![](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Brent-Neale-3-stone-ring.jpg)
Three-stone engagement rings have been around for a very long time, and in many different forms.
But it was a clever marketing tactic by De Beers that really brought them into the spotlight in the early 2000s.
![De Beers emerald three stone ring De Beers emerald three stone ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/De-Beers-emerald-three-stone-ring.jpg)
Three diamonds—one each for your “past, present, and future.” The ring became a marketing ploy so slick that it completely dominated the style no matter who sold it, like referring to any tissue as Kleenex or any photocopy as a Xerox. People would come into the store where I worked asking for “past, present, and future” rings, seeking the romanticized setting for an engagement ring or anniversary gift.
![Azlee platinum diamond engagement ring Azlee platinum diamond engagement ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Azlee-platinum-diamond-engagement-ring.jpg)
![Jemma Wynne Autumn ring Jemma Wynne Autumn ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jemma-Wynne-Autumn-ring.jpg)
![Single Stone Jolene ring Single Stone Jolene ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Single-Stone-Jolene-ring.jpg)
There’s nothing wrong with the way the style was marketed—it was brilliant, and it worked—and there’s nothing wrong with the rings, either (they’re exceedingly beautiful). But a young, hip crowd doesn’t like that. They wouldn’t be hyped on the same ring style their mom liked in a commercial—if someone is told enough times that something is hot, they begin to doubt you. So they turned to other styles that rocketed to popularity at the time, such as the halo or solitaire princess-cut (all of which, by the way, were also labeled as very hot).
![Erica Courtney Eloise ring Erica Courtney Eloise ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Erica-Courtney-Eloise-ring.jpg)
![Jessica Mccormack diamond ring Jessica Mccormack diamond ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jessica-Mccormack-diamond-ring.jpg)
![Harlin Jones cognac diamond ring Harlin Jones cognac diamond ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Harlin-Jones-cognac-diamond-ring.jpg)
![Stephanie Gottlieb diamond ring Stephanie Gottlieb diamond ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Stephanie-Gottlieb-diamond-ring.jpg)
Young people getting engaged today probably have no idea or recollection of the past, present, and future ring—at least not to the extent that it was once advertised. And that’s a good thing, because heavily marketed styles don’t quite vibe with the small business offerings so many consumers now seek. But that doesn’t mean independent designers aren’t creating them.
![Michelle Oh Leann ring Michelle Oh Leann ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michelle-Oh-Leann-ring.jpg)
![Shahla Karimi three stone engagement ring Shahla Karimi three stone engagement ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Shahla-Karimi-three-stone-engagement-ring.jpg)
![Erica Bello Pop Up Orion ring Erica Bello Pop Up Orion ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Erica-Bello-Pop-Up-Orion-ring.jpg)
![Lindsey Scoggins emerald cut diamond ring Lindsey Scoggins emerald cut diamond ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lindsey-Scoggins-emerald-cut-diamond-ring.jpg)
![Kendra Pariseault green sapphire ring Kendra Pariseault green sapphire ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Kendra-Pariseault-green-sapphire-ring.jpg)
And wow, are they creating! Not just in the traditional arrangements, but in a variety of ways that, while still touching on the classic silhouette, represent one heck of a modern glow-up.
![Jade Trau Sadie ring Jade Trau Sadie ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jade-Trau-Sadie-ring.jpg)
![Julie Lamb Brooklyn Bridge ring Julie Lamb Brooklyn Bridge ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Julie-Lamb-Brooklyn-Bridge-ring.jpg)
![Andreoli emerald ring Andreoli emerald ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Andreoli-emerald-ring.jpg)
![Lauren Addison three-stone engagement ring Lauren Addison three-stone engagement ring](https://www.jckonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lauren-Addison-three-stone-engagement-ring.jpg)
It is a lovely premise. Three stones to represent where a coupe came from, where they are now, and what lies ahead—like a lot of good jewelry, it tells a story. Whether a couple opts to see it that way or whether it’s just the ideal ring to get engaged with is up to them. Either way is just right.
Top: One-of-a-kind ring in 18k yellow gold with diamond, pink spinel, and orange sapphire, price on request; Brent Neale
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine