Side-stone rings have emerged as the defining engagement ring trend of 2025, blending timeless elegance with modern personalization. These dazzling designs—featuring accent stones that gracefully frame a center gem—offer the perfect balance of sparkle and sophistication. Whether you crave vintage-inspired filigree, bold geometric shapes, or nature-inspired clusters, side-stone rings provide endless versatility to match your unique love story.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the proposal. Side-stone engagement rings shine even brighter when paired with the right wedding band—whether you opt for a sleek contour band that hugs every curve or a bold mismatched style that tells your love story. Below, we reveal the top 5 best-selling side-stone rings of 2025 (backed by our sales data!), along with foolproof styling tips to help you design a ring stack as unforgettable as your commitment.
Why Side-Stone Rings Are a Trend
1. Customization Reigns Supreme
Gone are the days of cookie-cutter designs—2025 brides demand rings as unique as their love stories. Side-stone settings have become the ultimate canvas for personalization, with couples mixing rose gold and platinum for contrast, or swapping traditional diamonds for colored gemstones like sapphires and emeralds.
2. Vintage Meets Modern
The past and present collide in this year’s most coveted designs. Art Deco-inspired rings feature geometric side stones (think crisp baguettes or trapezoids) paired with sleek, minimalist bands for balance. Meanwhile, Edwardian-era details—delicate filigree, milgrain edges—add romantic texture to otherwise contemporary settings. The result? Rings that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
3. Lab-Grown Side Stones
Sustainability and affordability are driving the lab-grown diamond boom, especially for accent stones. Couples are opting for lab-grown side stones to reduce costs (freeing up budget for elaborate wedding bands) or to align with ethical values—without sacrificing sparkle.
Top 5 Side-Stone Rings
1. “Holy Promise” Pear Cut Side Stone Engagement Ring
A dazzling pear-shaped center stone takes center stage, elegantly complemented by a series of marquise and round side stones set in shared prongs. The polished band enhances the ring’s fluid silhouette, creating a seamless flow of brilliance that draws the eye along its graceful curves. The tapered setting ensures a snug fit against the finger, making it both secure and comfortable for daily wear.
The mixed-cut side stones add dynamic contrast, making this ring ideal for brides who love organic, nature-inspired details. The shared prong setting ensures durability while maximizing sparkle, and the alternating shapes create a rhythmic play of light that feels alive with movement. Its versatile elegance allows it to transition effortlessly from formal occasions to everyday sophistication.
2. “Love is Light” Round Cut Side Stone Engagement Ring
This engagement ring features a round brilliant center stone held securely in a delicate four-prong setting, allowing maximum light to enhance its brilliance. The slender pavé band, adorned with shimmering accents, adds a touch of understated elegance. Its low-profile design ensures both comfort and practicality, making it perfect for everyday wear while radiating effortless sophistication.
Brides adore this ring for its timeless simplicity—the clean lines and balanced proportions create a look that’s elegant without being ostentatious. The pavé craftsmanship provides subtle sparkle that complements rather than competes with the center stone. It’s a versatile choice that pairs seamlessly with any wedding band and suits both classic and contemporary styles.
3. “To My Love” Marquise Cut Side Stone Engagement Ring
A marquise-cut center stone commands attention in a secure prong setting, its elongated shape creating a flattering silhouette. The design features a delicate metal ribbon elegantly wrapping around the center, paired with a pavé band of meticulously set accents. This combination delivers modern sophistication—structured yet fluid, with light-catching brilliance at every angle.
Brides love the contrast between the sleek metal ribbon and the pavé sparkle, offering a unique twist on classic elegance. The marquise cut elongates the finger, while the pavé band ensures continuous radiance. Ideal for those who want a refined statement piece that balances artistry with wearability.
4. “Swear On Love” Radiant Cut Side Stone Engagement Ring
This elegant and elaborate ring is designed for the idealist bride seeking to enhance her natural charm. Its dazzling radiant-cut center stone commands attention, while the pavé shank—adorned with shimmering gems—adds delicate brilliance without overpowering the design. The low-profile setting ensures both comfort and practicality, making it a striking yet wearable choice for a perfect wedding.
The ring’s brilliance lies in its balance. The radiant cut’s precision maximizes sparkle, appealing to brides who love bold center stones, while the pavé shank provides just enough accentuation to elevate the look. The low profile makes it ideal for daily wear, blending glamour with functionality—perfect for a bride who values sophistication without sacrifice.
5. “Grow Old With Me” Cushion Cut Side Stone Engagement Ring
A truly distinctive vintage engagement ring, this piece exudes timeless elegance. The cushion-cut center stone, secured in four prongs, shines with romantic allure, complemented by two round side stones nestled in glistening borders. Exquisite pavé accents on the shank and gallery add intricate detailing, completing the ring’s magnificent, antique-inspired aesthetic.
This design captivates brides who cherish old-world charm with refined detailing. The cushion cut’s soft glow evokes romance, while the two round side stones (not a cluster) keep the focus balanced. The pavé shank and gallery enhance depth without overwhelming, making it a future heirloom—ideal for those who want vintage sophistication with enduring appeal.
Styling Tips: Wedding Band Pairings
- Rule 1: Match the Metal—or Don’t
A timeless approach is to pair metals of the same tone, such as a white gold engagement ring with a platinum band, ensuring a seamless, monochromatic look. However, modern brides are increasingly embracing mixed-metal pairings for contrast—think a rose gold engagement ring with a yellow gold band, creating a warm, dimensional effect. The key is intentionality: if metals differ, ensure they complement rather than clash by keeping the design styles harmonious (e.g., both vintage-inspired or both sleek).
- Rule 2: Mind the Gap
For low-profile engagement rings, a contoured or curved wedding band will sit flush against the setting, avoiding awkward gaps. However, if your ring has a higher profile (like a cathedral setting), leaving a 2mm–3mm space between bands can create a deliberate, modern stacked look. Custom “shadow bands”—bands precisely molded to your ring’s silhouette—offer a perfect fit for intricate designs, while straight bands with slight spacing work well with solitaires.
- Rule 3: Balance the Sparkle
If your engagement ring features bold side stones or elaborate detailing, a plain metal band (like a classic domed or knife-edge style) prevents visual competition. Conversely, a solitaire or minimalist ring pairs beautifully with an eternity band for added brilliance. For vintage-inspired rings, consider a milgrain-edged band to echo the antique aesthetic without overwhelming the centerpiece.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, try a “stacking set”—three thin bands (one plain, one pavé, one textured) that can be worn interchangeably for versatility.
Side-Stone Ring Care Guide
Engagement rings with side stones or pavé settings require extra vigilance due to their intricate structures. The small prongs securing accent gems are vulnerable to bending, while tight crevices between stones trap dirt, dulling sparkle.
- Inspect Prongs Regularly
The prongs securing side stones are particularly vulnerable to wear, as their smaller size makes them prone to loosening over time. Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe every few weeks to check for lifting or bending, especially if your ring has delicate milgrain detailing or intricate gallery work. If you notice any snagging on fabric, it’s a red flag that a prong may need professional tightening.
- Gentle Cleaning for Lasting Brilliance
A soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach crevices. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can degrade delicate metalwork or damage softer gemstones. Besides, for rings with mixed metals or porous stones (like opals or emeralds), stick to lukewarm water and a microfiber cloth to prevent damage.
- Proper Storage Prevents Damage
Even if your ring seems sturdy, storing it loosely in a fabric-lined box or a separate compartment prevents scratches from other jewelry. If your setting has exposed pavé or flush-set stones, avoid stacking it against harder metals (like tungsten or platinum), which can wear down delicate edges over time.
- Avoid Hand Sanitizer & Harsh Chemicals
Frequent exposure to alcohol-based sanitizers can weaken prongs by drying out the metal, thereby increasing the risk of stone loss. If you must use sanitizer, remove your ring first. Similarly, chlorine (from pools) and acetone (from nail polish remover) can erode soldering joints and dull finishes.
