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What is a Diamond Solitaire?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A diamond solitaire is a single diamond set alone in a distinctive setting that showcases the stone. Classically, it is quite large, and the stone may appear totally alone, or it may be surrounded with accent stones. Other types of gemstones may also be displayed in a solitaire setting, or used as accent stones with a large diamond.

The practice of setting remarkable stones on their own to attract attention and capture the eye is ancient. In a solitaire, the setting is often designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, so that the diamond can clearly be seen. A wide variety of cuts may be used, depending on the diamond's natural properties, and both plain and fancy diamonds may be displayed in a solitaire setting. In either case, the diamond must be as flawless as possible, with few to no inclusions and a clear, bright appearance, because the solitaire setting leaves little room for error.

A diamond solitaire may be featured in necklaces.
A diamond solitaire may be featured in necklaces.

In a classic diamond solitaire setting, the stone is displayed on its own in a prong setting. In the case of rings, the band size is carefully calibrated to ensure that it complements and supports the stone without overwhelming it. Solitaires can also be used in bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. The single stone must be large to be clearly visible, which can make these settings expensive, as carat size is a major factor in cost.

Diamond solitaires may be used in earrings.
Diamond solitaires may be used in earrings.

In other versions, a single stone is surrounded by accent stones that are considerably smaller. Depending on the taste of the designer, the solitaire stone may be especially large so that it stands out, or it may be more modestly sized, for a streamlined look which is designed to be more graceful. The accent stones may be diamonds, but they can also be other precious stones, such as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds.

A diamond solitaire may be featured in bracelets.
A diamond solitaire may be featured in bracelets.

When selecting a diamond solitaire, the buyer should assess the appearance of the stone carefully. Whether the diamond is “fancy,” an industry trade term for “colored,” or not, it should be cut in a way that brings out its natural sparkle and shine. It should also be very clear, and it should be firmly seated in the setting, with no signs of wobbling or weakness. It is also important to maintain diamond jewelry well, to ensure that dirt and grime do not adhere to the stone, obscuring its sparkle.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

gregg1956

I've really always thought that there's nothing classier than a woman wearing diamond solitaire earrings or a diamond soliatire necklace.

I can tak or leave the diamond solitaire engagement ring, but there's just something about wearing a a solitaire earring and necklace set that I just find so appealing.

I think it's because it looks so professional. And it really is a timeless look -- a solitaire necklace looks lovely on a younger woman, career women look great wearing solitaires because they're nice, but not overt, and older women just look lovely in diamond jewelry as well, especially if it's something they've had a long time and feel comfortable with.

What do you all think? Are you fans of the diamond solitaire look or no? Of course, the only lady that I look at wearing them recently is my wife, but still, a guy can have a favorite style, right?

closerfan12

One thing that you never realize until you go to pick out that special ring is how many different cuts of diamond solitaire rings there actually are.

I mean, you've got your classic diamond solitaire, then a marquise diamond solitaire, a round diamond solitaire, a princess diamond solitaire, etc. etc. etc.

I only found out after I went to pick out my engagement ring with my now-husband, and I have to tell you, the best thing that I learned while doing that is to not be intimidated.

Some jewelers try to throw out all kinds of stone cuts and carat types to smokescreen you into buying something out of your price range, but don't fall for it.

If you don't know about something, ask! But be firm about your budget. You're there to buy a memory, they're there to make a buck. So take charge; you won't regret it.

pleats

I have to say, I've never been a fan of the diamond solitaire. I think that it's so overdone, and I can't understand why you would want to have an engagement ring that looks just like everyone else's!

Besides, it's totally a marketing thing, in my opinion. Before DeBeers got big, people just wore whatever kind of ring they liked as an engagement ring, if they wore one at all.

Now, what with the "a diamond is forever" thing, everybody tends to get the diamond solitaire ring for their engagement ring.

Well, not me. When I get married, I'm getting a sapphire engagement ring...or perhaps jade. Anything but a diamond solitaire!

Carat Lane

The mounting of a single gemstone on jewelery is usually considered a solitaire diamond jewelery.

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    • A diamond solitaire may be featured in necklaces.
      By: alarsonphoto
      A diamond solitaire may be featured in necklaces.
    • Diamond solitaires may be used in earrings.
      By: alarsonphoto
      Diamond solitaires may be used in earrings.
    • A diamond solitaire may be featured in bracelets.
      By: alarsonphoto
      A diamond solitaire may be featured in bracelets.
    • Diamond solitaires are a popular type of engagement ring.
      By: stockelements
      Diamond solitaires are a popular type of engagement ring.
    • The solitaire is a classic setting for engagement rings, and never goes out of style.
      By: Halfpoint
      The solitaire is a classic setting for engagement rings, and never goes out of style.