What is a solitaire diamond?
A Solitaire diamond is a single diamond. This popular term refers to jewellery set with a single diamond. “Solitaire” refers to any piece of jewellery set with one gemstone. Furthermore, the term refers to earrings and pendants.
In addition, references to the word “Solitaire” relate to the popular game using playing cards.
The iconic solitaire diamond engagement ring
The most popular type of solitaire diamond jewellery has to be the iconic solitaire diamond engagement ring. Visualise the classic Tiffany setting when you think of an engagement ring. Although many variations exist, jewellers such as Tiffany & Co. popularised the classic solitaire design. Interestingly, the classic round brilliant cut diamond is most popular for engagement rings. As an example, the Platinum solitaire is a perfect example of a classic engagement ring. Coupled with a solitaire diamond, Platinum provides a secure setting with enough strength to retain a diamond. Next, the Princess cut diamond enjoys a second place in terms of popularity.
Beatrice is a beautiful traditional engagement ring which suits small and large diamonds in a variety of precious metals.
Popular diamond solitaire shapes
Video showing some of the popular solitaire diamond shapes.
The most popular diamond solitaire engagement rings contain a round brilliant cut diamond, yet so many other diamond shapes exist. In addition to the popular Round and Princess cut, an enormous catalogue of diamond cuts exist. Beyond the common shapes, highly specialist solitaire styles exist. Finally, there are antique solitaire cuts including the Old Mine Cut, often sourced in jewellery from auction houses.
Round Solitaire – Round brilliant cut diamond
Princess Solitaire – Square princess cut diamond
Emerald-Cut Solitaire – Rectangular step-cut diamond
Oval Solitaire – Similar to the round brilliant but elongated
Marquise Solitaire – Boat-shaped with pointed ends
Heart Solitaire – Most romantic heart-shaped brilliant cut
What makes the solitaire diamond ring so popular?
The popularity of the solitaire diamond engagement ring derives from marketing campaigns by companies including De Beers. From the USA to Japan, marketing included guidance on how many month’s salaries commit to a purchase. Together with romantic scenes in luxury surroundings, the modern proposal was forged on bended knee. Soon, 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?
If you’re one of the many individuals who already own a diamond, it is possible to purchase a solitaire setting. We provide many of our designs without the diamond. 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 diamond ring is crafted in a choice of precious metals
How much would you pay for a Solitaire diamond ring?
For the most part, expect to pay anything from £500.00 for a small solitaire diamond ring. Usually, depending on the diamond size, colour and clarity chosen, the price will vary hugely. Furthermore, this price difference may be considerable. In addition, precious metal choice influences cost. As a result, we recommend 18ct Gold or Platinum for durability.
Solitaire rings set with alternative gemstones
Most of our solitaire engagement ring designs can be set with alternative gemstone options. Gemstones add a vibrant burst of colour. We source many unique gemstones each month for our commissions and include some of the limited edition coloured gemstones on our website pages—all suitable for adding to our solitaire ring styles.
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 criteria which affect the value of a diamond. Collectively, they are referred to as the 4 C’s. These include colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
A combination of the very best colour (whiteness of a diamond) along with the best clarity (the existence of natural characteristics in the diamond) results in the best quality solitaire diamond. Combined with an excellent cut, polish and symmetry you have the best possible diamond. As a result, D colour Internally Flawless diamond is regarded as the highest quality.
Examples of diamond solitaire engagement rings
At Serendipity Diamonds we create amazing solitaire engagement rings. In fact, we deliver solitaire designs worldwide. Incidentally, 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.
Click on the images below to view the design.
Solitaire in the Unity ring design
Unity, one of our most popular solitaire engagement rings shown here set with a 1.20 carat diamond. Please note that we cannot create this design as a finished ring mount. Instead, this design is created as a complete ring owing to the technical expertise required to model the ring.
Showing 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.
Beau solitaire ring style. Subtle variations in style produce entirely different solitaire ring designs. As a result, this four claw design boasts simple styling with a secure four claw setting.
The popular Orion solitaire engagement ring design breaks from the traditional solitaire appearance with fresh, modern styling. Crafted with a sweeping part-bezel, the diamond is held in place by the opposing single claw.
The flute engagement ring has been styled with a geometric six claw solitaire diamond setting with added height. This tall, fluted setting has a web-like appearance with tall, slender shoulders.
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. Anyone interested can connect with Mark on Linkedin via the profile link.
