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Half-moon side stones feature a curved outer edge and straight inner edge, creating a soft, balanced frame around the center diamond. They’re especially complementary to round, oval, and cushion cuts.
What Are Half-Moon Side Stones?
As the name suggests, half-moon side stones look like a round or oval diamond sliced in half, with one straight edge and one curved. Some have a more elongated shape, resembling a halved oval rather than a full circle. While they can be cut in both brilliant and step-cut styles, the brilliant cut is far more common due to its sparkle and compatibility with most center stones. Some half-moons are also slightly tapered to better flow into elongated shapes like ovals or cushions.
Why We Love Half-Moon Side Stones
Half-moons offer a distinct sense of elegance. They soften the overall look of a three-stone ring while still making a statement. Their curved silhouette feels romantic and refined, with just enough vintage influence to add character without leaning too traditional.
When paired with elongated center stones, they enhance the proportions and create a graceful, flowing effect across the top of the finger. The wide, horizontal layout also adds extra spread and finger coverage, making the center stone appear larger and the entire ring feel more substantial. And thanks to their brilliant faceting, half-moons don’t just blend in—they add brightness and dimension to the setting, elevating the entire ring design.
What Center Stones Pair Best With Half-Moons?
Half-moon side stones work best with center diamonds that are rounded or softly elongated. Most popular are ovals, rounds and cushions.
3.01 carat Oval Lab Diamond Three-Stone Ring
2.71 carat Cushion Lab Diamond Wide Band Three-Stone Ring
Half-Moon Ring Design Considerations
When designing a ring with half-moon side stones, proportion is key. These stones are usually sized to sit just below the center diamond in height, so they enhance the overall look without overpowering it.
They’re most often set with shared prongs or custom basket-style settings, both of which offer security while keeping the profile low and refined.
Some half-moons are also subtly tapered. This detail helps them transition more smoothly into elongated center shapes like ovals or cushions, creating a fluid and intentional layout across the finger.
Don’t Go Half-Way with Half-Moons
If you’re drawn to the look of a classic three-stone ring but want something softer and more fluid than sharp-edged trapezoids or baguettes, half-moon side stones are a beautiful option. They bring high sparkle, elegant curvature, and a flattering sense of balance to your engagement ring all without distracting from the star of the show: the center diamond.
Check out our Instagram and Pinterest for more three-stone design inspiration!