Solitaire Engagement Rings
If you are in a relationship and thinking about getting engaged, chances are you have pictured yourself wearing many different engagement ring styles. Whether you are days or years away from saying “yes!” and “I do,” the most classic of all proposal gifts is undoubtedly the diamond solitaire engagement ring. This is the quintessential engagement ring, first made popular by with the launch of the Tiffany diamond engagement ring in the late 1800s.
A solitaire engagement ring allows the diamond or gemstone you select to be the ultimate, dazzling focal point. Traditional yet timeless, classic or contemporary in style, the diamond solitaire engagement ring endures alongside your love.
History of the Diamond Solitaire Ring
Some date the original engagement ring back to 1477, in the imperial court of Vienna, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy in a ring set with diamond flecks in the form of an M. Others contend that the tradition goes back much further—cavemen weaving rings out of grass to claim their mates, Egyptians buried with rings made of silver or gold wire wrapping the third finger on their left hand, connecting to the heart via the vena amoris (the love vein). But with the arrival of the tiffany-style diamond engagement ring in 1886, diamond engagement rings changed proposals and engagements—and how we think about both—forever.
The First Diamond Solitaire Ring
Late in the 19th century, engagement and wedding jewelry shifted with the launch of the solitaire engagement ring, which lofted a single beautiful diamond, secured in a six-prong head, above a delicate precious metal band. This design featured the center gemstone prominently and allowed for maximum light play and sparkle.
The goal in the design of solitaire engagement rings was to expose as much of the diamond as possible. Thus, a transfer in attention occurred—moving away from intricate settings, and toward the quality and sparkle of the diamond itself.
Advantages of a Solitaire Engagement Ring
A solitaire engagement ring permits (or even demands) the center diamond—or other gemstone—to play the leading role. Solitaire engagement rings offer unparalleled simple beauty—they are streamlined, elegant, and never cave to trends. They are ideal for a bride who wants a simple engagement ring.
A solitaire engagement ring is the definition of classic, focusing on the magnificence of your diamond or gemstone, and offering a wonderful opportunity to be passed down as a family heirloom. Solitaire rings look great with modest sized diamonds and maintain elegance carrying even the most sizable gems. Additionally, because of their clean lines, diamond solitaires engagement rings marry well with any wedding band.
Types of Solitaire Engagement Rings
There are many style and setting options within the realm of solitaire engagement rings. The most popular choice is still the tiffany-style setting, with a carefully selected single diamond—often a round brilliant diamond or a princess cut diamond—set with four or six prongs atop a delicate precious metal band.
Variations on this classic style include changing the diamond shape—you might consider an emerald cut diamond, a pear shaped diamond, or a cushion cut diamond for a ring that blends a traditional design with a touch of uniqueness. Another option is to select a colored diamond, like fancy yellow, or a sapphire for the center gem.
Other solitaire engagement ring styles include those with wider bands, with or without detailing within them (knife edge, scrolling, hand etching), as well as more contemporary aesthetics, such as bezel-set diamond solitaires, like our Luna Ring, or something with a modern curve, such as our Cascade Ring.
Choosing Your Solitaire Engagement Ring
Carefully selecting your diamond or center gemstone becomes even more important if you opt for a solitaire engagement ring, as this is the most prominent feature, and the rest of the ring is designed to highlight the center gem. If you take your time to pick the perfect diamond or gemstone for you, you may want it to stand alone in all its glory.
The setting for your solitaire engagement ring will fall into place based on overall style and aesthetic preferences. A true traditionalist will swoon for our six-prong round brilliant solitaire, while someone with more contemporary taste will gravitate toward something like our Platinum Entwined Ring.
Final Thoughts on Solitaire Engagement Rings
You can’t go wrong with a proposal that includes a stunning diamond solitaire engagement ring. Four of Brilliant Earth’s top 10 engagement ring settings are solitaires! With a rich history and an everlasting style and meaning, solitaire engagement rings are the purest representation of your love, intentions, and eternal commitment.
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