Ultimate Guide for Solitaire Center Engagement Ring 2023

A solitaire ring is easily one of the most recognizable engagement ring designs. Its classic look and quiet elegance are indeed beyond compare. A solitaire ring is bold and minimalist at once. Its delicacy stands out, and its unadorned beauty commands attention. No wonder the solitaire is the engagement ring of choice of classic brides-to-be who prefer their sparklers to be modest and restrained yet immaculately tailored and eternally sophisticated.

If you’re looking for that perfect solitaire engagement ring, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a guide to help you get to know a solitaire engagement ring further and see that even in its simplicity, it still embraces variety and promises versatility.

What Does Solitaire Mean in Engagement Rings?

In the jewelry world, solitaire is a technical term used to refer to a gemstone’s setting where it is on its own, with no other gems to distract from the star of the show. It is a word used to describe any jewelry that contains a single stone, like solitaire stud earrings and diamond solitaire necklaces. Colloquially, solitaire most often refers to a ring with a single diamond. When one hears the word solitaire, the first thing that comes to mind is a diamond engagement ring with a single diamond acting as the centerpiece.

Why is it called a solitaire?

The word “solitaire” comes from solus, which means “alone” in Latin. It perfectly describes a lone diamond sitting high on a polished metal band. The solitary diamond also represents the singular love one has for her bride-to-be.

Characteristics of a Solitaire Diamond Ring

You can find solitaire diamond engagement rings in different metal alloys, diamond cuts, and diamond settings. They will differ in design and aesthetic appeal but they will all bear just a single diamond.

A solitaire diamond ring will have a single prominent diamond mounted on a metal band. Gold is a popular metal choice, and the round cut is the most common diamond shape.

How Big Should the Solitaire Be?

There is no rule on how many carats a solitaire engagement ring should have. According to experts, the average diamond weight for a solitaire engagement ring is within 1.00 to 2.00 carats, with 1-carat being the most popular and 3-carats being significantly big. The demand for a 1-carat diamond is high, so expect a price jump for this diamond weight.

A good alternative for a 1-carat round diamond solitaire is a well-cut 0.90-carat diamond. Diamonds weighing 0.50 to 0.70 carats are also excellent for solitaire engagement rings as they offer a stand-out size and a beautiful sparkle at a more budget-friendly cost.

What to Consider When Buying a Solitaire Engagement Ring

When shopping for this iconic symbol of commitment, remember that the diamond is the main attraction. All eyes will be on the single diamond, so you have to carefully pick the lone gem that will do most of the work to make the ring stand out. Aside from considering the 4Cs of diamond buying (cut, color, clarity, and carat), you may also want to factor in how the diamond setting will fit your fiancée-to-be’s style, personality, and lifestyle. The metal type and its finish must also be considered.

Since you’re getting an engagement ring, you may also want to consider how it matches the wedding band. Solitaire engagement rings can be paired easily with a wedding ring because of its minimal design.

To date, there is no standard classification for solitaire diamond engagement rings. They just come with different features and details, with styles defined mainly by the diamond cut and setting.

Which is the best stone cut for a solitaire diamond

A solitaire ring's restrained design and straightforwardness make it suitable for every diamond shape. Each diamond cut or shape has its own distinct features and there is no single “best” diamond cut for the solitaire setting.

The Round Cut is the most popular shape for solitaire engagement rings because it shines like no other. It is the most brilliant shape, with the highest amount of scintillation or sparkle.

The Princess Cut is almost as brilliant as a round cut, making it the next most popular stone shape for a solitaire ring. This cut has a square-like shape when viewed from the top but has an inverted pyramid silhouette when viewed from the side.

The Oval Cut is known for its exceptional sophistication. This diamond cut is usually the go-to option for ladies with a strong sense of style and whose subtle distinctiveness distinguishes them from others.

The Cushion Cut is the sweet spot between classic and trendy. It has a square shape with rounded corners, evoking the silhouette of a cushion or pillow. This diamond shape evokes romance and nostalgia and is the perfect choice for an old soul who appreciates art, antiques, and vintage fashion.

The Emerald Cut is elegant, with long, sophisticated lines and steps. The contemporary flair of this cut appeals to ambitious, resilient, and independent women who prefer their sparklers to have that dramatic edge and glamour.

The Marquise Cut has a brilliant boat shape that makes the stone appear big. This cut with tapered sides and an elongated body has a glamorous air to it and it appeals most to confident women who aren’t afraid to stand out and push boundaries.

The Pear Cut is excellent if your fiancée-to-be loves traditional and dainty jewelry. The pear or teardrop shape has a delicate silhouette and a vintage vibe. It can make the finger look longer when set vertically, where the pointed end points toward the knuckle. You can have a pear-cut diamond set horizontally, or in East-West setting for a modern and unique look.

The Heart Shape has a strong sparkle and a romantic and feminine vibe. This diamond cut resonates well with hopeless romantics.

Best Diamond Setting for a Solitaire Engagement Ring

Prong Setting is the most popular stone setting. It features prongs or claws attached to the band's base, clasping the gemstone in place. The classic prong setting for a solitaire diamond uses four prongs that raise the diamond above the band. The iconic Tiffany setting has six minimalistic prongs that securely hold the diamond yet do not obstruct the stone’s ability to reflect and refract light.

Another famous diamond setting is the Cathedral Setting, where the stone is high above the band. This high-profile setting features an arched design similar to a cathedral’s arches.

A bit similar to the prong setting is the Basket Setting. It uses prongs extending from the base of the band but has an added metal band for extra security. The basket comprises horizontal metal bands connecting each prong, creating a basket-like base for the diamond to lay in.

A Bezel Setting features a metal enveloping the entire girdle of a diamond. This metal goes all the way around the widest part of the gemstone and offers maximum security. This stone setting makes you less likely to lose and damage the diamond.

The Tension Setting secures the solitaire diamond by pressure to make it look like it’s floating in the air. The metal band’s ends don’t meet to form a complete circle. Instead, the metal band features an opening where the diamond fits. The setting may look fragile, but it is actually durable as the gem is held into invisible grooves in the metal band. This contemporary setting puts more attention on the solitary diamond as it can be viewed in full from different angles.

The Bypass Setting is a stylish option for women who seek a textural look for their ring. This setting features a metal band that doesn’t form a closed circle. The ends of the band part and overlap to “hug” the diamond in place. This setting is said to symbolize the merging of two souls.

Best Metal for a Solitaire Ring

Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and sterling silver are popular in crafting rings. There is no “best” metal for a solitaire ring or any other ring or piece of jewelry. Each material has qualities that make it suitable for a piece of jewelry, for the wearer’s lifestyle and personal style, and for the buyer’s budget. The choice will depend on the criteria you set for a precious piece of diamond jewelry.

Part of the appeal of a solitaire diamond setting is how it complements any metal and ring band. Instead of choosing the “best metal” for a solitaire ring, you can put more effort into choosing the ideal metal design and finish for your token of eternal love.

Creativity and innovation led jewelry makers and artisans to craft rings in various styles. There is the sculpted, twisted, and textured rope band where the metal is made to look like a braided rope. The Euro shank or European shank features a broad, square-shaped base on the outer circumference of the shank that helps prevent a ring from spinning. The pinched shank makes the lone diamond sitting on the “pinched” section appear bigger. The knife-edge band features a sharp edge going around the band’s outer circumference. If you prefer a rustic touch to a classic solitaire diamond ring, have the metal band feature a hand-hammered finish. A unique metal band style and finish can bring character and extra style to a solitaire engagement ring.

Proper Storage and Care for Solitaire Engagement Rings

Good news: solitaire diamond rings do not require any elaborate cleaning. Caring for them is easier because there are fewer tough-to-reach nooks and crannies, given that it only has a single stone requiring only one setting.

For DIY cleaning at home, use warm water mixed with a drop of mild dish soap. Soak the ring in this solution for about 15 minutes and gently brush away the dirt with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure the drain is covered before rinsing under running water. Do not use chlorine or other harsh chemicals. You can clean your diamond ring every 1-2 weeks.

In most cases, jewelry stores that sell high-value solitaire diamond engagement rings offer free lifetime cleaning. It’s best to take advantage of this offer because a jeweler’s keen eye for detail will notice not just dirt and dullness but also if the ring requires repair. They will check for chips, damaged prongs, loose stones, and other issues invisible to a consumer’s eye.

Ensure that you also have proper storage for your special ring. Keep your solitaire diamond engagement ring in its individual jewelry box or pouch, away from humidity and sunlight. If you use a large jewelry case, ensure it has compartments or dividers to separately hold every piece of jewelry to avoid them rubbing against each other.