Solitaire Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

A solitaire engagement ring is the perfect option for the classic bride-to-be. Easily one of the most popular settings out there, solitaire rings have a traditionally beautiful look that puts all of the attention on the center stone. They are more simple and minimalist than some of today's trendier looks, and they're also a timeless piece of jewelry that will never feel stale.

"It’s the design that most people associate a classic diamond engagement ring with," explains jeweler Sarah Ortega. "A solitaire ring design can be traced all the way back to ancient Roman times, with uncut and unpolished stones."

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Pros and Cons of Solitaire Engagement Rings

There are plenty of good things to say about solitaire engagement rings. Ortega points out that one of the main reasons people go for this style is because the design is timeless. It will never feel trendy or out of style, and it's easy to pass down. "Another reason people love solitaire rings is because their simple and minimalistic design makes it easy to style them with wedding bands," Ortega adds. These rings are incredibly versatile. They look just as good with an elaborate wedding band as they do with a simple one. "A solitaire engagement ring can look totally different if it's stacked with fun and funky wedding bands, or it can maintain its simple design with a classic band," Ortega says.

It's hard to find something bad to say about solitaire engagement rings, mostly because they're so simple. However, that might actually be a con for some: "Some people find their simplistic design to lack personality," Ortega admits. If you're more interested in features like sparkling diamond halos and milgrain details, as well as side stones to accent your center stone, a solitaire isn't for you. But if you want a classic look, then it's perfect.

What to Look for in a Solitaire Engagement Ring

Finding the perfect solitaire engagement ring isn't just about finding something you love to look at. Here are some questions and answers to consider before purchasing one.

• What is the most important part of a solitaire engagement ring? A solitaire ring is so simple, which means that all eyes will be on the center stone. "Since the stone is taking center stage, you should focus on making sure the diamond is not only beautiful but also of great quality," Ortega says. "Ensuring your diamond is certified and will last a lifetime is the best thing to look for in a solitaire ring."
• What is the best stone cut for this type of ring? According to Ortega, the beauty of a solitaire ring is that there is no best diamond cut. "Its simplicity makes it a great candidate for essentially every diamond shape," she says. She notes that some of the most popular diamond shapes for this type of ring are round, oval, emerald, marquise, pear, and cushion.
• What type of wedding band looks best with a solitaire ring? Again, part of the appeal of a solitaire ring is how it goes with almost any type of wedding band. "The options for stacking are endless, from plain gold bands to custom intricate designs," Ortega says. "One of our favorite ways to stack a solitaire is with a tracer band. These bands are curved to fit different stone shapes and they make such a beautiful, cohesive look."
• How can you make a solitaire ring a little more interesting? If you ever feel the urge to change things up with your solitaire ring, you can do exactly that. Ortega recommends stacking multiple bands on both the top and the bottom of the ring as a way to add more shape and design. "Playing with negative space, adding texture, and creating dimension to your stack are great ways to spice up your solitaire," she says.
  

How to Care for a Solitaire Engagement Ring

Another pro to solitaire engagement rings: they don't require any elaborate cleaning methods and caring for them is the same as caring for other types of jewelry. Ortega recommends taking your ring off during activities that might potentially harm the ring, like hiking, swimming, or any work involving your hands. "If you pause to consider taking it off, you probably should!" she urges.

Ortega also strongly recommends getting your ring professionally cleaned every six months to keep it shining and sparkling like new.

You can always clean your ring at home on your own with warm water and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Rinse it under warm water and gently rub it with a microfiber cloth.

Here are some beautiful solitaire options for anyone who wants to own one of these classic pieces.