How to Get the Best Value for Your Side Stone Engagement Ring Online

Buying an engagement ring is one of the most exciting — and meaningful — purchases you’ll ever make. But if you’re shopping online, how can you be sure you’re getting the best sparkle, quality, and price for your Side Stone Engagement Ring?

At jewelnest, we work with couples across Canada and the USA to design stunning, ethical, and affordable engagement rings. One of the most popular styles we create is the Side Stone Engagement Ring — a design that delivers extra brilliance and elegance without overspending.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting maximum value when buying a side-stone ring online. 

1. Understand What Makes a Side Stone Engagement Ring Special

Before comparing prices, it helps to understand what you’re paying for.

A Side Stone Engagement Ring features a main center diamond or gemstone, accented by smaller diamonds along the band. These side stones amplify the sparkle of the center stone, creating a luminous, balanced look from every angle.

This design is especially popular because it offers:

• More brilliance for your budget — accent stones make the ring look larger and more radiant.
  
• Flexible design options — you can mix stone shapes, metals, and settings to create your dream look.
  
• Timeless appeal — it’s a perfect middle ground between a simple solitaire and a full halo design.
   

2. Set a Realistic Budget Before You Start Shopping

When buying any engagement ring online, clarity about your budget is key. For a Side Stone Engagement Ring, your total cost depends on three main factors:

• Center stone quality (the 4Cs) — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
  
• Side stone type and quantity — pavé bands have more small stones, while three-stone designs use larger accent diamonds.
  
• Metal choice — 14K gold offers great value; platinum costs more but provides extra durability.
  

💎 Pro Tip: Many buyers in Canada and the U.S. are now opting for lab-grown diamonds — they’re identical to mined diamonds but cost up to 40% less, freeing up budget for a larger or higher-quality center stone. 

3. Compare Online Jewelers Carefully

Shopping online gives you access to more options and better prices, but not all jewelers are equal. To get the best value for your Side Stone Engagement Ring, compare:

• Certification: Ensure all diamonds (especially the center stone) come with a GIA or IGI certificate.
  
• Transparency: Reliable jewelers list diamond details, metal quality, and carat weights clearly.
  
• Customization options: You should be able to adjust metal, stone size, or band design before checkout.
  
• Warranty and service: Look for free resizing, cleaning, and lifetime maintenance.
  
• Shipping and returns: Trusted brands offer insured shipping to both Canada and the USA, plus fair return policies.
  

At jewelnest, we provide all of the above — plus personal design consultations and 3D renderings before production. 

4. Choose Your Diamond (or Gemstone) Wisely

The center stone is the heart of your Side Stone Engagement Ring — but the side stones play a huge role in how it looks and sparkles.

Tips for maximum value:

• Prioritize cut over carat. A well-cut diamond reflects light better, looking larger and brighter even at a smaller size.
  
• Match side-stone quality. Choose side stones that complement, not overpower, the center diamond.
  
• Play with shapes. Round side stones enhance classic appeal; baguette or marquise accents add a modern edge.
  
• Consider lab-grown diamonds. They deliver the same brilliance and durability at a fraction of the cost — an increasingly popular choice in Canada and the U.S.
  

💡 Example: A 1.0-carat lab-grown diamond center with pavé side stones can look just as luxurious as a 1.5-carat mined diamond ring — at 30–40% lower cost. 

5. Choose a Setting That Enhances Value

The setting determines how your ring looks and how the light interacts with the stones. For a Side Stone Engagement Ring, consider these trending styles:

• Pavé side stones — small diamonds set closely together for continuous sparkle.
  
• Channel-set sides — diamonds embedded in a metal channel for sleek, secure brilliance.
  
• Three-stone settings — two accent stones frame the center gem for symbolic and visual impact.
  
• Hidden halo + side stones — combines subtle halo sparkle with side accents for maximum shine.
  

💎 Pro Tip: Choose a setting that complements your partner’s lifestyle — for example, a low-profile pavé setting for active wearers or a raised three-stone style for dramatic sparkle. 

6. Check for Craftsmanship and Details

When buying online, zoom in on product photos and videos. Pay attention to:

• Stone alignment – side stones should be symmetrical and evenly spaced.
  
• Prong quality – secure but minimal prongs show off more sparkle.
  
• Polish and finish – look for smooth, reflective metal surfaces.
  
• Band proportion – the width of the band should balance the center and side stones.
  

You can also request a 3D rendering or CAD model before production — a service offered by many custom jewelers like jewelnest. 

7. Understand After-Sales Services

Even after your ring arrives, support matters. Look for:

• Free resizing (especially important for surprise proposals).
  
• Lifetime maintenance for cleaning or tightening stones.
  
• Secure shipping across Canada and the USA.
  
• Easy upgrades if you want to change the center stone in the future.
  

At jewelnest, all our engagement rings include lifetime warranty and complimentary resizing — ensuring long-term value and peace of mind. 

8. Compare Real-World Pricing Examples

To give you a sense of value, here’s what a Side Stone Engagement Ring might cost online (average estimates as of 2025):

These numbers vary by diamond specs and brand, but knowing averages helps you spot inflated prices or suspiciously cheap listings. 

9. Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Before finalizing your order, check verified reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or the jeweler’s website. Look for consistent praise on:

• Stone quality and accuracy of descriptions
  
• Communication and responsiveness
  
• Craftsmanship and packaging
  
• Delivery timelines for Canada and the USA
  

Real feedback from other buyers is one of the best indicators of genuine value. 

10. Why Buy Your Side Stone Engagement Ring from jewelnest

At jewelnest, we believe every engagement ring should be as unique — and enduring — as your love story.

✨ Why couples across Canada and the USA choose us:

• Expertly crafted Side Stone Engagement Rings with ethical diamonds.
  
• Full customization — from metal type to setting style.
  
• Transparent, competitive pricing.
  
• Lifetime warranty & free resizing.
  
• Secure, insured delivery across borders.
  

Whether you want a pavé side-stone ring, a three-stone masterpiece, or a hidden halo hybrid, we’ll help you design it beautifully — and affordably. 

Final Thoughts

Shopping online for a Side Stone Engagement Ring doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or romance — in fact, it can help you get better value, more customization, and ethical materials for your budget.

By comparing jewelers, understanding craftsmanship, and exploring options like lab-grown diamonds, you can create a ring that sparkles with both beauty and meaning.

💍 Explore our side stone engagement ring collection at jewelnest — or book your free virtual design consultation today.