When it comes to engagement rings, few styles can rival the timeless elegance of a classic solitaire. A solitaire consists of a single center stone, typically secured with prongs, resting atop a solid metal band. Thanks to Charles Lewis Tiffany, the six-prong, round solitaire is now widely recognized as the quintessential diamond engagement ring. For those brides-to-be who live by the motto “less is more,” but who don’t wish to sacrifice sparkle, a radiant diamond solitaire may be the perfect choice. But, if she prefers a ring with a little something extra, she can still enjoy the subtlety of a classic diamond solitaire with her own personal twist. In this article, we’ll reveal our easiest tips and tricks to take your delicate diamond solitaire from modest to striking.

Pick a Colorful Center Stone

One easy way to spice up a solitaire engagement ring is to opt for a colorful center stone rather than a traditional colorless diamond. Choose from a selection of vivid colored diamonds and precious gemstones to find the one that best fits your future bride. Give her ring a personal touch by selecting her birthstone or the gem that corresponds with a time that’s significant to you both, like the month you first met. Each time she catches a glimpse of her ring, she’ll be reminded of the sweet sentiment behind it. Both rubies and sapphires are ideal for engagement rings because they’re nearly as hard as diamonds, with a Moh’s rating of 9. This means they’re durable and able to easily withstand everyday wear and tear.

Get Creative with Your Setting

When you envision a solitaire engagement ring, you probably imagine the Tiffany setting we previously mentioned—a six-prong, round diamond ring. Though this style is most popular, there are plenty of other settings known to beautifully enhance a center diamond, or colored gemstone. A bezel setting, for example, frames a center diamond with a thin metal rim. This ensures that the stone is safe and secure from the hazards of daily wear. On the other hand, a cathedral setting elevates the center stone with thin metal arches, giving the ring just the right amount of height. When situated in this way, a diamond can appear larger than it actually is.

Select a Unique Shape

Who said a diamond solitaire has to be round? There are a variety of glittering diamond shapes to choose from that can add a touch of distinctiveness to her ring. Princess and cushion cuts are popular alternatives to the traditional round brilliant diamond. Though, if she prefers something a bit more contemporary, pear and oval cuts are two favorites that have been spotted on the hands of fashion-forward celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively. Fancy diamond shapes are one of the hottest engagement ring trends of the moment, and one you can expect to see much more of in the coming months.

Choose a Diamond Band

If she loves the look of a solitaire, but you still want to add some extra glam to her ring, you can do so by adding diamond accents to the ring’s band. Diamond accents can help to amplify the sparkle of a center stone without costing you a fortune. Because diamonds are priced by carat, adding small carat diamond accents is often more cost effective than opting for a large center stone.

Shop Stunning Diamond Solitaires in San Diego

If you’re planning the details of a romantic proposal for your sweetheart, you must visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store in San Diego. Our spacious showroom offers a sizable selection of engagement rings, from gorgeous, glittering solitaires and everything in between. Searching for a vintage engagement ring with a special touch of character? Our collection of antique and vintage engagement rings is vast and varied, spanning decades of different trends. Do you have a style in mind, but haven’t quite come across the perfect ring? Let one of our highly skilled jewelers bring your vision to life with a custom made design that can be completely tailored to her taste. At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store, we’re committed to helping you find a ring she’ll cherish for a lifetime!