I think if you replace the word 'plain' with 'classic' it is a better perspective. I'm sure he isn't thinking plain as in boring or uninteresting..but more simple and elegant and classic. Sometimes guys don't know how to say what they mean to make it sound good.

Do you think he might be overwhelmed by the options? At Christmas I sent my BIL some links for my SIL (she wanted gelish kit). I spelled it out very clearly and simply...Order this, this and this. he was still overwhelmed and didn't get it for her, lol.

The risk with presenting her with just a stone is that she may fall in love with a setting that is beyond the budget. Giving her a classic yet simple set gives the option to upgrade with nicer bands as finances allow.

What about the six prongs trellis?
http://www.moissaniteco.com/6prong-trellis-round-moissanite-solitaire-ring-p-8244.html
a couple more ideas
http://www.moissaniteco.com/round-moissanite-encircled-engagement-ring-p-8101.html
http://www.moissaniteco.com/round-cathedral-solitaire-with-surprise-diamond-p-8216.html
still solitaires and quite low,but maybe a bit more particular?

Oh, I really like the 6 prong trellis!! It's not as low but it isn't high either, the band sits flush, trellis plus 6 prongs to add interest and the price for both the ring and band is in the same range.

The solid band could be replaced with a moissy wedding band in the same price range.

http://www.moissaniteco.com/11stone-round-moissanite-sharedprong-ring-2mm-003ct-p-10533.html

I say the 3 stone ring to signify their 3 boys which are the product of their long and happy marriage. She could get the ring and decide later if she'd like to try a very thin band next to it. The gap is kinda charming. If she gets the band and the look doesn't grow on her, she could just wear the 3 stone ring by itself and wear the plain wedding band by itself on those days she wants something simple. Viola 2 rings! More bang for the buck! Whereas a wedding band with a notch or grove to fit the solitaire can't be worn on it's own without looking funny.

Here's what I mean - my 3 stone ring is the same style as the one you listed. Worn next to a 2mm palladium band.

I also really like the solitaire ring her husband chose.

Asu -- Great minds think alike. A couple of your suggestions were in my original pool of ideas. Just because they didn't make the first rounds of elimination doesn't mean they aren't still there. We can still go back with fresh eyes later, and maybe will.

tricksi -- Awesome selling point about the three stones and the three kids! I might have to use that little bit of psychology. Oh, I can hear the kids in my head fighting over who is the bigger center stone...

That's good! I also love the three stone you posted,btw!I'm sure that whatever ring he ends up choosing she will love it!
You are such a good friend!
I might add that I'm a bit jealous of you right now ? I would LOVE to have a friend loving and wanting bling and help them out with it,but none of them care about jewelry

Haha! Reminds me of when I was in high school, my friend's mom got an infinity symbol tattoo made out of two "S"s (both daughters had S names) in pink and purple...my friend and her sister always argued about who was the pink S!

Hadley, I'm so excited for your friend. What a fantastic gift. I wish them many more years of happiness!

With it being an anniversary upgradea nd her liking classic with a bit of flair, I really like the 3 stone ring for her. Especially for the past, present, future aspect of the 3 stone.
But I do think the "plain" ring is lovely too, very classic.

Oh you could be right. Maybe would have to stick with the past present future theme of the 3 stone ring.

OR, the center stone represents all 3 kids with mom and dad (smaller side stones) being the protectors, guardians and supporters of the middle.

Hey, a sparklie lover can find ANY WAY to justify a purchase or/or make the reasoning work.

I vote bypass, because it kind of reminds me of her original ring.

But then I love the flow of the 6 prong trellis, but be careful, that's a thick band - would that work will with her fingers?

And my thought on this one is that it gives him his classic clean look, with a little flair for her underneath. What do you girls think about replacing those with sapphires, rubies maybe? Would that color bleed up to the stone?