Solitaire Engagement Rings
Discover why the solitaire setting remains the most iconic engagement ring style. Learn about cathedral, classic, and tension variations, shape pairings, and expert buying tips from Aurela Diamonds in Vancouver.
The solitaire engagement ring is the purest expression of commitment in jewellery design. Featuring a single diamond held by a minimal setting, the solitaire directs every ounce of attention to the stone itself. Its origins trace back to 1886 when Tiffany & Co. introduced the six-prong setting that lifted the diamond above the band, allowing light to enter from all angles and maximizing brilliance. More than a century later, the solitaire remains the most popular engagement ring style worldwide, and for good reason: nothing else showcases a lab-grown diamond quite as dramatically.
At Aurela Diamonds, we craft solitaire settings in four-prong, six-prong, and bezel configurations across 14K gold, 18K gold, and platinum. Because the setting is deliberately understated, the quality of the center stone becomes the focal point. This makes the solitaire an excellent choice for clients who want to invest the majority of their budget in a larger or higher-grade lab-grown diamond rather than in supplementary accent stones. The simplicity of the design also means solitaires pair beautifully with almost any wedding band, from plain metal to fully diamond-set eternity bands.
Beyond aesthetics, the solitaire is remarkably practical. Fewer prongs and no side stones mean fewer places for dirt to accumulate and fewer tiny diamonds that could loosen over time. Cleaning is straightforward, resizing is simpler than with more complex settings, and the timeless silhouette ensures your ring will never look dated. Whether you prefer a sleek knife-edge band or a comfort-fit shank, the solitaire adapts to your taste while keeping the diamond firmly in the spotlight.
Solitaire Setting Characteristics
Solitaire Variations
Classic Prong Solitaire
The most traditional version, using four or six prongs to secure the diamond directly on a plain metal band. The four-prong configuration exposes more of the diamond, while six prongs offer added security and a slightly rounded appearance from above.
Cathedral Solitaire
Arched metal shoulders rise from the band to meet the diamond, reminiscent of cathedral architecture. This lifts the stone higher off the finger, creating an elegant profile and additional structural support. The cathedral design also facilitates a flush fit with most wedding bands.
Tension Solitaire
The diamond appears to float between the two ends of the band, held in place by the spring force of the metal. This modern, architectural look maximizes light entry and creates a striking visual effect. Tension settings require precise engineering and are typically crafted in stronger alloys.
Bezel Solitaire
A thin rim of metal encircles the diamond, holding it securely in place. The bezel solitaire is the most protective option, ideal for active lifestyles, and offers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. It can be a full bezel (completely surrounding the stone) or a semi-bezel that leaves the sides open for more light.
Best Diamond Shapes for Solitaire
Round
ExcellentThe round brilliant is the quintessential solitaire diamond. Its 58 facets deliver maximum brilliance, and the symmetrical shape sits perfectly in standard four- or six-prong mounts.
Oval
ExcellentAn oval diamond in a solitaire setting elongates the finger and offers a modern twist on the classic look. Its larger face-up area makes it appear bigger than a round of the same carat weight.
Emerald
GoodThe emerald cut's step facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect that looks stunning unadorned. However, the open table means clarity must be VS2 or better, as there are no accent stones to distract from inclusions.
Princess
ExcellentThe square silhouette of a princess cut pairs perfectly with a solitaire setting for a clean, geometric aesthetic. V-prongs are recommended to protect the pointed corners.
Pear
GoodA pear shape solitaire is eye-catching and distinctive. The single stone setting lets the unique teardrop silhouette take center stage. A V-prong at the pointed tip is essential for protection.
Pros & Cons
+Advantages
- Maximizes the visual impact of the center diamond with zero distraction
- Pairs seamlessly with virtually any wedding band style
- Low maintenance due to the simple design and fewer settings to inspect
- Timeless silhouette that never goes out of fashion
- More of the budget can be allocated to a higher-quality center stone
-Considerations
- The center diamond is fully exposed, making inclusions or color tint more visible
- Requires a higher-quality stone since nothing masks imperfections
- Can appear less ornate for those who prefer detailed, decorative designs
- A smaller diamond may look understated without accent stones to add visual weight
Buying Tips
Prioritize diamond quality over setting complexity. In a solitaire, every aspect of the stone is visible, so aim for at least VS2 clarity and an H color grade or better.
Consider a six-prong setting for round diamonds over 1.5 carats for added security, or opt for four prongs if you want to maximize the stone's visible surface area.
Ask about the band width. A slightly wider band (2mm+) provides structural durability, while a thinner band (1.5mm) makes the diamond appear proportionally larger.
Test-fit a wedding band alongside the engagement ring before committing. Some solitaire profiles sit high enough for a flush fit, while others may require a contoured wedding band.
If you lead an active lifestyle, consider a bezel or semi-bezel variation to protect the diamond from side impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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