You’ve likely heard the term “Solitaire ring” before. Solitaire rings for women are traditionally given to mark important life moments like anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and, most especially, marriage proposals – but what about these rings that make them a “solitaire ring?” What is a solitaire ring? What is a solitaire engagement ring?
“Solitaire” refers to the gemstone setting, and just as the name implies, a solitaire ring typically has one sole gemstone or predominantly features one center gemstone. With a few exceptions, there are usually no other diamonds or gemstones anywhere on the ring or the band of a solitaire ring.
Solitaires with rough uncut diamonds mounted in gold bands trace back to ancient Roman jewelry, and historical documentation in 1477 formally documented the first presentation of a solitaire diamond engagement ring. With such an established history, it is no wonder this solitaire design is what most people think of when envisioning a classic diamond engagement ring and why it continues to be the most popular design for modern-day engagement rings.
The Pros of Different Solitaire Rings and Their Settings
The same timeless design inspires all solitaires, and it is that timeless design that makes many of the pros associated with solitaire rings universal, regardless of the stone size, cut, or setting:
Solitaire Rings are Timeless: The Solitaire ring has existed for thousands of years; it isn’t a fleeting trend. It’s a classic design that you can be sure will always be in style. The classic design of solitaire rings also positions them as the perfect heirloom ring, capable of being passed down repeatedly without ever going out of style.
Solitaire Rings are Versatile: Solitaire rings have a more minimalistic design, which makes them incredibly versatile. They elegantly accommodate a wide variety of gemstone cuts and sizes, allowing you to choose your personal style preference with the confidence that it will look amazing. Round, oval, emerald, and princess cuts are popular solitaire ring cuts, and they all look equally stunning on a solitaire ring setting. Solitaire’s never look out of place, no matter what you’re wearing; they’re the perfect accessory to any ensemble, casual to formal, a solitaire ring will always go with any outfit. A solitaire engagement ring's uncomplicated beauty also pairs perfectly with a simple wedding band or a more intricate and elaborate one, whichever fits your style best - your solitaire engagement ring will look great stacked beside it.
Solitaire Rings Achieve Maximum Sparkle: The iconic solitaire setting of just one sole diamond perfectly centered with little else to distract from it draws all the attention to that stone and allows more light to pass through it. Unencumbered by other gemstones or details, all the light passing through the diamond of a solitaire ring will add to the brilliance of the diamond, creating a fiery radiance that takes your breath away.
While these pros apply universally to any and all solitaire rings for women, there are some additional pros that can be especially appreciated in solitaire rings with a specific gem cut, setting, or band, like these:
Pros of a Prong Setting: A prong setting is one of the most common and classic ring settings. A prong is a delicate post that comes off the band like a claw and grips the diamond tightly, holding it in place. Most prong settings are made of either 4 or 6 prongs. Prong settings elevate the diamond, making it more prominent and enabling more light to pass through it, increasing its brilliance. Prong settings are also very versatile and will work with various cuts.
A lovely example of a solitaire engagement ring with a prong setting is this Uneek Classic Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement ring. Notice how with its four-prong setting, you can see more of the round diamond, allowing for maximum reflective sparkle from the elevated solitaire diamond, and one other pro associated with a prong setting for solitaire rings is the simplicity of cleaning and maintenance. With nothing else crowding the setting or diamond, every component is easily accessible for cleaning.
Another example of a four-prong setting that magically elevates its solitaire diamond setting is this Uneek Classic Princess-Cut Diamond Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring. In this example, you’ll notice how it isn’t just the prong setting that seems to lift this regal princess cut diamond off the band but also the unique tri-fluted band. The raised center section of the band adds an interest that naturally leads your eye to the radiant diamond.
Pros of a Cathedral Three-Stone Setting: The solitaire ring setting receives its name from how the arches of metal that hold the featured diamond or other gemstone resemble the divinely inspired arches of a cathedral. Evident in this Uneek Diamond Engagement Ring, the arches of a cathedral setting add extra height, making the center stone appear even larger while adding a unique, eye-catching design to the typically minimalist solitaire design. With the added height of a cathedral setting, a three-stone solitaire works particularly well. Three-stone solitaires symbolize a couple’s past, present, and future, making them a popular symbolic choice for engagement and anniversary rings. When the center stone is paired properly with its side stones, like the emerald cut diamonds of this Uneek Diamond Engagement Ring are, it enhances the appearance of the center stone in a truly majestic way.
Pros of a Split Shank Mixed Metal Solitaire Ring: The shank of a ring is another jeweler’s term. It refers to the ring's band, which encircles your finger. Since the solitaire ring is traditionally more basic, choosing a creative shank and mixing metals is a great way to add something extra to that timeless design. A split shank is a term used to describe a ring in which the shank splits into two separate shanks. This Uneek Oval Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring is a gorgeous example of how a split shank and mixed precious metals can add artistry and interest to the classic solitaire ring while guiding the eye toward the center-featured stone. The silhouette shank paired with a rose gold prong cup setting makes the oval diamond more prominent and noticeable.
Find your Solitaire Style
A solitaire diamond ring is the quintessential symbol of love and devotion that will always be in style. Now that you know how to answer the questions knowledgeably ``What is a solitaire ring,” and “What is a solitaire engagement ring,” browse through Uneek’s award-winning collections to find your favorite solitaire style and discover where you can find Uneek pieces at your local jeweler.