A solitaire setting brings timeless elegance to any engagement ring, with its single diamond making a bold statement—could this classic style be the perfect choice for your proposal?

Navigate This Guide:

• Introduction
• 7 Practical Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring and Examining Solitaire Settings 
• The Fundamentals of Solitaire Diamond Settings
• Exploring Solitaire Setting Variations for Engagement Rings
• Solitaire vs Halo vs Pavé
• Choosing the Right Diamond for a Solitaire Engagement Ring
• Solitaire Engagement Ring Average Costs
• Conclusion
• 7 FAQs

Introduction

There is always a reason why the classics come to be known as ‘the classics’, and that fact has never been better demonstrated than it is by the diamond solitaire engagement ring. Simplistic, elegant and, more than any other style, synonymous with the romance and excitement of a proposal, it truly is – and will likely always be – the classic choice.

Not only that, but it’s also highly versatile and lends itself to a more modern bride, just as it continues to represent a traditional option for the more traditional wearer. For that reason alone, it should certainly sit high on your list of ‘potentials and maybes’ when you’re exploring an online store in the lead-up to your decision.

Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:

7 Practical Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring and Examining Solitaire Settings 

When selecting a diamond engagement ring, especially one with a solitaire setting, certain key aspects need careful consideration. These tips are tailored to help you make an informed choice.

• Tip 1: Understand the 4Cs of Diamond Quality:
  The 4Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat – are critical in choosing a diamond. For solitaire settings, the diamond’s quality is paramount since it’s the focal point of the ring.
  Cut: Determines the diamond’s brilliance. A well-cut diamond will have more sparkle.
  Color: Ranges from colorless to yellow. In solitaire settings, go for higher color grades for a clear and vibrant appearance.
  Clarity: Look for a diamond that is eye-clean, where inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye.
  Carat: Solitaire settings can make the diamond appear larger, so you might opt for a slightly smaller carat weight to stay within budget.
• Tip 2: Choose the Right Setting for Durability and Style:
  The setting of your solitaire diamond not only dictates the ring’s style but also its durability.
  Prong Settings: Most common for solitaire rings. Decide between 4-prong or 6-prong settings. More prongs offer better security, but 4 prongs can make the diamond appear larger.
  Metal Choice: Platinum is durable and maintains its appearance over time, while gold offers a classic look. Consider the wearer’s lifestyle and metal preference.
• Tip 3: Pay Attention to the Diamond’s Shape and Symmetry:
  Solitaire rings can accommodate various diamond shapes. Each shape offers a unique appeal and the symmetry is crucial for the overall look.
  Round Diamonds: Classic and popular, they offer maximum sparkle.
  Fancy Shapes: Options like oval, pear, or marquise can offer a distinctive look and may appear larger per carat compared to round diamonds.
• Tip 4: Inspect the Ring’s Profile and Mounting:
  The side view and mounting of the diamond can impact the ring’s overall aesthetics.
  Cathedral Setting: Offers a graceful arch and can make the diamond appear larger.
  Low vs. High Setting: A low setting is less prone to snagging and can be more practical for everyday wear. A high setting can enhance the diamond’s visibility but may be more vulnerable to impacts.
• Tip 5: Consider the Band’s Width and Design:
  The band’s width and design play a significant role in the ring’s overall appearance and comfort.
  Thin Bands: Make the diamond stand out more, but ensure the band is sturdy enough.
  Band Design: Simple bands are timeless, while intricate designs can add a unique touch. Ensure the design complements the diamond and doesn’t overpower it.
• Tip 6: Look for Quality Craftsmanship:
  The craftsmanship of the ring affects its durability and appearance. Pay attention to the finishing touches.
  Smooth Finish: Ensures comfort and a premium feel. Secure Setting: Check that the diamond is securely mounted and doesn’t wobble.
• Tip 7: Plan for Long-term Maintenance:
  Solitaire rings, while typically simpler, still require maintenance to keep them shining.
  Regular Cleaning: Keeps the diamond sparkling and the band in good condition.
  Periodic Checks: Have the prongs and setting checked regularly to ensure the diamond remains secure.

Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:

The Fundamentals of Solitaire Diamond Settings

We have all no doubt encountered plenty of solitaire diamond rings in person, on TV and in the movies throughout our lives, although you may not have realised it until now…

Defining the Solitaire

The term diamond solitaire refers to any item of jewelry featuring one single diamond. This means there is only one stone set in the entire piece of jewelry with no other stones flanking or surrounding it. Diamond solitaires can be found on earrings, necklaces, and other types of jewelry, but they are most famously connected with engagement rings.

As you may have guessed, the word ‘solitaire’ is borrowed from the French, and translates to solitary. It is, of course, a prime example of the innate beauty of a diamond that it requires no extra embellishments or additional gemstones to make a major impact.

The diamond solitaire is also considered to be a symbol of true love, with the single stone representing the singularity and strength of the relationship.

Whether you’re a romantic to the core or have simply fallen for the irreplaceable elegance of the diamond solitaire ring, our appreciation for this style is pretty much unanimous.

The History of the Solitaire Setting

This design is thought to be more than 540 years old, although archaeologists think that diamonds have been charming us for thousands of years.

Across centuries, skilled jewelers have worked tirelessly to put their own, exacting touches on the traditional diamond solitaire – but, even now, nothing quite compares to the original design.

Exploring Solitaire Setting Variations for Engagement Rings

Although Solitaire Engagement rings simply have a single center stone as their centerpiece, they can be matched with a variety of settings to create that one-of-a-kind ring you’re looking for. 

How the Diamond is Set

From the cathedral to the split shank and the knife edge, there are so many ways to make your solitaire unique. Each one will subtly change the profile of the ring, and create something unique but instantly recognizable. 

The type of setting chosen for a solitaire diamond is meant to show off the beauty of the one brilliant stone – and the personality of its intended wearer. A few different types of settings work well with a solitaire diamond ring, with the most common being the four and six-prong solitaire settings.

For instance, the four prongs visible on this Princess Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring represent one of the most popular choices, since they hold the diamond securely in place without covering more of the top or sides (known as the table, crown and pavilion of the diamond) than necessary. This ensures that as much light as possible enters the diamond from all angles – in turn, meaning that the wear gets maximum sparkle with every movement they make.

One of the most famous settings, the Tiffany setting, is characterized by six prongs, rather than four. These six prongs are recognizable by their extended reach, effectively lifting the stone much higher over the finger.

There are, however, plenty of other setting types that prove highly complementary to the diamond solitaire.

This Emerald Cut Cathedral Engagement Ring, for example, preserves the overall impression of the diamond solitaire but, when the wearer lifts her hand and examines the profile of the ring, those subtle arches of the cathedral setting add a beautiful final touch to this classic shape.

Similarly, the split shank – or, in other words, a technique used by jewelers to split the metal band of the ring into two separate ends – can also add a touch of intricacy to the diamond solitaire.

The Best Settings for Solitaires 

If you want to celebrate the classic shape of the solitaire diamond, then a four pronged setting on a shank of plain gold or platinum will never steer you wrong.

However, there’s more than one way of celebrating this massively influential style.

As we mentioned above, there’s a long list of setting options that can complement a lone diamond, and many of them are capable of very subtly modifying the ring’s overall style.

A bezel setting, for instance, is a highly modern, minimalist-inspired alternative to the use of a prong. The same goes for the tension setting, also capable of reinventing that original diamond solitaire for a thoroughly modern bride.

Still, when it comes to getting the most out of your diamond, there really is nothing better than a four prong setting. This remains the ultimate design choice for anyone who wants maximum sparkle, and to show off the high quality of their chosen diamond.

For this, you’ll want to look for a diamond that has been graded well according to all of the four Cs. Our GIA Diamond Look Up is a great place to start.

Solitaire vs Halo vs Pavé

Three of the most popular engagement ring settings are the Halo, Solitaire, and Pave. The main differences between the three lie in the band choices. A Solitaire is a single stone set on the band with no additional diamonds or stones surrounding it.

The Halo also contains a single diamond or stone in the center but is surrounded “or haloed” by smaller diamonds around the band using shared prongs.

A Pave setting also contains one center stone but is flanked “or paved” with smaller diamonds set closely together and held together by tiny prongs that push up metal from the ring to create a paved surface of diamonds.

The smaller diamonds are set in a series in a Halo, whereas with Pave settings, the diamonds are paved, often resembling old cobblestone streets paved with stones. Pave settings provide an endless view of sparkling diamonds.

Choosing the Right Diamond for a Solitaire Engagement Ring

It goes without saying that anyone in the market for a diamond solitaire is probably thinking more about the diamond than any other feature so, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about that solitary gem.

What Carat Weight to Choose

A diamond solitaire can be any carat weight but, for an engagement ring, we’d recommend going no lower than 0.75 – preferably one carat or more, so that it makes the biggest impact possible.

Most jewelers are reluctant to go below 0.3 carats for solitaire diamond settings, although we wouldn’t recommend going that small, as it may look a little ‘lost’ on the finger. 

Half-carat solitaires are common for engagement rings with prices ranging from around $1,000 to $2,500. The larger the carat, the more expensive the ring becomes and can reach anywhere up to $25,000. 

The Best Diamond Shapes for Solitaire Engagement Rings

If we’re going off popularity alone, then the round cut. Your bride-to-be’s heart might lie in a different direction, however.

Every diamond cut offers its own unique twist on the solitaire shape. Round and fancy cuts will sparkle the most, while step cuts will create that lustrous depth and geometric elegance. Round cuts will cost more, while the more unusual cuts will probably give you more wiggle room on size and clarity.

In essence, every good quality diamond cut is beautiful and shows off a unique side to the diamond used. Below, we look at the different shapes, and how they can make their own mark on the solitaire ring design.

• Princess-Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

The Princess-cut Solitaire engagement ring is a timeless look with sharp lines and gorgeous shine and one of the world’s most popular diamond engagement rings. It looks stunning paired with white, rose, and yellow gold as well as platinum bands.

• Round-Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Round-cut Solitaires are known to be a classic engagement ring choice, displaying stunning fire and brilliance. Brides love combining this look with yellow and rose gold bands for a dramatic look.

• Pear-Shaped Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Often called the teardrop ring, Pear-shared Solitaires are elegant and unique – perfect for a one-of-a-kind, sophisticated bride.

• Cushion-Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Stemming from their softly rounded, pillow-resembling corners, the Cushion Cut Solitaire is a great way to make a statement. They are widely popular and give off an elegant and sophisticated sparkle.

• Oval Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Oval Solitaires aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! Their timeless and sophisticated look makes them just as popular today as they were years ago. It’s a classic shape with an elegant, feminine feel.

• Marquise Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Also referred to as “navette” or little boat, Marquise Solitaire diamond engagement rings are long and narrow containing a large surface area, creating the illusion that it’s larger than it actually is. Its unmistakable shape makes it an eye-stopping ring.

• Emerald-Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Emerald-cut Solitaires are step cut with a larger table, offering a rare type of beauty from other classic Solitaire settings, creating a chic and elegant look for brides who want a unique look.

Solitaire Engagement Ring Average Costs

A 1 carat diamond, which is the average carat weight for engagement rings, can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $12,000, although there will be a significant difference in quality between the two.

A diamond’s value is not based on weight alone. Its quality and its shape are also just as important to consider when the price is determined.

In general, the price of a highly graded, one-carat diamond solitaire ring will cost anywhere between $4,500 – $6,000. For example, a 1-carat diamond with G color and SI1 clarity will cost around $6,000, which can be paired nicely with both white gold and yellow gold bands.

As we mentioned above, the round cut is almost always the more expensive choice, for two important reasons: first of all, it’s the most popular and, second of all, it’s one of the most complex shapes to get right.

Some cuts, like the emerald cut, are less popular and, as a result, will probably allow you to get a greater carat weight for the same amount of money.

As always, however, the jewelry world is constantly seeing new and returning trends as celebrities and movies re-popularize certain styles, so diamond prices will shift accordingly.

A Solitaire Diamond: Making a Good Investment

Most people who buy a Solitaire diamond look at it as a lifetime investment, not a temporary one. It’s given as a gesture of love, commitment, and spending forever together. Still, a diamond ring is a big investment – one of the biggest any of us will make in our lives – and it helps to know that our money is going toward something that will stay valuable for the long haul.

For those of us who aren’t experts, the high cost of diamonds can be explained by how rare and popular they are. Look beneath the surface, however, and you discover the many factors that go into determining the cost of any diamond.

Carat weight, and the stone’s grades for color, clarity and cut all determine the price – and you need to understand these in order to know whether or not you’re making a sound investment. You also need to be able to trust that you’re browsing from a reputable online source since there are plenty of retailers out there who will overcharge on diamonds that are too flawed to be considered good investments.

So, brush up on your diamond knowledge, and take a look at the WillYou store to start your journey for a sound investment.

Conclusion

In our opinion, this is one style you can’t falter on so long as you find a beautiful diamond to tie it all together. While the more decadent styles certainly have their place in our hearts, the simple lines and silhouette of the diamond solitaire can never be unseated as the epitome of romance.

A well-made diamond solitaire engagement ring is, however, deceptively simple. The relatively basic shape of the ring (when compared with other styles, like the halo) can lure some shoppers into believing that creating a solitaire diamond ring is easy – or, in the very least, easier.

Still, as with most things in life, the simplest creations are often the hardest to master since every minor flaw will be glaringly obvious in the completed piece. For this reason, we would implore any of our readers to avoid retailers who do not have our high standards or quality control. 

If you’re drawn to the diamond solitaire engagement ring, then you’re certainly not alone. There’s no need to go ‘all out’ on additional design features and sparkle if those simple, elegant lines – and the timeless romance of this classic piece – have already won you over for good.

7 FAQs

• Q: What Makes a Solitaire Setting Unique for Engagement Rings?
• A: A solitaire setting features a single diamond, emphasizing its brilliance and size without distraction from other stones. Its simplicity and elegance make it a timeless choice for engagement rings.
• Q: How Do I Choose Between a 4-Prong and 6-Prong Solitaire Setting?
• A: Choose a 4-prong setting to maximize the diamond’s visibility and light entry, ideal for smaller diamonds. Opt for a 6-prong setting for added security, especially for larger diamonds.
• Q: Can Solitaire Settings Accommodate Different Diamond Shapes?
• A: Yes, solitaire settings are versatile and can accommodate various diamond shapes, including round, oval, princess, and more, allowing for personalization according to taste.
• Q: What Are the Best Metals for Solitaire Diamond Rings?
• A: Platinum is durable and maintains its appearance over time, while gold, available in various colors like yellow, white, and rose, offers a traditional look. The choice depends on personal preference and lifestyle.
• Q: How Can I Ensure the Durability of My Solitaire Engagement Ring?
• A: Choose a setting that secures the diamond firmly, such as a well-crafted prong setting. Opt for a band that balances elegance and sturdiness, and ensure regular maintenance and checks.
• Q: Is a Solitaire Setting Suitable for Active Lifestyles?
• A: Yes, especially if you choose a low-profile setting that minimizes the risk of snagging and damage. Consider a setting with fewer prongs for ease of wear.
• Q: How Should I Care for My Solitaire Diamond Ring?
• A: Regular cleaning with gentle solutions keeps the diamond shining. Periodic professional inspections are recommended to check the prongs and overall integrity of the setting.

Explore the world of solitaire diamond settings with JewelerAI and find your perfect engagement ring effortlessly. Get started now!