What Makes A Solitaire Diamond The Perfect Engagement Ring?
The classic is a timeless choice that will never go out of style. Our collection of high-quality solitaire rings offers something for every budget and taste. Click here to learn more!
There are several reasons why the solitaire diamond still accounts for up to 70% of all diamond engagement rings sold in the U.S., as it has done for decades. That’s an extraordinary percentage.
It is not hard to understand why they’ve been the style of choice for celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston and Mila Kunis. Firstly, their timeless and classic design makes them stand out from the crowd of other engagement rings. They are elegant, and understated and they will never go out of style. Their timelessness guarantees that you will not think them dated-looking, tacky, tasteless or overly elaborate in the years to come.
The second group of reasons are symbolic ones. The single diamond in a solitaire diamond ring represents the unity of the couple as they face their marriage together. It represents the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The diamond symbolizes the idea that their love is strong and enduring, and it will last forever. Diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, measuring a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, so the mere durability and longevity of a diamond also has huge significance in an engagement ring.
Thirdly, solitaire diamond rings are available in a wide range of styles and price points, making them accessible to couples with different budget levels. Whether you are looking for a simple and classic design or a more elaborate and unique style, there is a solitaire diamond ring that will meet your style without challenging your wallet.
What exactly is a solitaire ring?
You’ve probably heard the term solitaire, but what exactly is a solitaire ring? A solitaire – taken from the French word for ‘solitary’ ‘single’ or ‘alone’ – simply means a ring design that features a single stone, not flanked by other side stones or surrounded by a halo. It sits alone in the precious metal band, flying solo, so to speak. This means the focus of the ring is the single diamond or other single gemstones, not an intricate setting or multiple side stones. With a solitaire silhouette, your eye is drawn to the brilliance of the diamond while the setting and band serve as a foundation for the central showpiece. Solitaire diamonds generally demand good clarity, cut and color but they don’t necessarily need to have a heavy carat weight. They can be small and delicate and still make an impact.
Any diamond shape can be set in a solitaire ring – emerald, princess, marquise, cushion, oval, even heart-shaped – though round brilliant cut diamonds are still the most popular.
History of Solitaire Diamond Rings
The origins of the solitaire diamond ring can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a single uncut diamond was set within a gold band and used as a symbol of power and authority. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages, however, that they began to be used in engagement rings. In the late 19th-century diamond rings became available and affordable due to the discovery of diamond mines in South Africa. The De Beers diamond company, founded in 1888, launched a marketing campaign in the 1940s that helped to popularize the diamond solitaire ring as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. The slogan “A Diamond is Forever” became famous and is still used today.
Types of Solitaire Diamond Rings
There are several types of solitaire diamond rings available, each with its own unique style and design. Despite being the most popular engagement ring style, each one can reflect your own personality and tastes, from the shape of the diamond to the design of the basket and the claws. Yours does not have to look exactly the same as someone else’s, as there are many features and specifications to make yours as unique as you both are.
Some of the most popular types of solitaire diamond rings include:
- Classic Solitaire Four-Prong Diamond Ring: This is the bedrock of single-stone engagement rings. It was made popular in the 1950s and has the minimum number of claws or prongs needed to set the center diamond safely while allowing maximum light, sparkle and brightness to enter it. The four-prong solitaire is perfect for round brilliant cut diamonds, which have 58 facets for maximum light reflection, and four-cornered diamonds such as emerald or princess cuts. It also works well for smaller center diamonds as it has the minimum amount of precious metal covering the diamond and blocking the light.
- Six- Claw or Six- Prong Solitaire: The most famous example of this is the Tiffany setting. It has six minimalistic prongs that raise the diamond above the band. It dates to 1886 when Charles Tiffany gave his name to it. This is the second most popular choice in prong settings, and it works well with round, marquise and oval shaped solitaires. It has the practical benefit of holding the central diamond more firmly in place, so it is ideal for those with an active lifestyle who want to wear their ring every day.
- Cathedral Solitaire Diamond Ring: The cathedral solitaire diamond ring features a diamond that is held in place by prongs that extend from the band. The prongs are designed to resemble the arches of a cathedral, giving the ring a classic and elegant look.
- Bezel-Set Solitaire Diamond Ring: This setting has become increasingly popular in recent years and features a diamond that is held in place by a metal rim that surrounds the stone. This design is popular among active, sporty individuals with outdoor lifestyles, as it provides added protection for the diamond. It is also recommended for softer gemstones such as emeralds, which have a lower Mohs Hardness Scale rating of 7.5 to 8. Bezel settings were the only way to set diamonds into a ring for thousands of years, but the modern bezel is refined, clean and sculptural – and far from old-fashioned looking. The rim around the gemstone can be said to represent a love that can’t be broken.
- Tension-Set Solitaire Diamond Ring: The tension-set solitaire diamond ring features a diamond that is held in place by the tension of the band. This design gives the impression that the diamond is floating above the band, creating a unique and modern look.
- Basket Set Diamond Solitaire: This has additional horizontal bands that connect to the prongs holding the diamond in place. Together they form a basket in which the for the diamond sits. It is a higher durability setting for a solitaire but means that the stone’s sparkle is a little less than the classic prong design because there is more precious metal covering it up.
- Compass Setting Solitaire Ring: This is an interesting variation on the classic four-prong style and features prongs which lie north, south, east and west on the stone, like compass points. This makes the central diamond appear rounder and is preferred by many couples over the basket or box setting.
- Bypass Setting Solitaire Ring: A classic with a twist, the bypass has bands that overlap and part, rather than a continuous loop around the central diamond. It dates back to Victorian times, but still looks unique and contemporary today. This type of solitaire cannot be stacked with other rings due to its shape.
Here are some of the fine solitaire rings we currently have in our collection at Dover:
GIA 1.56 Carat H VVS2 Round Cut White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
GIA 1.14 Emerald-Cut Diamond I-VS1 Solitaire Engagement Gold Ring
Assortment of Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings at Doverjewelry.com
Timeless, versatile, elegant, symbolic and simple, the diamond solitaire is the perfect choice for an engagement ring.
Whether you’re looking for a classic diamond solitaire or a unique vintage design, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect ring. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or browse our Estate Jewelry Collection online.
We look forward to helping you find the perfect Diamond Engagement Ring that will be treasured for a lifetime.
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