Ever thought who really steals the show- the lead star or the entourage? The truth is every star needs a supporting actor to make their story shine. Every movie has a shining lead like Margot Robbie in Barbie. But have you ever wondered what she would do without her Ken? Side stones are just like that. Center stones may get all the applause but the stone stones are the real script writers of every jewelry piece. They are the unexpected twist that takes your rings, earrings or pendants from “meh” to the star of the moment.
After all, it’s the little details that make people stop and stare. So, make it worth their while. Dive deep into the world of side stones and choose the perfect supporting stars of your jewelry.
Why Do Side Stones Matter?
Side stones are like the supporting actors that even steal the entire show sometimes.
Be it a three stone ring, side stone earrings or a halo pendant, the center stones are always the attention grabbers. But side stones work from behind in making the overall piece look cohesive. Let’s find out what makes them so important in the jewelry world.
Framing the Center Stone- The different shapes and colors of side stones add depth and dimension to the jewelry, making the center stone appear larger. These little sparklers basically enhance the beauty of your center stone.
Add Personality-A classic solitaire ring or pendant is elegant but some trillion cut diamonds around it add personality to them. The side stones of your jewelry set the mood and showcase your unique personality by making you stand out from the crowd.
Balance Proportions- If you are opting for a large center stone, you need a few small side stones to bring harmony. These side stones ensure that your jewelry piece looks cohesive rather than chaotic.
Side stones may be optional but they are definitely essential. They are basically the difference between a regular piece of jewelry and the one that’s great.
Some Famous Shapes of Side Stones
Each cut tells a different story about your personality. Pick Yours!
Side stones are not just regular round or oval but they come in an array of dazzling shapes. Each shape brings a unique personality, style and vibe to the jewelry. Choose the right shape and create a piece that’s one-of-a-kind and feels like you.
Baguette Side Stones: Old Hollywood Love
Looking for the Audrey Hepburn style elegance? Baguette side stones are your cue.
Baguette shaped stones feature a long rectangular silhouette that exudes vintage charm. They are sleek, elegant and never try to steal the spotlight from the center stones. In fact, they elevate them. Baguette shaped stones are perfect for Art Deco inspired wedding rings, modern engagement rings and earrings.
You can also go for tapered baguette side stones that are narrow at one end, drawing eyes to the center stone. Victoria Beckham’s three stone emerald-cut engagement ring features two tapered baguette diamond side stones symbolizing her love story with David Beckham.
Trillion Side Stones: Sharp & Daring
Trillion cut diamonds or colored gemstones are the magic trick your jewelry needs. Expect the unexpected!
These triangular stunners with their bold, edgy and dramatic finish add the perfect beauty to your rings, earrings and more. They are modern, daring and perfect for the jewelry lovers who like to experiment. Pendants with round, oval or pear shaped colored gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, emerald can work wonderfully with trillion cut diamond side stones.
Sydney Sweeney wore a cushion-cut diamond ring with trillion cut side stones on the Met Gala red carpet. The bold piece complemented her glittering look, adding symmetry to her unique style.
Pear Shaped Side Stones: Modern Muse
Why opt for one center stone when you can shine brighter with two side stones?
Remember Megan Fox’s engagement ring? It’s a two stone pear shaped emerald and diamond ring, shining bright on her fingers. Few stones capture romance like none other and pear shaped stones are one of them. With their tear drop silhouette, they add boldness to the overall jewelry piece.
Kim Kardashian’s pear shaped side stone diamond jewelry including a layered necklace and drop earrings at the Met Gala 2025 was exuding with glitz and glamor. These uniquely shaped stones naturally enhance the look of your jewelry, telling your story with a pinch of romance and royalty.
Round & Oval Side Stones: Chic & Royal
Add understated royalty to your jewelry box with the modern twist of round and oval shaped side stones.
Oval and round shaped stones bring sophistication to your jewelry collection. The classic shape of the stone makes the jewelry appear larger and bolder, adding elegance without the sharpness. They are best for center stones that need a subtle partner to enhance their appearance. Halo rings, vintage inspired side stone earrings and pendants need balance and symmetry. They do just that.
Kristin Chenoweth’s dazzling three stone halo diamond engagement ring from fiancé Josh Bryant is a sparkling symbol of love. This meaningful piece features a large oval shaped diamond in the center flanked by a smaller oval shaped diamond on either side.
Cushion Side Stones: Let the Drama Unfold
Go big, go bold & get ready to slay!
Cushion cut side stones feature soft, pillowy edges that add sparkle to every piece of jewelry. Whether it’s a ring with diamond accents, a side stone pendant or two stone earrings, cushion cut stones are like the modern update to your classic jewelry pieces. If you are a fashion-forward bride with love for vintage jewelry, take a look at Taylor Swift’s engagement ring.
It’s a solitaire ring featuring a cushion shaped diamond, gifted by Travis Kelce. You can take inspiration from the Bejeweled singer’s ring and craft a replica by dazzling it with cushion shaped side stones for a romantic glow.
Heart-Shaped Side Stones: For the Romantics
Make your jewelry romantic with heart shaped side stones and sparkle like never before.
If jewelry could talk, they would definitely show their love for heart-shaped side stones. And when these stones are fiery red rubies, they instantly add a glamorous and romantic vibe. They are bold, without being over the top and perfect for any style. Whether it’s a ring, pendant, earrings or bracelet, you can wear your heart, literally.
Taylor Swift’s heart-shaped ruby drop earrings at the Super Bowl perfectly sets a global trend for minimal jewelry with romantic stones. Pair yours with a round oval stone that makes the overall piece look perfectly balanced.
Marquise Side Stones: Bold Queens
Marquise side stones are perfect for someone to whom subtlety simply won’t be enough.
The marquise shaped side stones are for the jewelry lovers who like to experiment with their style. An oval shaped center stone flanked by a marquise shaped diamond will create movement and elongate the entire piece. This design will also make your fingers look slender, depending on how it’s styled.
From halo engagement rings, chandelier earrings to two stone pendants, pair marquise side stones with a round or emerald centerstone and look opulent wherever you go.
Choose the Perfect Side Stone Shape
If you are feeling overwhelmed with all the options, this checklist is going to help you pick the perfect one.
1. Match Your Aesthetic Personality
- Minimalist? Opt for round or oval shaped stones for your blings.
- Bold & Glamorous? Marquise or baguette side stones are your BFF
- Romantic? Pear shaped side stones will make you shine with love.
2. Consider the Shape of Center Stone
The shape of the center stone plays a great role in determining the shape of side stones. Oval shaped sapphires pair beautifully with pear shaped side diamonds. Emerald-cut emerald center stones flanked with baguette shaped diamonds add symmetry to the overall appearance.
3. Play with Different Colored Gemstones
Why stick to diamonds when you can add a splash of colors to your jewelry? Colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, tanzanites and alexandrites can bring a burst of personality to your jewelry.
Sapphire- Blue, pink, green, yellow, purple or white, each color exudes royal vibes.
Emerald- Add vintage drama to your rings, pendants and earrings with green colored side stones.
Ruby- Contrasting colors create unforgettable jewelry designs. Experiment with the fiery red ruby gemstones for a playful, romantic upgrade.
4. The Magic is in the Details
Even the tiniest detail in your jewelry can transform the entire piece.
Setting- Prong, bezel or channel setting, pick the one that suits your personality and everyday lifestyle.
Symmetry- Asymmetrical designs and nature-inspired jewelry pieces are daring but need that fine craftsmanship to glow.
Metal- Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum, each metal offers a different vibe. Pick the one that goes well with the color and shape of your center and side stones.
Shine & Sparkle
Your jewelry is an extension of your style and personality. So, remember it’s all really about you.
A ring, pendant or earrings, dazzle every piece with different shaped side stones and watch the magic unfold. So, whether you are channeling your inner Sydney or creating a unique piece, side stones are the perfect way to make your jewelry a masterpiece. From the shape, size to the color of side stones, everything matters.
So, go ahead and choose your gemstones wisely. Craft your unique wedding ring, statement pendant or elegant earrings with GemsNY’s “Make-Your-Own” jewelry feature. Also, don’t keep all the sparkle to yourself. Share your experience by leaving a review on GemsNY reviews and help others find their perfect match.
