The power of three: When shall we three meet again?

The Three Witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth open the play with their predictions of Macbeth’s ascent to kingship. Yet they are not merely prophets of Macbeth’s fate but are forces that drive the plot. The number three holds a significant place elsewhere in literature, folklore, fairytale, sports, mysticism, and spirituality: the Three Musketeers, Three Little Pigs, three wishes, three chances, baseball’s three strikes, and the Trinity in Christianity, to name a few examples. The ancient Greeks, too, thought about the meaning of numbers and believed three to be the perfect number for many reasons.

Using words or ideas in groups of three offers rhythmic balance in language, as well as being persuasive by creating a sense of completeness in thought. Three is also a symbolic time marker–birth, life, and death; past, present, and future; beginning, middle, and end.

In jewelry, three plays an important role in design concepts, particularly for rings. The three-stone ring is one that features three gemstones, which may be identical or a central gem flanked by contrasting side stones. A three-stone ring, featuring all diamonds, is a classic and enduring choice. As an engagement ring, the idea of a trinity representing the past, present, and future communicates a message that strikes a chord with buyers.

One example of this style is an authentic antique English Art Deco ring set with high quality antique diamonds, radiant and scintillating. The extraordinary diamonds' crisp, broad faceting work telegraphs the Old World lapidary skills, placing them in the period just before modern Brilliant Cuts were produced, to c.1929. The diamonds are set in their original handcrafted platinum coronet setting. The thin, delicate band makes the diamonds look as though they are floating. It’s a magical ring.

In addition to all diamonds, a three-stone ring made of a colored center stone with different side stones is also a popular option. One such example is the Victorian Style Antique Ruby and Diamond ring, currently available at Jewels of Yesteryear. At the center is a cherry-red antique ruby, flush-set in a richly colored satin finish 18k yellow gold band. Flanking the ruby are a pair of perfectly matched antique Old European Cut diamonds. Their open culets, and the distinct, chunky floral faceting add up to a look that we love about antique diamonds. The gemstones in this ring have been reclaimed from other antique jewelry and thoughtfully repurposed.

This ring draws inspiration from 19th century rings, often referred to as ‘Gypsy’ rings, one of the beloved designs of the Victorian period (1837-1901). Victorians were known for their sentimentality, and jewelry was a discreet vehicle through which they expressed their emotions. Jewelry carried symbolic meanings for the giver and the receiver. Although styled after an antique, our ruby and diamond three-stone ring feels utterly modern in its pared down design. It has an incredible presence, with a hefty weight that hugs your finger. This exquisite work of art is a lovingly handcrafted bespoke piece made for Jewels Of Yesteryear. The romantic message ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’ comes alive in this ring.