Why Solitaire Engagement Rings Never Go Out of Style
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6 min
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Trends may change, but a solitaire engagement ring never loses its charm. For generations, it has remained a symbol of love in its purest form. It's the ultimate expression of simple engagement ring designs that stands tall even against the most sophisticated pieces.
But what is it about this seemingly simple piece of jewellery that continues to define elegance, commitment, and romance? In this post, we’ll explore the magic behind the solitaire’s everlasting appeal, uncovering why this classic continues to reign supreme, regardless of passing fads or changing tastes.
Here’s why the classic solitaire engagement ring is so enduring:
1. Timeless Beauty That Defies Trends
Engagement ring trends shift with each passing decade. We’ve had eras defined by the halo settings, three-stone rings, or even coloured gemstones. However, solitaire engagement rings remain a steadfast symbol of refined taste, thanks to their simple elegance.
The solitaire’s minimalist design allows it to transcend fashion. It allows the ring to feel just as fresh on a modern bride’s hand as it did on her grandmother’s. Whether paired with jeans or a wedding gown, it exudes elegance without trying too hard.
2. Maximum Focus on the Diamond’s Beauty
The singular symbol is one reason solitaire engagement rings are so often associated with romance in its purest form. The single stone isn’t just a design choice. It’s deeply symbolic. It represents the idea of one love, one commitment, one enduring connection.
In a solitaire setting, the diamond becomes the undeniable star of the show, which is perfect for someone who truly wants their diamond to shine. With no smaller diamonds of a halo/ hidden halo, side stones, or elaborate details to compete with, the eye is drawn straight to the sparkle and craftsmanship of the main gem.
This makes cut, clarity, and brilliance all the more visible. Thus, if you want to showcase a high-quality cut or a unique shape like an oval, emerald, or pear, you can’t go wrong with the solitaire rings.
3. Versatility that Complements Every Style
The solitaire is the fashion chameleon of engagement rings. Its clean lines and classic design pair effortlessly with any style of wedding bands, from plain metal to diamond-set bands to modern or vintage-inspired wraps. Whether you lean toward minimalism, glamour, or boho-chic, the solitaire adapts beautifully.
Thanks to its simplicity, the solitaire flatters every finger shape and skin tone. It draws the eye upward, elongates the hand, and offers an understated elegance that works with both bold and subtle personalities.
One of the quiet beauties of a solitaire setting is its flexibility for the future. Because the design is so timeless and simple, it allows for upgrades or modifications down the line without compromising its integrity or aesthetic.
You can later enhance the size or quality of the centre stone. Some couples choose to add a diamond-accented band later on, or even swap the original stone for one with deeper sentimental value. The beauty is in the freedom: the solitaire doesn’t just preserve a memory, it makes room for more.
What are the Types of Solitaire Ring Settings?
While all timeless solitaire rings feature a single centre stone, the way the diamond is held in place (called the setting) can completely change the ring’s overall look and feel. Here are the most popular types of solitaire ring settings.
Prong Setting
The classic prong setting is the most traditional and widely recognised solitaire style. It uses small metal claws (typically four or six) to hold the diamond securely in place while allowing maximum light to pass through the stone.
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Enhances brilliance and sparkle
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Classic, elegant, and timeless
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Keeps the diamond as the central focus with minimal metal interference
Bezel Setting
In a bezel setting, the centre diamond is surrounded by a thin metal rim, also known as rubover, that keeps it in place. This rim can fully or partially encircle the stone. The look is smooth and modern, with a slightly lower profile.
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Very secure and protective
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Ideal for active wearers or everyday wear
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Sleek, minimalist look with a modern edge
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No prongs to catch on hair or clothing
Cathedral Setting
Cathedral settings feature arches of metal that rise up from the band, supporting the diamond on either side. It resembles the elegant curves of cathedral architecture, giving the ring a graceful and elevated look.
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Adds height to the design
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Makes the diamond appear larger than it is and more prominent
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Offers a blend of traditional and romantic style
Floating Head Setting
The floating head setting creates the illusion that the centre diamond is placed above the band with minimal visible support. This is achieved through expertly designed prongs that secure the diamond while keeping metal visibility to a minimum, where the stone seems to “float” effortlessly.
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Maximises light exposure for exceptional brilliance
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Creates the illusion of a larger, more prominent diamond
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Sleek and sophisticated with minimal metal distraction
Why Choose a Solitaire Engagement Ring?
A solitaire engagement ring is the epitome of timeless elegance and simplicity, making it one of the most popular choices for couples. By showcasing a single diamond as the centrepiece, the design highlights the stone’s natural beauty and brilliance without any distractions, allowing its sparkle to take centre stage. Its versatility is another key appeal, as solitaire rings pair effortlessly with any metal, setting, diamond shape and style, while also complementing wedding rings and other fine jewellery with ease. Beyond aesthetics, the solitaire carries deep symbolism, representing one singular, focused love and an enduring commitment. Adding to its allure, the simplicity of the design often makes it a more cost-effective option compared to rings with more elaborate settings, offering both elegance and value in one classic choice.
Discover Unique Solitaire Rings at Regal
Solitaire engagement rings are timeless engagement jewellery, as they perfectly blend simplicity, elegance, and enduring charm. They are a testament to the idea that less truly can be more. Fashion trends may come and go, but the solitaire engagement ring’s timeless appeal guarantees it will never go out of style. As one of the leading Hatton Garden jewellers, we specialise in crafting timeless engagement rings with expert craftsmanship and hand-selected diamonds. With experienced experts, commitment to quality, and a personalised approach, we help you find or craft the perfect ring that reflects your love story and will last a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Solitaire Engagement Ring?
A solitaire engagement ring features a single, central diamond or gemstone, typically set on a plain band without any side stones or embellishments. The minimalist design focuses all attention on the centre stone, making it the focal point. It's a timeless and elegant choice, known for its simplicity and sophistication.
What Makes Solitaire Engagement Rings Valuable?
The value of a solitaire engagement ring comes primarily from the quality of the centre diamond. Factors such as the 4Cs of diamonds cut, clarity, carat weight, and colour play a significant role. Because there are no side stones to distract from the main gem, the craftsmanship of the setting and the quality of the diamond or gemstone are even more important, enhancing its overall value and appeal.
Can Solitaire Rings Be Considered Heirloom Quality?
Yes, absolutely. Solitaire rings are often considered heirloom-quality pieces due to their timeless design and lasting materials. When crafted with high-quality metals and a well-selected diamond, a solitaire ring can be passed down through generations while retaining both its beauty and emotional significance.
At Regal Hatton Garden, our experts can help you craft a bespoke solitaire engagement ring that you can pass down through generations.
Visit us online or book an appointment to share your ideas.
Which Diamond Shape Suits Me Best?
The best diamond shape for you depends on your personal style, hand shape, and lifestyle. For example, the round shape is classic and offers the most brilliance; the princess shape is sharp and modern; the cushion cut has a soft charm, while the marquise diamond ring and pear-shaped rings are bold.
We welcome you to our showroom to try on different diamond shapes and engagement ring settings. What looks best is often what feels right.
What is the Difference Between a Solitaire and a Diamond Ring?
A solitaire ring is defined by its simplicity: it features a single, central stone that serves as the sole focus of the design. When that stone is a diamond, the piece is called a diamond solitaire ring (or solitaire diamond ring).
A diamond ring, on the other hand, is a broader category. It can showcase one diamond or multiple diamonds, arranged in a variety of settings and styles.
In short, every solitaire ring with a diamond is a diamond ring, but not every diamond ring is a solitaire.
