Three stone engagement rings are typically somewhat cheaper than solitare engagement rings of a similar carat weight. That's because larger solitaire stones are rarer and therefore more expensive than three smaller stones that add up to the same weight. However other factors are present as well in determining price, such as the stone's clarity, color and cut.

As the three stone engagement rings make quite an impression, typically couples prefer somewhat less ornate bands. This allows for the eye to naturally focus on the 3 diamond stones. Typically the three diamond gemstones are similar in size or the middle diamond may be somewhat larger than the other two.

Celebrity wearers of three stone engagement rings include:

Madonna, who received an Edwardian Round three stone ring from her man, Guy RitchieSharon Stone received a three stone wedding anniversary gift from her Phil Bronstein and their adopted son Rhone.

Princess engagement rings are sure to please most women as they are one of the most popular non-round diamond cuts. The cut has pointy corners and an overall square shape. These engagement rings were designed to display the diamond's maximum brilliance and sparkle. The actual princess cut is a recent innovation in the diamond industry and has been around for approximately 40 year. Its invention is credited to M. Weistreich, a Belgian diamond cutter. The cut is technically a square version of the round brilliant cut.

Princess cut diamonds are typically less expensive compared to other diamond shapes as they require less time to cut and polish. Flaws are more easily hidden within the princess shape, also contributing to a lower price.

Princess rings are often set with sidestones. It is common to see three stone princess engagement rings or a princess cut center stone with side baguette diamonds as accents. Princess cut diamonds also look good in eternity ring settings. By the way, the cut can be used with other gemstones as well, not just diamonds.

The squareness of the princess shape makes it more susceptible to chips. As a result, the diamonds are typically set with the prongs at the four corners for ultimate protection against such damage.

I recommend the princess cut....

I have an asscher cut diamond an engagement ring but I certainly would have been just as happy to wear a princess diamond as well.