Solitaire Engagement Rings

Uniquely brilliant: Stunning solitaire engagement rings

27 Nov 2024 | Updated on: 06 Dec 2024 | By Luxury London

Your complete guide to buying the perfect solitaire diamond ring

All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.

An engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewellery you’ll ever buy. Marking the beginning of an important new chapter of life, it is also perfectly poised to become a cherished family heirloom beloved by generations to come. About as traditional as they come, a solitaire engagement ring shines brightest if timelessness is a priority making them a top choice for classic brides-to-be. Choose wisely and a solitaire ring will stand the test of time beautifully.

What is a solitaire engagement ring?

The word solitaire comes from the Latin solitarius, which means alone or isolated. A solitaire ring is characterised by a single central stone – typically a diamond – with no other gemstones or diamonds present. In fact, the band itself is also traditionally plain, with no extra pavé diamonds set into it. The absence of other stones allows your chosen diamond to shine bright on its own.

This seemingly simple design means that solitaire engagement rings can be paired with any kind of wedding band with ease. They also make for great everyday jewellery given their versatility.

What to look for in a solitaire engagement ring

Since a solitaire ring is marked by its simplicity, it’s important to ensure the central stone is of the highest quality. As always, when investing in a beautiful diamond, it’s important to consider the Four Cs: cut, carat, clarity and colour. Many jewellers now hold stock of loose stones, allowing you to find your perfect diamond before it is set, while diamonds in ready-to-wear pieces should be certified by a professional gemmology body so you know exactly what you’re buying.

When it comes to the cut of your chosen diamond, the minimal setting allows every cut to sparkle to the fullest. Whether you’re drawn to round, oval, emerald, pear, or cushion cut diamonds, a solitaire engagement ring can be brilliant with any of them. In fact, if a diamond isn’t her thing, the solitaire setting lends itself wonderfully to other precious gemstones as well.

While a solitaire engagement ring epitomises minimalism, you can customise it with different prong settings, stone shapes, and even engravings. So ready to pop the question? We’ve curated some of the best solitaire engagement rings to buy this proposal season.

White gold solitaire engagement rings

Mappin & Webb solitaire ring

About as classic as they come, this 18ct white gold solitaire ring by Mappin & Webb is set with a 1ct brilliant-cut diamond. If your intended has always dreamt of a big white wedding, chances are this is the perfect engagement ring for them.

£8,500
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Vrai Signature V ring

If the formerly dubious ethics and sustainability of the natural diamond business are a sticking point for your better half, why not consider a lab-grown diamond? Chemically identical to the real thing, but offering significantly more bang for your buck, Vrai’s Signature V engagement ring rings in at just £1,606 when set with a 1ct VS1 round-cut diamond. Better yet, the floating style of the design means that you can pick from your choice of diamond cuts, including pear, oval, emerald and radiant.

From £1,289
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Laurence Graff Signature diamond ring

Named for Graff’s eponymous founder, this contemporary take on the solitaire engagement ring features a round-cut diamond in a bezel setting on a facted white gold band. Available in carat sizes ranging from 0.5 carats all the way up to 1.01 carats (yours for £26,000), with a minimum VS2 clarity, this is a modern heirloom to be treasured for generations.

From £3,300
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Rachel Boston Carina ring

Crafted entirely in the UK, Rachel Boston’s Carina ring is an elegantly unique take on the solitaire. Parallel 18 karat white gold double bands hold an Asscher-cut white diamond, making for a ring that truly stands out. The ring is also available in yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.

£7,200
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Yellow gold solitaire engagement rings

Tiffany True engagement ring

A unique yellow cushion-cut diamond sits at the heart of the Tiffany True engagement ring making it the ideal choice for the quirky but traditionally romantic bride. The 18 karat yellow gold band features a T-shaped detail in the setting and promises a warm hue perfect for pairing with both plain and diamond-set bands.

From £8,600
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Jade Trau Sadie solitaire ring

Jade Trau plays with negative space to add dimension to this unique solitaire ring. Handcrafted in the label’s New York atelier, slender 18 karat gold bands envelop an offset white marquise-cut diamond in a unique and eye-catching setting.

£3,212
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Lylie Minerva solitaire engagement ring

This elegant offering from sustainable jeweller Lylie features a bezel-set oval-cut diamond that provides extra security to the shimmering stone. Resembling a signet ring, pick between a platinum or 18 karat gold band to showcase the lab-grown diamond – perfect for the ethically-minded couple.

£6,345
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Theo Fennel cushion-cut diamond Trumpet ring

Theo Fennel’s Trumpet ring setting allows the cushion-cut diamond to soar above the yellow gold band, making it ideal to be stacked among other stones and still shine bright.

£5,450
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Platinum solitaire engagement rings

De Beers classic cushion-cut ring

Centred around a consciously sourced cushion-cut diamond, this De Beers ring features a four-pronged setting on a platinum band. With a choice of diamonds and a complimentary engraving service, this simple ring can be customised for an elegant personal touch.

From £7,250
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Harry Winston emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring

As classic as they come, Harry Winston’s jewellery expertise shines through with a stunning emerald-cut diamond central stone set on a tapered platinum band. With stones available from 1 carat upwards, you can pick the one right for your partner and your budget.

POA
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Van Cleef & Arpels Bonheur solitaire

An ode to the love story of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, which laid the foundation for the eponymous Parisian jewellery house, the Bonheur solitaire emphasises the brand’s commitment to quality. A simple platinum band highlights the central EVVS2 clarity diamond, available in weights from 0.3 to 1 carat, for an elegant but understated ring.

POA
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Annoushka Marguerite engagement ring

Inspired by the wildflowers of the British countryside, the Annoushka Marguerite ring features a 1-carat diamond with the brand’s signature organic bezel setting on a smooth, rounded platinum band.

£13,900
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Boodles Ashoka platinum diamond engagement ring

Less than two per cent of natural diamonds feature the clarity needed to make them suitable for the Ashoka cut, which combines an emerald cut with a brilliant cut. Boodles is the only British jeweller to offer the coveted and rare Ashoka cut, so you know this platinum solitaire ring is truly special.

POA 
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Cartier 1895 solitaire ring

A Cartier signature since 1895, this solitaire ring features a pear-cut diamond set high in four prongs on a platinum band. The space between the stone and the band allows for light to pass through the diamond for maximum brilliance.

POA
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