Engagement rings with side stones are the only choice for the love of your life, your soul mate, the woman who will be the mother of your children. Once you have made the decision to pop the question, don’t complicate the rest of the process. A simple ring may be what most women say they want, but a spectacular ring will knock everyone’s socks off.

If you are like most guys you probably don’t even know what a side stone is. The centre stone is the star of the show, but any great star needs its backup. Side stones are those extra gemstones that are, quite literally, on the side of the main jewel. Usually the type of gemstone used is the same as the main stone, i.e. diamond centre with diamond sides, but any number of combinations can be used to great effect.

Gemstones are cut in particular shapes, and side stones are

no exception. The choice of shape depends on the desired effect, and there is a bewildering variety to choose from. Side stones can be trilliants, baguettes, bullets, shields, trapezoids, half moons, home plates, and any number of other shapes.

You also have a choice between just one side stone, two, or more, depending on the effect you want and the price you are willing to pay. Side stones may actually end up saving you money, as a set of smaller stones can be cheaper than one huge stone. Finances aside, the effect of a well designed side stone combination may even overshadow that of a single large gem.

So do not get overwhelmed, the simplest way to find that perfect combination is to take a look at a lot of pictures and visit a lot of jewellery stores. This is the woman you love, so get a ring that will show her how much you value her. A ring with side stones is sure to win big every time.