If you’ve been looking into buying a three-stone diamond ring, whether as an engagement ring, an anniversary present, or just because, you may have noticed one trend repeating itself over and over in the most current three-stone engagement rings. The combination of sapphire and diamonds, always popular in fine jewelry, has exploded recently into a bona fide trend.

Three-stone rings set with both diamonds and sapphires are especially popular right now, with as many variations available as with diamonds alone. Customers who opt for custom design are flocking to gemstones, especially sapphires, like never before, and choosing three-stone engagement rings as a way of incorporating the gorgeous deep-blue stones along with more traditional diamonds.

An ACA stone of just over carat contrasts nicely with sapphire accent stones.

So why sapphires? Sapphires are actually just a gemstone of the mineral corundum, which can occur in many colors, including blue, pink, yellow and red. All of these colors are called "sapphires" except red, which is called a ruby and is considered a different gemstone. Blue sapphires are especially popular, and they have been since the days of ancient Persia, when it was believed that the sky was blue because it reflected the light of sapphires.

In more modern times, sapphires have been prized for their exceptional hardness, which makes them ideal for use in jewelry, and their gorgeous deep-blue color and luster. They are associated with romantic love, representing devotion and loyalty, making them perfect additions to a three-stone engagement ring.

There are many ways to incorporate a sapphire or two into a three-stone engagement ring. One popular variation is to use two smaller sapphires as accents to a traditional diamond center stone. Another variation is to use the diamonds as accents to the sapphire, which then becomes the focal point of the three-stone ring.

One advantage to this variation is affordability. Sapphires are not as costly as diamonds, and two .5 carat weight diamonds will not cost as much as a single stone that weighs one carat. Plus, the sapphire center stone is an unexpected and interesting twist on the classic three-stone setting.

Generally, a trendy three-stone engagement ring like these should stick to the basics when it comes to shank styles and stone settings. A classic prong setting will set off the contrast nicely without adding too much design detail. However, a judicious use of extra "bling" can sometimes coordinate nicely with the overall look of the three stone setting, creating a dramatic and appealing look.

This gorgeous three-stone engagement ring features three princess cut stones set into a visually dynamic band set with both diamonds and sapphires. As you can see in the side profile view, the stone setting itself has interesting detailing that set this ring apart.

One more popular variation on the diamond and sapphire three-stone engagement ring reserves the sapphires for the wedding band, and features only the classic diamonds on the three-stone ring.

This timeless look introduces the depth and luster of the sapphire without departing too much from tradition.

Whatever look you love, if you choose a diamond and sapphire three-stone engagement ring, you will know that you have chosen a gorgeous and timeless combination.