The 3-Stone diamond ring. One of the hottest jewelry design trends of the decade. De Beers' hit the jewelry jackpot when it introduced the three-stone ring in the late 1990s. The idea was the culmination of the company's half-century campaign to make the diamond the gem of choice for any and every special occasion - from engagements and weddings to anniversaries, birthdays and holidays.

In the case of the diamond three-stone ring, the jewelry/diamonds were a symbol of lifelong commitment - one diamond each for the past, present and future of the relationship. But if buying a single-stone diamond ring requires close inspection of the diamond and its mounting, buying a diamond three-stone ring takes triple care and caution.

Here's what to look for when purchasing a 3-Stone diamond ring:

Number One: Make sure the center and flanking diamonds are evenly matched for color, clarity, weight, size and shape. If there is an intentional color contrast between the center and side stones, make sure the later are matched.

Number Two: Make sure the center and flanking diamonds are level and secure. None of the stones should look tilted or be set too high or low. All the stones should make a pleasing, even arc.

Number Three: Make sure all prongs holding the diamonds in place are identically sized, shaped, secure, polished and positioned.

Number Four: Make sure the shank of the ring has a smooth finish and that the appropriate metal fineness mark and the manufacturer's registered trademark are stamped on the inside.
Make sure the inside of the ring is smooth and free of polish marks.

Number Five: Make sure all metal junctures contain no excess solder and that as much attention has been paid to detail inside the shank as outside.

John Pollard is Director of Consumer Education at Whiteflash.com - a company specializing in Diamonds, Diamond Engagement Rings and Custom Jewelry.

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