Are you looking for jewelry to mark a special occasion? Regardless of whether it’s engagement or sweet-sixteen, a solitaire diamond is always the right choice.
A solitaire diamond is the most popular engagement ring ever used. It’s clean and polished, so you can’t go wrong with it.
Still, it can be somewhat confusing because jewelers use the terms solitaire and diamond in the same context. Take a few minutes to discover all about this popular jewelry and what exactly it includes.
What is a Solitaire Diamond?
We should first explain the difference between the terms solitaire and diamond. Solitaire refers to the setting, whereas a diamond is a type of stone.
This means a solitaire ring can include any gemstone. It also means that not every diamond is solitaire as it can be set in a wide range of different settings and styles.
The term solitaire comes from “solus,” which is Latin for alone or sole. In jewelry, it refers to a ring that has a single gemstone.
With that said, a solitaire diamond ring is a band with only one diamond. However, solitaire diamonds can be found on other jewelry pieces like earrings, necklaces, and men’s jewelry.
In rings, the diamond is always set on top of the band. This means that a ring with a single diamond isn’t considered solitaire if the stone is set in the band.
Due to the setting itself, it’s essential to find a shape that fits the particular piece of jewelry you’re interested in. In other words, what looks good on a ring might not look as pretty on a necklace.
Solitaire diamonds are available in different cuts, although the round cut is the most popular one. Cushion, pear, and princess cuts are also close to the top.
The Most Popular Engagement Ring
Solitaire diamond is the most popular engagement ring topping any other solitaire jewelry. It’s an iconic ring brought to fame by Tiffany & Co., although its history dates from far earlier.
Tiffany was who brought the original fame to platinum engagement rings. A platinum solitaire is a secure setting with enough strength to hold the diamond even if it’s high-set.
The second most popular solitaire diamond is the square princess cut, but we’ll talk about cuts later.
The History of Solitaire
Solitaire rings were the only rings that existed before the diamond industry blew up to these heights. It’s been around since the first rings ever.
Diamonds were only for the rich until the diamond corporation De Beers took ownership of the market in the 1940s. The supply was huge, but the demand – not so much.
De Beers hired advertising agency N.W. Ayer to help them turn things around. This is when the campaign “A Diamond is Forever” was born.
It was a successful campaign that resulted in high demand. Now, the solitaire setting wasn’t enough to pique interest, which is why new styles were invented.
Pear, accented, halo, three stone, and more are now available for everyone to pick based on their interest.
But even with this many styles and settings, the solitaire diamond remains on top as it’s simple, sparkly, and sophisticated.
The Pros and Cons
Much like any style and setting, solitaire has its pros and cons. This is especially the case when you have a solitaire diamond since we’re talking about a valuable stone.
When buying a solitaire diamond, it’s always helpful to consider both the advantages and drawbacks. This way, you know what to expect, especially over a longer period of wearing the piece.
One of the best things about the solitaire diamond is that the stone is in the center of attention. There aren’t any other stones to take away from its cut, shape, and beauty.
Also, it can be less expensive than other diamond settings due to the lack of side stones and accents. This allows you to go for a larger solitaire diamond for the price of a smaller halo.
Solitaire diamonds are easy to take care of because there’s only one stone to clean. For example, a three-stone ring is three times trickier to clean, especially if the three stones are of different sizes.
But, the most significant advantage is the timeless style. These have been around for centuries and are unlikely to go out of style like some “trendy” settings.
When it comes to disadvantages, you’ll notice there aren’t many. In most cases, these are just the things you should be careful with when wearing a solitaire diamond.
For example, a solitaire diamond ring can sometimes snag on furniture, bedding, or clothes. This is especially the case for high-set diamonds.
Also, prongs tend to loosen after several years, so it’s recommended to have them inspected every two years.
Different Setting Styles
As mentioned, solitaire diamonds come in many different settings. The variety is among the reasons why this style is popular, so let’s mention the most sought-after options.
- Peg Head Setting– a peghead solitaire diamond has four or six prongs and a sleek appearance. Those with more prongs are considered a bit more modern. This is a captivating style that allows you to see the entire stone from all sides. However, it’s also the most dangerous because the stone is exposed. It’s not the best option for those living an active lifestyle.
- Trellis Setting– this type is elegant and equally as captivating as the peghead but without as much risk. It features a beautiful profile view where prongs weave over one another protecting the stone. Although it’s not the most popular style, it’s quite common in solitaire rings.
- Basket Setting– this setting is pretty similar to peghead but is more suitable for everyday wearing. It includes an extra band of metal that serves to protect the stone. It’s a widespread setting often seen in solitaire engagement rings.
- Bezel Setting –in a bezel setting, the diamond is surrounded by a band of metal. This is ideal for those living an active lifestyle because it’s nearly impossible to damage a diamond in this setting. The edges are smooth, and the stone is safe from falling out, although it might appear smaller.
Iconic Solitaire Shapes
Solitaire diamond comes in many shapes and cuts, making it easy for everyone to find one that fits their lifestyle. When choosing one, you should first think about how large the stone is. You should also think about your lifestyle because some have more edges to snag on furniture than others.
Here are some of the most popular cuts:
- Round Solitaire– this is the most popular cut for a diamond engagement ring because it’s brilliant and captivating. It’s been around for ages, and it doesn’t seem it’ll go out of style.
- Princess-Cut– a princess cut is the second most popular option when shopping for an engagement ring. It’s sophisticated, classic, and always in style. Still, don’t confuse it with a cushion-cut as it has sharp corners.
- Emerald-Cut – this rectangular solitaire has parallel facets, giving the cut a sophisticated and elegant look. It’s a long diamond that you can also turn on its side for a more modern spin on this traditional cut.
- Cushion-Cut – this square pillow-shaped stone is one of the most popular options among celebrities. It’s a sophisticated shape that gives plenty of sparkles regardless of how big the diamond is.
- Oval-Cut– oval cut is somewhat similar to round, but it has a more elongated shape. This solitaire is vintage-looking and romantic, especially if you have a longer stone. It can make your fingers appear longer.
- Marquise-Cut – this one has a round center and pointed ends. It’s an elongated shape that has a unique appeal that can make your fingers look longer. Still, remember to check the length to width ratio when shopping for a marquise solitaire diamond.
- Asscher-Cut – asscher cut is closely related to cushion and emerald cuts. It has truncated sides that give it a shape more square than what you can see in the emerald cut.
The Price of Solitaire Diamond
A solitaire diamond is heavier and more expensive than another gemstone of the same clarity, color, and cut. This is because solitaire diamonds usually weigh at least 0.30 carats.
A single diamond will always be more expensive than thirty diamonds of the same weight. It’s because a solitaire diamond has a heavier individual weight.
Conclusion
Solitaire diamond is timeless and will never go out of style. It’s a perfect choice for an engagement ring, although necklaces and earrings are also ideal for other occasions.
Everyone likes having one valuable stone in the center of attention. This style allows just that, regardless of how big the stone is.
It’s a perfect combination of sparkle and comfort as it’s suitable for everyday wearing. Plus, this classic style gives you the option to choose between many designs, cuts, and stone shapes.
How do you feel about this timeless design? Would it fit your lifestyle? Tell us about why you like it and why not in the comments below.
Here’s what you should think about when buying:
- The cut
- The setting
- Pros and cons
