What is a solitaire?
A Solitaire diamond is a single diamond. This popular term refers to jewellery set with a single diamond.
To clarify, “Solitaire” refers to any piece of jewellery set with one gemstone. Furthermore, the term refers to earrings and pendants.
Most people associate a solitaire diamond with the classic engagement ring design.
At the same time the word “Solitaire” is a popular game using playing cards. This card game dates from the mid 18th Century. Today, many people play solitaire games on their phones or devices.
The iconic solitaire engagement ring
The most popular type of solitaire jewellery is the iconic solitaire diamond engagement ring. Think of the Tiffany setting when you think of an engagement ring.
In fact, Tiffany & Co. brought the engagement ring true fame with the classic round diamond engagement ring. Tiffany boosted Platinum engagement rings to new heights. Set with a single diamond, a Platinum solitaire provides a secure setting. In addition it gives plenty of strength to hold a diamond.
After round diamonds the square Princess cut is the second most popular diamond cut for solitaire rings.
Beatrice, a beautiful traditional engagement ring available for most diamond sizes.
Popular diamond solitaire shapes
Video showing some of the popular solitaire diamond shapes.
Popular diamond solitaire shapes
Video showing some of the popular solitaire diamond shapes.
The most popular diamond solitaire engagement rings feature round brilliant cut diamonds. However, many other diamond shapes exist.
In addition to the popular Round and Princess cut, many more diamond shapes exist. In fact, many unique diamond shapes exist. For example, the Ten Commandments diamond cut!
Finally, Antique diamond cuts arise. Typically salvaged from Vintage jewellery, the Old Mine Cut, surfaces at auction.
Popular Diamond Solitaire Shapes
Round Solitaire – The round brilliant cut diamond. The most popular round diamond shape with 57 facets. This design features frequently in single diamond rings.
Princess Solitaire – Square princess cut diamond. Second most popular, the square Princess cut features over 70 facets.
Emerald-Cut Solitaire – Rectangular step-cut diamond. A more subtle diamond shape, cut for fire rather than brilliance.
Oval Solitaire – Similar to the round brilliant but elongated. Excellent for size but less popular than the round.
Marquise Solitaire – Boat-shaped with pointed ends. Marquise diamond give a beautiful elongated diamond with plenty of elegance.
Heart Solitaire – Most romantic heart-shaped brilliant cut. Popular for Valentines day and buyers either love or hate the heart-shape.
What makes the solitaire diamond ring so popular?
In addition to Tiffany, DeBeers gave solitaire rings a boost. DeBeers came up with one of the most popular advertising campaigns in the World.
A young copywriter working for N. W. Ayer & Son, Frances Gerety coined the phrase “Diamonds are Forever.” As a result, the solitaire diamond soared in popularity.
DeBeers gave us a suggestion about how many month’s salaries commit to a purchase. Their romantic TV adverts forged the modern proposal on bended knee.
As a result, the solitaire ring became an iconic symbol of romance.
Butterfly inspired Papillon solitaire engagement ring
Is it possible to buy a solitaire setting without the diamond?
Many ring buyers already own their own diamond. For example, an inherited diamond. For this reason, it is possible to purchase just a solitaire setting without the stone. Furthermore, we make finished settings without a diamond.
We offer this service for private and trade clients. Some of our solitaire settings appear with an option to purchase without a stone. Browse our guidance page on ring mounts or contact us for more help.
The Annabelle solitaire ring is crafted in a choice of precious metals
How much would you pay for a Solitaire engagement ring?
Expect to pay anything from £500.00 for a small diamond ring. Remember, price varies greatly depending on the size and quality of a diamond. In addition, metal choice affects price.
Solitaire rings set with alternative gemstones
We make many single stone engagement rings with coloured gemstones. Gemstones add a vibrant burst of colour.
Some are supplied by clients. But, we also source gems for clients. Many exist as limited edition coloured gemstones. Some feature on our website.
Unusual Purple Spinel solitaire ring featuring forked shoulders. Bespoke commission created in the Elsa solitaire ring style.
What is the best quality for a solitaire diamond?
There are four factors which affect the value of a diamond. They are referred to as the 4 C’s. Thy include colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
The value of a diamond comes from all four factors. To explain, the combination of carat weight, colour, clarity and cut gives a diamond its value. For example, take a D colour diamond.
Factor in a Flawless clarity grade. Then, add an excellent cut. Finally, choose a high carat weight. As a result, you have a very expensive diamond!
Examples of diamond solitaire engagement rings
At Serendipity Diamonds we create amazing solitaire engagement rings. In fact, we deliver solitaire designs worldwide.
We are one of the few jewellers to include tax and duty. Our solitaire rings are sent to the furthest corners of the World.
We carry most designs on our website and within our brand new Ryde showroom.
Besides online purchases, we help many clients in person by phone or by email. In addition, we have clients visiting us from the UK and overseas.
Example of the Destiny engagement ring – 1 carat solitaire example in 18ct Yellow Gold
Click on the images below to view the design.
Solitaire in the Unity ring design
Unity. Our most popular solitaire engagement ring. Shown here set with a 1.20 carat diamond.
The diamond is held between each side of the ring over a polished setting. In fact, we create a matching shaped wedding ring to match this design.
The Ella engagement ring. A perfect four claw round solitaire ring design. In addition, we craft many other 4 claw solitaire styles in many contemporary styles.
This example shows a 1 carat round diamond solitaire engagement ring.
Beau solitaire ring style. Similar designs feature slight differences. This elegant setting features a simple four claw arrangement. 1 carat round diamond solitaire engagement ring set into white gold.
The Orion solitaire engagement ring design breaks from the tradition. A solitaire style with a fresh, clean look. Crafted with a sweeping part-bezel, the opposite claw holds the diamond in place.
The flute engagement ring styled with six claws. This solitaire diamond setting benefits from added height. The tall, fluted setting with a web-like design includes tall, slim shoulders.
View additional designs, by continuing to browse the full collection in our shop.
Where does your solitaire engagement ring come from?
When you buy a solitaire diamond ring, how do you know the origin of the ring? Certainly, the ring came from the jeweller. But, where did the diamond and Gold originate? Few buyers ask such questions on origin.
One of our unique services helps to answer this question. Many of the rings we make include details of where the materials came from.
For example, some of our diamonds originate from Canada. In addition, they include details of the mine of origin.
These include the Ekati and Diavik mines. CanadaMark diamonds include a unique serial number to identify them.
This number accompanies the diamond from the mine to the cutting process. T
he number appears on the side of the diamond in addition to the GIA report number. The final, most important aspect sets CanadaMark diamonds apart. All CanadaMark diamonds are 100% ethically sourced.
Next, let us discuss the precious metal. We offer choices including Platinum, White Gold and Rose Gold. Our ethical metals include the option to buy Fairtrade Gold. Fairtrade Gold comes from Fairtrade certified mines.
Artisanal miners receive a fair price for the Gold they mine. In addition, they receive a premium to spend on projects of their choice. These include schools, health centres, and work to provide clean water.
Fairtrade Gold is 100% ethical. A solitaire diamond ring should carry such standards.
In summary, we put both parts of the ring together. Combined, buyers receive a totally ethical diamond engagement ring.
Both systems, CanadaMark and Fairtrade are independently audited. Both give people reassurance on how our jewellery is made. And, most importantly where the materials came from.
Alternatives to the classic solitaire engagement ring
Without straying off topic, we have many alternatives to the solitaire engagement ring. For example, two stone, three stone and cluster ring designs.
Are solitaire rings cheaper than other styles?
If you choose a ring with more than one diamond, the price will be less than a single diamond ring. This is based on the same colour and clarity of diamonds.
For example, a one carat solitaire engagement ring costs more than a 1 carat two stone engagement ring. Smaller diamonds have a lower cost per carat.
This is due to their rarity. Larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds. As carat weight increases, so does cost.
Can you put a bigger diamond into the same ring?
Most settings are made to hold a specific diamond size. For this reason, a bigger diamond cannot be added into the same ring.
When we carry out this work, we remove the original setting. This can only be done if the ring is a two part ring. This means it has been created with a separate shank and head.
Firstly, we remove the original setting. Next we create an identical setting built for a bigger diamond. Next, we mount the new setting on the original shank.
Finally, we set the bigger diamond and polish the ring. The result is the exact same ring design. The ring includes the original band, but with the new, bigger diamond.
We offset the cost of the new ring against any scrap metal. Some clients provide additional items of jewellery to scrap in this way. We simply drop the item on the scales.
Then, we calculate the gram weight and scrap metal cost on the day. Finally, we subtract this price from the cost of all work.
In some instances, we buy the original diamond. This helps clients. For this reason, we recommend keeping your original paperwork safe and sound.
About Mark Johnson
Mark attended Liverpool University and went on to pursue a career in the diamond industry. After more than a decade working in polished diamonds, Mark moved to the Isle of Wight where he launched Serendipity Diamonds. He works most days from their busy Ryde showroom, photographing jewellery and writing for the Serendipity Diamonds website.