What Is a Solitaire Ring?

Quick Answer:

• A solitaire ring features one center diamond held by prongs without surrounding accent stones

• Most popular engagement ring style since 1886

• Maximizes diamond brilliance through simple, honest design

• Pairs effortlessly with any wedding band style

A solitaire ring represents the purest expression of fine jewelry: one center stone, showcased without distraction, capturing timeless elegance in its simplest form. For over a century, this iconic design has remained the most popular choice for engagement rings, symbolizing enduring love through brilliant simplicity.

At Brown & Company Jewelers, we understand why solitaire rings continue to captivate. This classic setting allows a diamond's natural beauty to shine without embellishment, creating a piece that transcends trends and speaks to every generation.

Understanding the Solitaire Ring

What is a solitaire ring? The term "solitaire" comes from the French word meaning "alone." In jewelry, it refers to precisely that: a single gemstone (most commonly a diamond) held securely by prongs without surrounding accent stones or decorative elements. The beauty of this design lies in its honesty—every element exists solely to showcase the center diamond.

The Solitaire Engagement Ring

What is a solitaire engagement ring? While you'll find solitaire settings in other jewelry, the solitaire engagement ring remains the most iconic. The single stone symbolizes something beautifully simple: one stone for one love.

This classic style has remained virtually unchanged since 1886, when Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced the elevated solitaire setting that revolutionized engagement ring design.

The Solitaire Diamond Ring

What is a solitaire diamond ring? While diamonds remain the overwhelming favorite, a solitaire setting can showcase any high-quality gemstone. When we talk about solitaire diamond rings specifically, we're referring to that classic combination: a diamond as the center stone, celebrated for its unequaled brilliance and durability.

Solitaires let diamonds do what they do best: sparkle. Every facet captures and reflects light exactly as nature intended.

What Makes a Solitaire Ring Special

The magic of solitaire rings is in what they don't do. No busy halos. No elaborate metalwork. Just one beautiful stone presented with complete confidence.

That simplicity makes them very versatile. They pair with any wedding band style, stack beautifully with anniversary bands, and layer with everyday pieces you'll collect over the years. At Brown & Company Jewelers, we love watching clients build their own one-of-a-kind combinations.

And here's what makes solitaires special: they're honest. There's nowhere for a diamond to hide, so quality matters. The four Cs take center stage. But that transparency is exactly what draws people to this setting. It's a confident choice that lets your diamond tell its own story.

Solitaire Ring Setting Styles Explained

Prong Settings

The most classic choice. Four-prong settings create a modern look that really shows off your diamond's shape, while six-prong settings offer extra security with a more traditional, rounded appearance. Both are beautiful; it comes down to the look you love.

Cathedral Settings

If you want a bit more presence, cathedral settings are stunning. Those graceful arches sweep up from the band to lift your diamond higher, catching more light and making the stone look noticeably larger.

Modern Alternatives

Bezel settings wrap a sleek metal rim around your diamond's edge—perfect for those who are active and want maximum protection. Tension settings take a bolder approach, using the band's pressure to hold your diamond so it appears to float.

Choosing Your Band Style and Metal

Width of the Band Matters

The band subtly changes how your ring looks and feels. Thin, delicate bands (around 2mm) create an elegant, feminine look that makes your center stone appear larger. Wider bands (3mm+) offer a bolder, more contemporary presence that complements larger diamonds beautifully. Want something with a bit more character? Twisted or rope bands add subtle texture without detracting from the attention to your diamond.

Metal Choices

Platinum is the ultimate choice for engagement rings due to its incredible durability, natural whiteness, and the fact that it never needs replating. It's an investment that lasts.

White gold gives you that same bright, modern look with a lighter feel on your finger. Please note that it'll require occasional replating to maintain its white finish.

Yellow gold brings classic warmth and makes your diamond look even whiter by contrast. It's timeless for a reason.

Rose gold offers a soft, romantic warmth that's become a modern classic.

Why Choose a Solitaire Engagement Ring?

Very few jewelry designs have the staying power of the solitaire ring. While other styles come and go, the solitaire just keeps going. It works with everything, clashes with nothing, and somehow feels fresh decade after decade.

One diamond, one love. It's a metaphor so simple and honest that it transcends cultural shifts and changing tastes. 

How to Choose Your Perfect Solitaire Ring

Think about how you'll actually wear this ring every day. If you're constantly active, a lower-profile or bezel setting keeps your diamond safer. If you want maximum sparkle, elevated settings like those found in cathedrals catch light beautifully and make your diamond look noticeably larger.

Your hands are unique, and the right proportions make all the difference. Delicate bands elongate fingers and work beautifully on smaller hands. Wider bands offer a better balance for larger diamonds and are suitable for those with longer fingers.

Since your diamond is flying solo, cut quality makes a real difference. Excellent or Ideal cut grades help make sure you get that breathtaking sparkle that solitaires are known for

Our jewelers at Brown & Company love this part of the process. We'll sit with you, answer all your questions (even the ones you think might be silly), and help you find a diamond you'll be excited about.

Top 5 Advantages of Solitaire Settings

1. Timeless style - Never goes out of fashion, protecting your investment year after year

2. Effortless pairing - Works with any wedding band style, from plain metal to pavé diamonds

3. Diamond takes center stage - Your stone appears larger and more brilliant

4. Easy maintenance - Simpler cleaning and lower costs than elaborate designs

5. Wise investment - Focus the budget on diamond quality rather than complex settings

Discover Your Perfect Solitaire at Brown & Company Jewelers

The beauty of a solitaire ring isn't about complexity. It's about intention. One stone. One setting. One enduring symbol that says everything without saying too much.

For over fifty years, Brown & Company Jewelers has helped clients in Buckhead Village and Roswell mark life's biggest moments with our fine jewelry. Our heritage runs deep in the jewelry industry. Frank Brown's grandmother, Marie Burns, founded The Jewel Box in 1923 in Spokane, Washington, and that legacy lives on in our signature solitaire collection.

That legacy lives on in designs like The Davenport, our tried-and-true cathedral setting named for the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. If you love that classic look but want something with a bit more sparkle, The Jewel takes that same elegance and adds diamonds along the band, an elevated twist named after The Jewel Box, where it all began in 1923.

Visit us at our Buckhead Village or Roswell showrooms to see our solitaire collection in person. Or schedule a private consultation where we can take all the time you need to find the one that feels just right.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solitaire Rings?

What makes a solitaire ring different from other engagement rings?

A solitaire ring is different from other engagement rings because it features one center diamond without any accent stones. This design puts all the focus on the gem’s brilliance and timeless elegance.

Are solitaire rings more expensive?

Solitaire rings are often more expensive overall because they feature a single, larger, and rarer diamond, which typically costs more than multiple smaller stones of the same total carat weight. The price reflects the rarity of the center stone, stricter quality standards, and the need for a strong setting to support it. Though if the center diamond is smaller, a solitaire can sometimes cost less than a more intricate halo or pave design.

Can I add a wedding band to a solitaire engagement ring?

Yes, you can add a wedding band to a solitaire engagement ring. Solitaires pair beautifully with any band style, and many couples choose to stack anniversary bands over time for a personalized look.

How do I know which setting is right for me?

To know which setting is right for you, think about your lifestyle, hand proportions, and personal style. Active lifestyles often suit lower settings, while pavé or halo styles add extra sparkle. Your hand shape can influence what looks balanced, and our jewelers at Brown & Co. will help you find the best fit.

Why are solitaire rings so popular?

Solitaire rings remain popular because their simple design gives full attention to one beautiful diamond. The clean look works with any personal style and pairs effortlessly with different wedding bands. Many couples love them for their classic appeal, easy maintenance, and the way a single stone can symbolize lasting love and commitment.