Uniquely brilliant: Stunning solitaire engagement rings
Your complete guide to buying the perfect solitaire diamond ring
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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 means that your chosen diamond can 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.
Cartier solitaire 1895
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.
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.
Mejuri round diamond bold beaded ring
This fun take on the solitaire ring is the perfect match for your partner’s bubbly personality. A responsibly sourced diamond set on a beaded 14 karat yellow gold band makes for a tactile ring that is primed for stacking with a wedding band.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chaumet Bee My Love solitaire ring
Chaumet looks to the intricacies of honeycomb for this solitaire ring. A brilliant-cut diamond sits atop a hexagonal rose gold band in a six-pronged setting for a uniquely alluring ring.
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.
