How to Choose the Perfect Solitaire Diamond Ring
Solitaire diamond engagement rings are a true jewelry classic that will never go out of style. If you don’t believe us, just think of this: what sort of ring comes to mind when you close your eyes and imagine a heartfelt proposal? It’s a solitaire diamond. Every hopeful fiancé thinks about the love of their life during this moment, but they also can’t help but think about the ring inside the box! Afterall, the engagement ring is the central point of this moment. It’s like a very sparkly exclamation point to this very special milestone moment. An engagement ring is a symbol of commitment and love. You want to make sure it’s something that your own love will be pleased to wear every day.
The history of the solitaire diamond is directly linked to the very history of diamond engagement rings in America. In the 1940s, the advertising firm N.W. Ayer launched a culture-changing campaign promoting the slogan, “A Diamond Is Forever.” In 1940, only 10% of brides in the United States received an engagement ring. Fifty years later, 80% of engagements in 1990 were marked with a ring (CitiGroup Research/De Beers). It is perhaps because of this mid-century genesis that the inheritance of diamonds has become a treasured family tradition. Whether from parents to children or grandparents to grandchildren, handing a diamond down through the generations is a time-honored practice for American families. Not only were the first diamond engagement rings in the USA solitaire style, but the gifting of single diamonds continues to ensure the long-lived popularity of solitaire diamond rings. Now, what to do with grandma’s loose diamond? Placing it in a setting that allows its beauty to shine will make her proud and leave your soulmate in awe.
A solitaire diamond ring puts its best self at front and center. Though precious metal and sometimes intricate designs can be part of the setting, the most dazzling feature of the solitaire engagement ring is the central diamond. If your diamond is not an heirloom, you’ll need to learn a bit about how to choose the right stone. The diamond is most likely the most important decision you’ll have to make about the ring. The second big choice you’ll need to make is how to display the diamond, or in other words, the setting.
Choosing a diamond for your solitaire diamond ring
Luckily, Lux Bond & Green is an esteemed diamond dealer with over 120 years in the business. We have an extensive collection, and we also offer an online Diamond Search tool to facilitate your shopping experience. Decide what shape you are interested in, and what color, clarity level, and quality of cut (for round shapes) suits your tastes. The size, or carat weight, will directly influence the price of the diamond. If you have a specific budget, set your price range first and then see what other factors are available to adjust.
Any diamond shape can sit beautifully in a solitaire diamond ring setting. Consider your soon-to-be-fiancé’s personal style. Will a heart-shaped diamond thrill her? Or perhaps an on-trend pear shape? Shapes like round brilliant, oval, cushion, princess, and emerald are the most classic and popular. However, remember that you know her best. Don’t be afraid to seek something as unique and special as she is.
The color of a diamond refers to small amounts of trace elements that cause the diamond to take on degrees of a yellowish tinge. Truly “colorless” diamonds are extremely rare. Many degrees of “yellow” can only be seen microscopically. On the other hand, some individuals enjoy colorful diamonds! Don’t rule out blue, pink, cognac, chocolate, or black.
Some people absolutely love interesting inclusions in diamonds. An “inclusion” means clouds, feathers, and crystal shapes found within the diamond. Others seek to find the most flawless diamond possible. The higher level of diamond clarity, the higher its value. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Once you have picked out your favorite diamonds, it’s easy to request an appointment to view your top choices in person. You’ll never need to make a blind purchase at Lux Bond & Green, because we understand the stakes at hand when it comes to your engagement.
Selecting a solitaire diamond ring setting
Once you pick a diamond, how will you showcase it? The setting for your solitaire diamond ring will do so much more than just hold the diamond in place. Settings are expressive! Choose from classic precious metals like yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or sterling silver, luxurious options like platinum, or other contemporary metals such as titanium or palladium. Note that the shape of the stone sometimes dictates the right setting for the job. Here are just a few style options for your solitaire:
Prong – With a high profile, this classic setting lifts the stone up from the band for premium visibility and open sides.
Tension – A tension setting grips the stone in place as if it were floating on the band.
Cathedral – Similar to a prong setting, cathedral style includes a bit more reinforcement around two sides of the stone. Its arching shape resembles the swooping eaves of a church.
Bezel – In a secure bezel setting, the stone is surrounded, or framed, by precious metal.
Flush – When the stone is sunk directly into the band, this is called a flush setting.
Choosing a stunning solitaire diamond ring might start with the diamond, as you’ve now learned. It could also start by browsing collections from top diamond ring designers, such as Hearts on Fire and Naledi, or other luscious Lux Bond & Green exclusive engagement rings and settings. Come in and view some of our favorite solitaire diamond ring designs, loose diamonds, and setting options for yourself, at a Lux Bond & Green MA or CT store location.