What is a Solitaire Engagement Ring?

Engagement rings have existed as far back as Ancient Roman times in 200 B.C.E. For a long time these rings were seen more as a symbol of a financial agreement and less as a romantic gesture. But Archduke Maximillian changed all that in 1477 with a specially designed ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. It featured long, narrowly-set diamonds that made the shape of a letter ‘M’ – the first documented time diamonds appeared in an engagement ring. While not a solitaire setting, it heavily influenced the concept of engagement rings that would lead to the solitaire setting.

Diamonds would be a popular choice for engagement rings forever after that moment. However, it was famed jeweler Tiffany & Co. that first designed the modern solitaire engagement ring setting that helps set the standard for the iconic look. The jewelers created the “Tiffany Setting” in 1886. It featured a round brilliant cut diamond in a six prong setting on a glistening metal band. This setting type was seen as the epitome of style and elegance. It took the world by storm and hasn’t let up since.

Solitaire engagement rings come in a variety of styles, but they can all generally be classified into three categories: prong, bezel, and tension.

Prong settings are by far the most common type of setting used for solitaire rings and it’s what will likely offer the largest variety in settings. There are many different prong styles, but most are either based on a 4 prong or 6 prong foundation. Prongs, or claws as they’re also called, surround the girdle of the diamond to hold it securely in place. The prongs don’t inhibit the amount of light that enters the diamond, creating incredible brilliance and sparkle as it refracts off of facets.

Bezel settings surround the outline of the center stone with a ring of metal that fully protects the stone. Bezel settings are fantastic options for people with an active lifestyle or who use their hands heavily in their profession. The smooth edge of the metal surrounding the stone makes it a snag-free mounting style. It’s also typically a lower-profile setting than a prong giving it added protection. A more modern look, the bezel can help the diamond look bigger and hide inclusions near the edges of the stone.

Tension settings, which we generally do not recommend, are known for their unique appearance that features two metal arms that suspend a gemstone in between them. The tension setting uses tensile force to hold the stone in place without damaging it in any way. In this setting, there is no metal underneath the stone, so it can help the stone be extra sparkly. And while it is easier to clean the stone in this setting style, it is not as protective as a prong or bezel, and it’s very difficult to use the setting to hide any imperfections in the stone. It’s also quite an uncommon technique since it requires a lot of metal, can be a bulky design, and cannot be resized since that affects the tension. For those reasons, we do not recommend this setting to our clients.

Solitaire rings are known for their minimalism, but that doesn’t mean your ring needs to be simple. Many creative solitaire engagement ring designs can feature intricate details and delicate craftsmanship. Also, any shape or cut of diamond can be an excellent choice for a solitaire engagement ring, as well as any color of metal.

Since a solitaire setting focuses entirely on the ring’s center gemstone, a high quality stone is vital for the overall appearance of the ring. Understanding how to work with the 4Cs of diamonds will help you choose the best quality stone for your preferences and for the solitaire ring style you want to achieve.

Solitaire settings do not need to be traditional in their appearance. You can opt for an east-west or compass orientation for an unexpected look. Also, metal handiwork including milgrain, filigree, and etchings are a lovely way to add some visual interest as well as additional shine to complement a diamond’s sparkle. And while it’s not a traditional part of the design, adding a pavé diamond band or peek-a-boo halo is a modern way to enhance the solitaire setting.

Prong settings are a defining feature of a traditional solitaire engagement ring and create a sophisticated look. We combined a yellow gold band with a platinum mount to hold a beautiful emerald cut diamond for two beautiful looks:
- Autry features an east-west orientation for a twist on a classic solitaire, and Mackena showcases the traditional vertical orientation.
- Pembroke features a nature-inspired look complete with hand-engraved leaf details on the band and prongs to showcase an oval cut diamond.
- Belamy is a vintage-inspired take complete with a twisted rope band and flower petal basket with small round brilliant cut diamond adornments.

We love a bezel setting for the added protection to the stone, ease of wearability, and unique possibilities to add a personal touch.
- Estefania features small round diamonds line a rose gold band leading to a hand carved bezel mount holding a stunning oval cut diamond, a more embellished take on a classic bezel cut like Katie.
- Marlowe features a nature-inspired band complete with an engraved, bark texture and leaf adornments flanking a round brilliant cut diamond.
- Cordelia embellishes a .50 carat oval diamond with a milgrained bezel and intricate filigree work throughout for a supremely elegant look.

Tension settings are an incredibly interesting look, and we like adding the additional security of a half-prong setting. With Lexi, we placed a beautiful pear cut diamond supported by three prongs in a pavé-set band with a bypass, tension-inspired design. Kylie features the bypass design once again with a gorgeous 1.0 carat round brilliant cut diamond and a high polish band. Then for Aurora, we made the tension-inspired bypass design more subtle with an elegantly sculptural, wave-like band that contours to the finger as it showcases an oval cut diamond.

The solitaire diamond engagement ring is a classic for a reason – it will truly never go out of style. And with so many options for how you can design your ring from a traditional look to a modern twist, a solitaire engagement ring is sure to turn heads and be loved for a lifetime.