Are Solitaire Engagement Rings Extinct? Stylish? Irrelevant?

Are Solitaire Engagement Rings Extinct? Stylish? Irrelevant?

What Happened to the Solitaire Engagement Ring, Anyway?

The solitaire diamond engagement ring design came into existence well over 100 years ago. During the course of the past 100 years we overcame Prohibition, the Great Depression, the Cold War and so many other notable pieces of history. Similarly, the demand for diamond engagement rings has undergone a significant transformation. The creative element of the solitaire engagement ring has evolved, and some critics argue that the creative element of a solitaire engagement ring setting is lacking altogether. While we always defer to individual buyers to evaluate the aesthetics of particular designs, the fact is that today's solitaire engagement rings offer a unique design perspective that was not available 100 years ago.

The Italian Solitaire Engagement Ring Extraordinaire

The fashion capital of the world is always ready to set new trends. Italian engagement rings have long served as an icon of creative perfection. Today, Italian diamond settings continue to conquer the hearts and minds of buyers and sellers alike. This solitaire diamond engagement ring features a contemporary three-prong setting, rendering a substantial distinction between the traditional four-prong and six-prong diamond settings, most commonly offered by sellers today. Additionally, the fact that the prongs are taller than most effectively renders them an integral part of this design, thereby contributing to the contemporary character of the finished engagement ring.

The Revenge of the Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

The classic solitaire engagement ring design had undergone every transformation creatively possible. From split and curved shank variations to the east-west prong configuration, the engagement ring industry has tried it all. At some point it was time for a new aesthetic venture, and a novel wave of solitaire diamond engagement rings was born - the solitaire side stone setting. However, by definition, “solitaire” means one. The logical question is, how can any engagement rings with side stones settings still be called solitaire? The answer lies in the boundaries both placed and challenged by creativity that rules the industry. While it is true that a solitaire side stone engagement ring has more than one diamond, the main focus remains on the large center stone - one diamond. The rest is subject to your own opinion of what can, could or should be considered a solitaire diamond engagement ring.

The Magic Designer’s Touch

When the solitaire side stone engagement ring gained acceptance in the diamond and gemstone engagement rings communities, the aesthetic borders started to expand. Not only was the solitaire setting no longer limited to a single diamond, but designers started adding elements such as the split shank, vintage milgrain filigree, diamond pave and others into the equation. The solitaire engagement ring featured above shows a split shank with two rows of side stones, and an additional crossband rendering the asymmetrical third row. The position of many designers remains that this is no longer a solitaire diamond engagement ring and should not be referred to as such, but the argument of the opposite side is just as powerful, convincing and therefore relevant.

The Solitaire Engagement Ring is Alive, Just in a Different Form

With over 100 years of history, evolution and transformation, the solitaire engagement ring design is alive and kicking. Indeed, it has seen and will likely continue to observe some fundamental changes. Much like the halo, three stone and other engagement ring designs, the solitaire has evolved to accommodate the growing need for current buyers to enjoy a historic design that remains relevant today. It is fair to predict that the tastes of future generations will differ from those of the past and present buyers. It is just as fair to predict that the solitaire design will continue to evolve, to meet the growing demand for change. However, the solitaire engagement ring is undoubtedly here to stay.