I think you can keep it in a simple basket setting and I am pretty sure that is what she has. I went with a trellis so I could get a flush sitting band. You will probably need some sort of spacer with this low of a basket setting. I forgot I did a version of this ring in a basket setting for my SIL too.
I think you need to have at least 4 mm side stones for them to make it look like a 3 stone or else it will start looking like a solitaire with side stones (IMO). You have an average ring size so 4 mm is still pretty small for side stones. I would suggest a 9x7 brilliant elongated cushion with 4 mm lab diamond side stones if you go with the Chinese companies. I feel like once you get over 9x7 in the brilliant moissanite, they do start looking very splintery and a little less natural. I don’t prefer white gold because it is shiny and needs dipping. For the top of a setting though, you won’t have to dip it as often and it is probably fine.
Yeah, I don’t wear a band anyway so I could go with basket (as opposed to trellis), especially if that’s closer to what she has.
Any reason you recommend lab diamonds for the side stones, and not moissanite? And thanks on the advice about platinum, I hadn’t even thought about it-and certainly don’t wanna deal with any redipping with white gold..