Solitaire Engagement Rings

The Solitaire

Solitaire Engagement Rings

A solitaire engagement ring is one diamond on a plain band, held by prongs or a bezel, with nothing beside it. It is the oldest form of engagement ring and the one that has never gone out of style, because it does the one thing an engagement ring is for: it shows the diamond. Every solitaire here is made to order in our Los Angeles atelier, modeled around the exact measurements of the diamond you choose, so the prongs sit where they should and the head is the right height for the band.

A solitaire is also the ring where the diamond carries the whole argument. There is no halo to add size and no pavé to add light, so cut quality, color and the proportion of the head to the band are all there is. A well chosen diamond in a well proportioned solitaire looks more expensive than a lesser diamond in a busier ring. The reverse is also true.

Two ways to own one

Build your ring. Choose a setting below, then pair it with a natural or lab diamond from our inventory. A ROSI™ Score Report, our gemological intelligence, reads the cut performance and fair market position of any natural diamond you are considering, and John Anderson, our Lead Gemologist, reviews the shortlist with you.

Choose a Select ring. The Select rings arrive complete, with an IGI certified lab diamond already matched to the setting in the carat weight you choose.

How to choose a solitaire

• Prongs. Four prongs show more of the diamond and suit ovals, cushions and emerald cuts. Six prongs are the traditional round setting and hold more securely. Claw prongs read delicate; rounded prongs read classic.
• Head height. A low head sits close to the hand and under gloves. A high head lets a wedding band sit flush beneath. A cathedral lifts the diamond with two arches from the band. All three are in this collection.
• Band width. 1.8 to 2.2 millimeters for a 1 to 2 carat diamond. Thinner reads more delicate and makes the diamond look larger; wider reads heavier.
• Hidden halo. A solitaire with a ring of pavé beneath the diamond, invisible from above, visible in profile. The one modern detail that has become a classic.
• Diamond. Excellent cut on a round; a reviewed cut on a fancy shape. On a solitaire every grade shows, so this is where the certificate and the ROSI™ report earn their keep.

Solitaires by shape

Round Solitaire · Oval Solitaire · Cushion Solitaire · Classic Engagement Rings · Halo · All Engagement Rings

Talk to a jeweler before you decide

Head height, prong count and band width change how a solitaire sits on the hand more than any photograph shows. John Anderson, our Lead Gemologist, walks you through it on the phone or by video. Call 1-800-779-1726 or request a consultation. There is no charge and no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions