All About Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings

Why are diamond solitaire engagement rings still so popular?

What is a Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring?

Solitaire means one. Diamond solitaire rings mean one diamond on a simple yet elegant gold , silver or platinum band.

Which Setting to Choose?

Choosing the setting of the stone is as important as choosing the shape and size of the stone that goes with it. The perfect setting will enhance the beauty of the stone and can even make it look 10 - 20% bigger than it actually is.

• Prong Setting
A prong setting is the one most often used to hold a solitaire. A prong setting puts the emphasis on the diamond and not the metal supporting it. The purpose of any setting is to hold the diamonds securely in the mounting and at the same time allow light to enter the diamonds for maximum brilliance.
• Bezel Setting
A bezel setting is a rim of precious metal that wraps around the diamond. Very traditional and secure and handy to hide small inclusions of the diamond.
• Half Bezel Setting
In this setting the bezel rim surrounds only a portion of the diamond, keeping it secure but allowing more of the stone to be seen. Its quite a mordern setting and slowly becoming more and more popular.
• Flush Setting
In this kind of setting, the stone is set completely in the metal until is level or flush with the surface. It is the most stable kind of setting for the safety of the diamond. Though it is becoming quite a popular setting, this technique seems to go against everything I know about diamonds in relation to light. Also in this kind of setting the stone looks a bit smaller than it actually is.
• Tension Setting
In this setting you get the impression that the diamond is floating in the air. The entire ring acts as one large spring holding the diamond in place. Since there is no metal underneath the diamond you get a beautiful unobstructed view of the stone. As more light enters, the diamond sparkles more from all angles.

Which Diamond Shape should you go for?

While the round shape is the most popular one there are many other shapes to choose from.

• Round Brilliant

• Princess
: Ideal for long fingers and a very popular choice for diamond solitaire engagement rings. Square or rectangular cut with sharp corners and many sparkling facets.
• Emerald
Not very popular nowadays , this is a rectangular shape with cut corners. Its highly recommended to go for superior clarity and color when going for this shape as inclusions and inferior color is more pronounced in this shape.
• Asscher
Very similiar to the emerald cut, an asscher stone is cut with a series of many parallel steps, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect when looking deeply into the stone. These steps create more internal refraction and diamond fire than typical step cut stones, such as the emerald cut or the radiant, which has only slightly trimmed corners.
• Radiantt
Beautiful square or rectangular cut, that combines the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round. Very good at hiding inclusions, its 70 facets maximize the effect of the color refraction.
• Heart
Unique alternative and a romantic choice. It bears some similarity to the pear shape, except that there is a cleft at the top. Not very popular.
• Pear
Also called a teardrop, complements a hand with small fingers. It has a unique shape with a single point and a rounded end.
• Oval
Its one of the least popular choices for diamond solitaire engagement rings. This type of diamond shape optimizes carat weight and gives a flattering illusion of length to the finger.
• Trillion
Though most often used for a side or accent stone, with its stunning brilliance and fire, this triangular cut could make for a bold and dramatic solitaire, and has been increasingly appreciated for its impressive effect as a center stone.
• Marquise

Which Metal to Choose?

Rose gold would be naturally distinctive and a unique choice. The standard trend is to go for either white or yellow gold , which can be either 14 karat or 18 karat.

Platinum, a symbol of ever-lasting love and endurance, is the perfect material for making diamond solitaire engagement rings. The downside being that it is much more expensive than gold.

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