What is a past, present and future ring?

As we all may know Meghan Markle’s engagement ring is a past, present and future diamond ring. Prince Harry decided to redesign his hairloom with a 3 carat cushion cut diamond from Botswana-where they spent time. The accent diamonds were given to the prince by Princess Diana. A past, present and future ring is a popular engagement ring and steeped in symbolism. 

Each of the stones represents a different part of the couples’ journey. One is for the past they have shared, one for current devotion to each other, and one for their future. If you’re looking for a custom designed ring that tells your love story, a past, present and future ring is perhaps the most romantic gesture you can give.

What makes your engagement ring even more unique rather than only showing your journey of love

The choice of her favorite gemstones or her birthstone varies according to personal taste but users often choose a colored centre stone flanked by two diamonds or a central diamond with colored stones either side. So, they make the engagement ring more journey specific and symbolic.  Let's take a look at some of the most popular designs.

Three diamonds

Diamonds are the most popular choice of stone for an engagement ring and often feature in past, present and future rings. Diamonds are considered the ultimate gemstone to represent forever love due to their durability and longevity. For maximum sparkle and scintillation, three round cut diamonds will light up any occasion.

Diamonds & Birthstones

If you want to add a splash of color to your ring, a mix of diamonds and birthstone is a popular choice. You can choose to use the wearer's birthstone in the center with a diamond either side or vice versa. Or to demonstrate the coming together, use the birthstone of each partner alongside a diamond to represent your union. 

Of course, you don’t have to use birthstones. There are many different precious and semi-precious stones available to choose from and if the wearer has a favorite color or gemstone, you might choose that.

 If you have a child, their birthstone might be chosen as the forever stone.This way better to celebrate a milestone anniversary with a three-stone ring of your family birthstones only or flanked by accent diamonds to add up to the glitz and glamour!

If you’re marrying a childhood sweetheart, you may want one stone to match the first ring or piece of jewelry you bought for them.

Shape, Size & Symmetry

When customizing your past, present and future ring, don’t be afraid to get creative. Try out different shapes and sizes of stone. At the design stage the world is your oyster (maybe pearls?) and the only limit is your imagination. Anything goes and you might surprise yourself with what works. Play around and try to create something that reflects your partner's personality. You don’t have to come up with something symmetrical.

Step on it

One arrangement that has proven universally popular is stepped stones. This design sees each stone getting gradually smaller to look like graduated steps. You can use diamonds or a mixture of different gemstones to achieve your desired effect.

However you choose to create your past, present and future ring, it should tell a story. Engagement and marriage are two significant steps in your life and the giving of this ring is an opportunity to celebrate how your love has grown as well as looking forward to exciting times ahead.

When creating your design, think about special moments in your relationship. These might be places, times or just special memories you shared. Try to think what colors, shapes or gemstones represent each memory. What is the symbolism behind choosing one stone over another?

A past, present and future ring makes a great conversation starter both for the two of you and for friends and family.

So, get your thinking cap on and dig deep to find those three stones that reflect your love for another in a unique way.

                                                                             Beth Behfar, Jewelry Blogger