back to Engagement Ring Trends

Past Present Future Ring: A Modern Classic

by Annie Earnshaw
Last updated on August 23, 2023
radiant vs cushion

The past present future ring is an elegant tribute at any point in your relationship. Whether you’re expressing your devotion or celebrating decades of partnership, a three-stone ring is a perfect way to express your love.

What Is a Past Present Future Ring?

three diamond rings
A past present future ring and two solitaire engagement rings

A past present future ring has three main stones. Typically, the ring will feature one center stone surrounded by two smaller stones, one on either side. This setting is rich with symbolism and is available in several styles and shapes. It’s distinct from a two stone engagement ring, another different but beautiful option.

The leftmost stone represents the past. This stone commemorates the unique journey that you and your partner took to come together. It also represents the sentimental memories that you’ve shared over the years.

The center diamond represents the present: your current commitment and the choice to be together.

The rightmost stone represents the future. This stone celebrates the possibilities of what the future could hold. It represents all the adventures that are yet to come and the excitement for the years to come.

The past present and future ring is also called the trinity or trilogy ring. This type of ring can also represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the more religious wearer.

Trinity rings are also a great budget-friendly option for diamond jewelry. The number of stones on the ring makes the center diamond look even sparklier, giving the appearance of a larger diamond. If you want an engagement ring with more bang for your buck, this is the ring for you!

What Does Past Present Future Ring Mean?  

couple hugging

De Beers, a famous diamond company, first popularized diamond engagement rings in the 1930s and 1940s. They again took the diamond market by storm after introducing the three-stone engagement rings in 2001. De Beers said that the three-stone ring honors the couple’s past, present, future timeline. The marketing campaign surrounding the three-stone ring is the true source of its wild success.

De Beers marketed the past, present, future, meaning to add a layer of sentimentality to the standard ring design. They also promoted the rings as an anniversary present and an engagement ring. Because of this particular meaning, three stone rings took off.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, famously has a three-stone engagement ring representing the past, present, future. The center diamond is sourced from Botswana, and the surrounding diamonds are from Princess Diana’s personal collection.

Style Options

different styles of rings

This classic setting is the perfect canvas to create your own unique ring. Whether you’re getting engaged or celebrating years of marriage, these rings are the ideal blend of something old and something new.

Traditional Settings

Trends come and go, but this classic setting is always in style! Diamonds are the most common gemstones for this type of past, present, future diamond ring, especially for anniversary presents. A diamond’s beauty and rarity represent the strength of the relationship and the special bond they share.

It’s also common for the stones on either side to be smaller and symmetrical. Traditionally, all three diamonds of the past, present future rings are the same cut and color.

Birthstones and Colored Diamonds

Another common choice for the trinity ring is a colored stone. A colorful stone ring makes a great gift for any occasion. Incorporating the birthstone of each partner into the design is a touching tribute to your unity. You can also include the birthstones of your child or children to represent your love as a family.

Stone Shape

You can create a one-of-a-kind past, present, future ring by playing with different cuts. Unconventional shapes add a custom flair to your one-of-a-kind ring.

Geometric stones, such as baguette or princess cut diamonds, updated this traditional look when paired with a round center diamond. You can also use a stylish cut like a pear or marquise to freshen up your ring setting.

Symmetry vs. Asymmetry

Asymmetry is another popular way to make this ring your own.

A stairway setting features three stones that gradually increase in size. You can also graduate your color, so each stone gets either lighter or darker. This setting keeps with the three-stone ring tradition and represents your growth as partners with the emphasis less on the past present and more so on growth of the future.

Working closely with a jeweler or purchasing loose stones is a great way to achieve your desired look. Jewelers can create highly-customized designs that are perfect for you and your partner.

What Does a 3 Band Wedding Ring Mean?

three stacked rings

You may also be curious what it means to see someone with three different bands on their wedding ring finger. Many may think the 3 bands are a decorative trio for their wedding ring finger. There’s actually three different meaningful reasons behind each ring. The first ring is the engagement rings that most people think of. The next is the actual wedding band exchanged during vows. The last one is a new trending ring. Couples are now giving their loved ones a “push” ring to signify the birth of their first child or simply a third ring as a romantic gift for an anniversary.

Three Stone Diamond Rings from Clean Origin

If you’re ready to purchase a three-stone ring for your beloved, look no further! Clean Origin offers a wide variety of anniversary and engagement rings. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Bettina Ring

classic 3 stone ring

For a timeless look, go with the Bettina Ring. The stunning simplicity of this ring is sure to dazzle and pairs perfectly with a stackable band or two.

The Countess Ring

countess ring

Want a little extra in your trilogy ring? The Countess Ring features five round-cut diamonds: one center stone flanked by two stones on each side. The pear-shaped arrangement seamlessly blends old and new!

The Cleopatra Ring

cleopatra ring

This stunning trinity ring features a split pavé band encrusted with lab-grown diamonds and three stunning diamonds at the center. It’s a beautiful look that’s truly fit for a queen!

The Vineyard 3 Stone Ring

the vineyard ring

This elegant three-stone ring features a pavé band, intricate scalloped interior detail, and a hidden diamond on the raised setting. It’s an updated classic that’s perfect for celebrating all types of love.

The Filigree 3 Stone Ring

filigree ring

The Filigree 3 Stone Ring is a beautiful take on a classic ring! The Scottish-inspired filigree winds inward toward three dazzling lab-grown diamonds.

Published by Annie Earnshaw

Annie Earnshaw is a content intern at Clean Origin.