Proposing to your loved one? You would want everything to be done right. The setting, music, place, the proposal and last but the most important thing, “The Engagement Ring”!! Remember, a beautiful engagement ring will help you a lot in letting your partner say “YES!”. And if you seal the deal with an iconic solitaire diamond ring, you are all set for taking the next step. 

The Popularity of Diamond Engagement Ring

A solitaire diamond ring is a must for any true jewellery aficionado but these became hugely popular in the late forties and mid-fifties at first. All the credit goes to Mary Frances Gerety, the copywriter who invented the classic slogan “ A diamond is forever” for De Beers, and also to the immensely popular song by Marilyn Monroe “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” from the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. Tiffany & co, founder Charles Tiffany had already designed a solitaire diamond ring with a six-prong setting carrying a round shape diamond raised on a gold band. This design put the diamond in the forefront, letting the light pass through the prongs and through the diamond which heightened its brilliance. This was very different from the contemporary engagement rings then as the diamond was used to set close to the band, but Mr. Tiffany wanted the beauty of the diamond in the forefront. The song and the advertisement campaign led to the popularity of the diamonds worldwide and the iconic Tiffany solitaire ring came into prominence. Even today, the solitaire ring is the most favored among engagement rings.

Types of Solitaire Diamond Rings Available in the Market

Solitaire meaning single refers to the ring with a single centre diamond. But solitaire rings come in a variety of designs now and are also custom-made as per the customer’s requirements. 

There are so many settings for diamond rings including the six-pronged setting we discussed earlier. Some of them  are given below.

 1. Solitaire Ring with Four Prong Setting

Prongs are like little metal claws which go out from the base of the ring and hold the diamond in place by clasping it giving the appearance that the solitaire is raised on a platform.

 2. Solitaire Ring with Halo Setting

In this type of setting, small diamonds are set around the main solitaire diamond in concentric circles which increases the sparkle and also makes the main stone appear larger.

 3. Solitaire Ring with Tension Setting

The solitaire is kept in place by the tension between the metal band. Tiny grooves are cut in the ring where solitaire touches it, to keep the diamond in place.

 4. Solitaire Ring with Pave Setting

Small diamonds are set in the band of the ring with the main solitaire diamond in the middle.

 5. Solitaire Ring with Bezel Setting

In this setting, the solitaire is covered by the metal band with the top portion of the diamond uncovered.

So, these are some of the settings that solitaire diamond rings are crafted in. Let us move on to the types of cuts found in solitaires.

Types of Cuts in Solitaire

Solitaire diamonds can come in a variety of cuts. Some of the prominent cuts are mentioned below.

  1. Round-cut

The most popular cut with 58 facets (57 facet in case of pointed culet). Allows for the maximum brilliance due to the number and angles of facets cut.

  2. Princess Cut

A very popular choice for engagement rings. Has an angular four-sided pyramid shape which allows the diamond to be used in several ring styles.

  3. Oval-Cut

Nearly same as round cut with a more elongated shape which makes the diamond appear bigger and the finger of the person wearing it slimmer which is a win-win situation both ways.

  4. Cushion Cut

Square cut diamonds with corners that are rounded, like a cushion or pillow, hence the name. The cut has been around for nearly two hundred years and has regained popularity in recent years.

  5. Heart Shaped Cut

Unique and very popular among lovers as an engagement ring due to its symbolic heart shaped appearance.

There are several other cuts like Pear, Teardrop, Marquise, Emerald, Asscher, and Radiant cut which are also very popular but the above-mentioned cuts are generally chosen more for engagement rings.

Tips to Consider While Purchasing Solitaire Diamond Ring

The solitaire of the engagement ring is its main attraction. The solitaire is what really counts and is the most precious and costly part of the ring. Before buying the ring, scrutinize the diamond closely and give due significance to its quality. The main parameters of defining the quality of a diamond and thus price is the so often quoted 4C’s, that are:

  1. Carat

  2. Colour

 3. Clarity

 4. Cut

Conclusion

If you are searching for the perfect solitaire engagement ring for your partner, please check the diamond jewellery collections offered by AËLRA JOAILLERIE. The jewellery includes earrings, bracelets, pendants, along with beautiful solitaire diamond rings created by our in-house experienced craftsmen who put their heart and soul into making these exquisite collections which you will treasure for a lifetime. We use only natural mined diamonds of G-H color and SI1, SI2, and I1 clarity in sparkling white, black and brown diamonds set in 9K, 14K, and 18K gold alloy.