Solitaire Engagement Ring Guide

Oct 12, 2023

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With so many styles to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the right option for you or your bride-to-be.

One of the most popular engagement ring styles decade after decade is the solitaire engagement ring. The minimalist, elegant style of a solitaire ring makes it a great choice for many brides. If you’re considering choosing this style, it’s good to learn what makes them so popular so you can know if it’s the right ring for you.

What is a Solitaire Engagement Ring?

The word “solitaire” is derived from the Latin word “Solus,” which means alone. A solitaire ring is an engagement ring that showcases a single diamond in the center of the band. This is a classic style of engagement ring that has been around for decades.

The traditional style of a solitaire engagement ring includes a plain band and a larger diamond. The large diamond allows solitaire engagement rings to be true statement pieces despite their simple design.

Solitaire engagement rings were first made popular back in 1886 by American jewelers. Then, in the 1940s, when diamond engagement rings gained popularity among the middle class, the solitaire engagement ring skyrocketed into popularity. Today, it’s still one of the most common styles of engagement ring due to its timeless appearance and versatility.

Why Choose a Solitaire Engagement Ring?

There are many reasons to choose a solitaire engagement ring. As mentioned above, solitaire rings have been popular for decades, which makes them a timeless option that doesn’t run the risk of looking dated years down the road.

Solitaire engagement rings are also a versatile option because they can be paired with more extravagant wedding bands, colored gemstones, or other jewelry pieces.

Solitaire engagement rings are a great option for any bride who either wants a simple design or is looking for a ring style that will truly showcase the beauty of a single diamond.

Pros and Cons of Solitaire Engagement Rings

When deciding if a solitaire ring is the right engagement ring for you or your bride-to-be, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of the design. Solitaire diamond engagement rings are timeless for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. Consider the following information when making this important decision.

Pros of Solitaire Engagement Rings

There are plenty of pros to choosing a solitaire engagement ring. The most common reasons why people choose this style are because solitaire rings:

Are easy to clean and maintain due to their simple design.
Are timeless in appearance.
Are versatile – can be paired with simple wedding bands or extravagant ones.
Often have less expensive settings due to the plain band.
Can look great with many diamond shapes.

Solitaire engagement rings are great statement pieces for a bride looking for a simple, stunning ring that is easy to wear every day.

Cons of Solitaire Engagement Rings

Not everyone prefers this style of ring, and that’s okay. It’s worth noting some of the disadvantages of choosing a solitaire ring for everyday wear.
Some people choose not to go with a solitaire engagement ring because:

They can snag on clothing easily, which can cause damage to prongs.
The diamond should be larger and of great quality, which can make it cost more than your budget allows.
There is very little protection around the diamond, leaving it prone to damage with daily wear.
Some people find the design too simple.

There are ways to work around some of these potential cons when you choose a solitaire ring. Having your ring inspected regularly can help ensure the prongs stay in good shape, making you less likely to lose your diamond. You can also choose rounded diamonds to minimize the risk of the stone being damaged due to the minimal protection around it.

There’s no single right choice in engagement rings. Knowing the pros and cons can help you decide if a solitaire engagement ring is right for you.

What is the Best Diamond Shape for a Solitaire Engagement Ring?

One of the best things about solitaire engagement rings is that they can showcase practically any diamond shape. Since the diamond is the center of attention with these rings, it’s great to showcase your favorite stone shape. However, some shapes are more commonly chosen.

The most common diamond shape for solitaire rings is the round-cut diamond. Choosing a round diamond will create the truly timeless look that solitaire rings are known for. Plus, round-cut diamonds are cut in a way that maximizes the fire of the stone in the right light, making it a true showstopper.

Another popular diamond shape in solitaire rings is the oval cut. Oval-cut diamonds have the same amount of facets as round-cut diamonds, so they offer a similar sparkle. However, an oval diamond is a more unique choice than the popular round-cut if you’re looking to personalize your solitaire look. Oval diamonds also can lengthen the appearance of your finger, so some women prefer this choice if they have shorter fingers.

A radiant-cut diamond is a little harder to find than more popular diamond shapes, but it’s a unique and beautiful choice for solitaire engagement rings. Radiant-cut diamonds don’t have sharp corners, making them less prone to damage than other rectangular stones. For brides looking for the appearance of an emerald-cut diamond without risking damage to the edges of the stone, a radiant-cut diamond is a great alternative.

Summary

Solitaire engagement rings have been a popular choice for brides for many years, and this popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The solitaire ring design is perfect for a bride who is looking for a timeless, simple ring that can showcase the beauty of a single diamond.

While a standard solitaire ring has a plainer appearance than other designs, brides can personalize the ring with the metal color of the band and the shape of the diamond. Solitaire rings are versatile and make an excellent choice for many brides.