discover how our curated approach transforms what could be an overwhelming decision into an enjoyable, confidence-building experience. 

See These Perfect Pairings in Person 

We invite you to visit Universal Diamonds. Our experts will guide you through a personalized consultation, helping you explore combinations that speak to your unique style and preferences. Whether you have a specific vision or are just beginning your search, we'll help you discover the setting and diamond shape that creates a beautiful piece of jewelry and a future heirloom that perfectly tells your story. 

Ready to find your perfect pairing? Schedule a consultation today to discover the difference between the Universal Diamonds.