solitaire rings -

Solitaire Engagement Rings: Your Complete Guide

September 7, 2022December 14, 2022Engagement Ringsdiamond engagement rings, engagement rings, solitaire engagement rings, solitaire rings

Time-honored and elegant, solitaire engagement rings are easily one of the most popular ring settings available. While simple, these rings are always on trend, affordable, and look great on every finger.

Loved for their crisp design, engagement rings with solitaire settings feature a single stone placed on the metal band. These rings highlight the diamond like no other, no matter its shape.

As the most iconic and popular ring style, the minimal design of solitaire rings has come to symbolize life’s most precious moments, and for good reasons. From proposals to special anniversaries, the sophistication of its sleek band, whether traditional or contemporary, it’s no wonder these have remained a firm favorite over the years.

We’ve rounded up some of our most popular solitaire engagement rings to celebrate these classic beauties, as well as help you learn all there is to know about the forever timeless solitaire setting.

What Is A Solitaire Engagement Ring?

The word “solitaire” comes from the Latin word “Solus,” which means alone or sole.

Therefore, solitaire engagement rings feature a single diamond in the center. The classic engagement ring has been around for decades and often makes for a true statement piece.

Typically, there are no other diamonds or gemstones on the ring, and the band is plain without pavé diamonds. But, do not let the simplicity of this style fool you. In fact, there is plenty of room to customize it to create the ring of your dreams.

18K Yellow Gold 1.5mm Comfort Fit Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Rope Solitaire Engagement Ring

Why Choose A Solitaire Engagement Ring?

For those with a simple yet refined sense of style, a solitaire setting is a perfect choice. With its polished design and uncomplicated beauty, it is the ideal complement to any outfit and occasion.

As there are no additional stones or elaborate details to distract from the center stone. Meaning, that there’s more diamond to see and more light to pass through, adding to the diamond’s brilliance. In other words, the design allows the diamond to take center stage!

Solitaire engagement rings are also extremely versatile, which allows the wearer to pair them beautifully with a variety of other pieces such as gemstone jewelry or wedding rings.

Other elements such as metal color can give a solitaire ring a distinct look, tailor-made to the preference of each wearer. For example, rose gold solitaire engagement rings give off a blended vintage and modern appearance. While the rosey, warm hue looks striking against many skin tones.
These are just a handful of the many reasons why you should choose a solitaire engagement ring. Despite changing fashion trends, you can be sure that your ring will remain stylish and sophisticated.

Solitaire Engagement Rings For Every Diamond Shape

14K White Gold Classic Split Shank Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold East-West Knife Edge Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold 2mm Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Flat Edged Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

14K White Gold 2.5mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

Solitaire settings are designed to fit a selection of diamonds in various shapes and sizes. This is because of their classic design and perfect prongs. Regardless of the diamond’s shape or size, it will remain well secured so you won’t have to worry about it falling out.

The timeless elegance of solitaire rings also means they can accommodate various diamond shapes and sizes. Round diamonds are the traditional choice for solitaire engagement rings, but fancy shaped diamonds such as oval, pear, cushion, marquise, and emerald cut are some of the most popular options.

So, which one do you think you’ll pick?

What To Look For In A Solitaire Engagement Ring

Finding the perfect solitaire engagement ring isn’t just about finding something you love to stare at. But what exactly is the most important part of a solitaire engagement ring?

Here are a number of things to consider before making a big purchase.

As we mentioned before, the design is basic and all eyes are on the diamond, it is best to try to focus on making sure that the diamond is not only magnificent but is also of great quality. Experts highly recommend that the diamond you choose is certified and details the nitty-gritty of your diamond.

Another question on many customers’ minds is, “what is the best stone cut for this type of ring?”Due to the beauty of a solitaire ring, there is actually no optimal diamond cut, as its simplicity makes it suitable for practically any diamond shape.

Additionally, it’s good to note that solitaire rings can be customized with a variety of prong settings and designs. The most common include comfort fit, knife edge, classic split shank, bezel set, cathedral, and four and six-prong solitaire settings.

Pros and Cons of a Solitaire Setting

There are plenty of good things to say about solitaire engagement rings, which is one this ring setting is so popular. It will never feel trendy or out of style, and it’s easy to pass down. However, there are also just a few disadvantages to selecting a solitaire engagement ring.

Pros and Cons of a Solitaire engagement rings

Lab Created Diamond Solitaire Ring Price

If your goal is to shop for an affordable engagement ring, then solitaire is definitely your best option.

But, if you’re looking for guaranteed affordability, you should definitely consider a lab created diamond. Lab created diamonds are 100% real diamonds, and just like earth created diamonds, they come with their own GIA certificate.

Lab grown diamonds have the exact same optical, physical, and chemical properties as their mined counterparts. The only significant difference is their origin. One comes from a natural and uncontrolled environment, while the other is physically created in a controlled laboratory. In fact, if you examined both types of diamonds under a professional jeweler’s loupe or on a molecular level, you would not see any differences.

There is a fast-growing trend in the diamond industry for buyers to purchase these diamonds. Why you may ask? Well, there are several reasons why lab created diamonds are so beneficial:

Environmentally friendly & ethically sourced
At 30% less than an earth created diamond of similar size, color, and clarity, there is greater affordability
Available in various diamond shapes and sizes
Known origin of every diamond
Greater purity and improved quality

This ring style offers several creative opportunities, which is perfect for those also looking to design their dream engagement ring. In fact, at JamesAllen.com, we allow you to jump into the designer’s seat and fully customize a truly unique engagement ring with The Ring Studio. You can choose from hundreds of different designs and a selection of beautiful lab created diamonds. By creating your own ring within your budget, you can create exactly what you want.

Price estimation for solitaire engagement rings

Solitaire Engagement Rings With A Wedding Band

The truth is that solitaire engagement rings can look great with just about any wedding ring.

In general, it’s best to choose a wedding band that matches the metal and style of your fiancé-to-be’s engagement ring. However, there are no set rules to follow. If you also feel the urge to spice things up from time to time with your solitaire ring, one of the things to do is add stackable rings. Stacking multiple bands on both the top and the bottom of your engagement ring is a stunning way to add the perfect amount of sparkle and dimension you may be looking for.
Our guide on How To Wear A Wedding Ring Set can also give you the answers you need as it goes into more detail on what you should look for when choosing a wedding band to match a solitaire engagement ring.

FAQs

What is the difference between a solitaire and a diamond?

Solitaire and diamond are often used interchangeably by jewelers. However, the two actually have different meanings. Solitaire refers to the gemstone setting, e.g., a single stone mounted on a piece of jewelry, while a diamond is a type of gemstone.

Does an engagement ring have to be a solitaire?

No. There are a variety of engagement ring styles to choose from. Although a solitaire engagement ring is the most popular.

Why are solitaire rings the best?

Solitaires are unrivaled when it comes to practical versatility; They pair up stunningly with most wedding bands. Since the engagement ring didn’t set a very defined style, you’re free to play with classic, vintage and bolder band combinations. They all look great!

The Best Place To Buy An Engagement Ring

May 9, 2022July 4, 2022Engagement Ringsdiamond rings, engagement rings, halo rings, lab diamonds, lab-created diamonds, solitaire rings

So you’re ready to pop the big question but you’re not quite sure where to start looking for that special sparkler…let us help you discover the best place to buy an engagement ring!

The Best Place To Buy An Engagement Ring

We’re going to try and give you a simple answer to that special question you’ve been asking yourself lately– where is the best place to buy an engagement ring??

If you’re looking to take the next step and begin your engagement ring shopping experience, we absolutely recommend starting online! Whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire engagement ring with no extra bits or bobs, or you’re looking for the perfect halo engagement ring set in your dream fancy shape diamond, we guarantee your preference is bound to be online, and in abundance!

It’s no surprise that online shopping has become a comfortable and convenient alternative to in-person shopping over the past few years. But does it take away anything from the ring shopping experience?

Let’s walk through the pros and cons of buying your dream ring online, and hopefully, you’ll come to agree that the best place to buy an engagement ring is from the comfort of your own home.

Engagement Ring Shopping

Engagement ring shopping is as exciting as it is overwhelming. Not only does it take some research but it’s a huge investment, and one you surely want to get right from the get-go.

Many online jewelry realtors understand the stress and unique needs of diamond engagement ring buyers, and so these same realtors are motivated to make sure your buying experience is incredibly easy and that you have every tool you’d need to make the perfect choice!

So what questions should you be asking yourself?

14K White Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)

Special Services & Technology

What unique services will an online jewelry store offer you? You want to start by looking at their tech features. Are you able to do a free real-time diamond consultation and learn more about it and also have an up-close look at a particular diamond that has caught your eye?

When searching for the center stone for your engagement ring, it’s important that you not only have access to the different types of diamonds available to you but also easy-to-understand information about important factors to consider when choosing a diamond for your unique budget and preference.

Most online jewelry stores will have an education center filled with everything you need to know about choosing a diamond. You’ll likely also have access to expert and diamond jewelry consultants who are readily available to jump online with you to answer all your questions, help you pick out your diamond engagement ring, and allow you to view your diamond choices in 360° HD.

14K White Gold Embellished Gallery Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Online Engagement Ring Customization

Next, can you customize your engagement ring yourself? The short answer is yes! The best place to customize your engagement ring is online because you have the ability to see your creation form in real-time. You have all the tools available to mix and match different settings, metal colors, diamond shapes, etc.

Like our very own Ring Studio, online customization is taken to the next level. You are the main designer and creator, as opposed to telling someone in a store what you like and having them create it for you. You don’t need to settle for an engagement ring that doesn’t quite suit your or your partner’s style because you can design one that is the exact representation of what you want down to every minute detail.

14K Rose Gold Bypass Marquise Array Diamond Engagement Ring

Virtual Engagement Ring Try-On

Worried about being able to try on your ring and get that perfect ring size? To order engagement rings online is a daunting experience- but not one that isn’t without surety. Believe it or not, you’ll be able to do a virtual try-on. And when we say you’ll be trying on rings all day long, we mean it!

You can see what ring styles look good on you, which metals match best with your skin tone, and what size diamond or shape suits your finger best.

14K White Gold Entangled Vines Engagement Ring

Online Ring Sizer

Next, you can determine your ring size in so many different ways using helpful tips and tricks. There’s even an app you can use to get an exact measurement. At James Allen, we offer free resizing, done in a timely manner- in case you have a special proposal planned!

14K Yellow Gold Bow-Tie Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring

Variety & Budget

When buying an engagement ring online, you’ll find you have a much wider variety of diamond and gemstone center stones available to you. While some people prefer the traditional natural diamond, the perks of investing in lab created diamond alternatives are growing exponentially.

Lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds are optically and chemically identical. If you were to have both diamonds professionally inspected, you would find no differences. The only noticeable difference is the incredible price tag. A lab created diamond is by far the more budget-friendly option, allowing you to get the diamond you truly want, for less!

We can’t stress this enough. In-store operations have gemstone and diamond engagement rings available for you to browse and try on, but online stores really do have so much more to offer you at a personal level. Especially if you’re looking for variety or to customize a specific ring.

Fun fact: At JamesAllen.com we store hundreds of different ring settings and more than 300,000 natural and lab grown loose diamonds- in every fancy shape and color!

14K White Gold Woven Solitaire Engagement Ring

Shipping & Returns Policies

The best place to buy an engagement ring will certainly be one you can wholeheartedly trust to be fair and deliver on their promises. Most online jewelry stores have thorough shipping and return policies. It’s needed to ensure trust and long-lasting relationships with customers who have moved to purchase their jewelry online.

Looking at our process and policies, every engagement ring from James Allen is hand-crafted, methodically examined, and checked by diamond and jewelry experts to ensure the quality of a piece before it’s shipped via secure delivery methods. Every order includes Free WorldWide Shipping, and Hassle-Free Returns with 100% Money Back Guarantee within 30 days.

14K White Gold Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

The Best Place To Buy An Engagement Ring FAQs

Is it safe to buy an engagement ring online?

The answer is yes. If you’re set on buying your ring online, make sure to do the proper research: choose a trustworthy vendor, verify their certification, read the return policy, and pay attention to the shipping details.

Can I return an engagement ring that I purchased online?

Usually yes, but it’s your responsibility to read through the vendor’s return policy before making a purchase from them.

Where should you not buy an engagement ring?

Always make sure you’re working with a reputable jeweler. Don’t buy an engagement ring from any vendor that cannot prove their legitimacy or if you can tell whether their site deals and special offers are too good to be true.

Is it cheaper to buy an engagement ring online or in-store?

Engagement rings are said to be 30-40% cheaper online than they are in physical jewelry stores. Because of the way diamonds are sold and distributed, diamonds are less expensive for online vendors.

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