The Big Success Story of the Solitaire Diamond Ring

By  //  November 5, 2023

 

Solitaire diamond ring, image: Diamonds-USA

The big success story of the Solitaire diamond ring.

Because most engagement rings are purchased by men, who may find it challenging to pinpoint their partner’s ring preferences, they often choose to play it safe and opt for the Solitaire diamond ring.


Solitaire diamond ring models
by Diamonds-USA

With so many ring designs and jewelry stores to pick from, determining how and where to buy the ideal Solitaire diamond ring can be difficult. Since it is one of the most important purchases they’ll ever make, so they would prefer that it is right. Not just because it can be rather costly, but also because they want their partner to cherish it as much as they cherish themselves. 

If the prospect of searching for the perfect proof of your love and commitment is worrisome, don’t worry. We’ve prepared a simple shopping guide to help you find the perfect Solitaire diamond ring at Diamonds-USA. Here’s everything you need to know to find the best ring for your love.

 

Four Cs you need to know: Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Color

Since you are decided on the ring model-The Solitaire diamond ring, you should put your attention to the diamond that will be set at the top of the solitairee setting.

Chances are, you’ve come across the “Four Cs,” the widely-known diamond grading system. Let’s quickly break down what each “C” represents and how you can use this information to find the perfect diamond within your budget.

Cut

When we refer to “cut,” we’re not talking about the shape of the diamond; instead, we’re talking about its sparkle factor. This aspect applies specifically to round brilliant diamonds and is graded on a scale from excellent to poor, based on how closely the diamond matches the ideal and precise proportions of a round brilliant diamond.

Carat

Diamond size or weight is measured in carats. A typical Solitaire diamond ring features a one-carat diamond, which is about 1/5 of a gram, roughly the size of an Advil tablet. In contrast, Kim K’s famous stolen emerald-cut diamond weighed 20 carats and reportedly had a price tag of $4.5 million.

Clarity

Even a seemingly perfect diamond can have flaws called inclusions. These are minuscule black or white specks or lines that naturally develop as the diamond takes shape deep within the earth over millions of years. Clarity is assessed based on the quantity, prominence, and location of these inclusions. Fewer and hidden inclusions indicate a higher clarity grade.

Color

Diamonds display a variety of colors, with the rarest being completely colorless. Color is assessed on a scale from D (no color, the costliest) to Z, where a noticeable yellowish tint is present. Recently, salt and pepper diamonds, which can be black, grey, or chocolate-colored, have gained popularity. In this case, the more saturated the color, the higher the value of the diamond.

Pick Your Shape

Your choice of diamond should reflect your personal style, and it will also influence the options for your ring collection. Let’s take a quick look at the most popular diamond shapes:

  • Round: It’s the most sought-after shape and best highlights a diamond’s brilliance.

Solitaire diamond rings by shape Left to right, Round, Oval, Marquise, Pear

  • Oval: The second sought-after shape. This shape complements long, lean fingers.
  • Emerald: Its large facets showcase excellent clarity. (See: Beyoncé and Amal Clooney diamond engagement rings.)
  • Princess: The wide, flat-top, and pyramid-shaped diamonds may sometimes look larger than their actual carat weight suggests.
  • Marquise: This long, tapered style gives the highest carat size.
  • Pear: A round-marquise hybrid appears dainty on a light, slender band.

 

Decide Where to Buy Your Solitairee diamond ring

There are several places to purchase your Solitairee diamond ring, each with its unique advantages. The top choice is often online, where you’ll find a vast inventory and a wide variety of settings to choose from.

Private Jeweler

If you have a specific vision for your ring and don’t require extensive browsing or trying on options, you might want to think about creating a custom ring with a private jeweler or an online jeweler offering this service. These jewelers typically have lower costs since they don’t maintain physical stores. This route also offers a more personalized shopping experience, starting with an initial consultation to discuss the four Cs and identify the perfect diamond within your budget. You can select a loose stone and either opt for a pre-designed or handmade setting. The process could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Online

When shopping online, you have the option to explore a vast selection of stones that you can either purchase loose (to be taken to a local jeweler) or have them set in a Solitaire diamond ring of your choice. However, it’s important to pay close attention to the clarity of the diamond. For instance, you might come across a stone that’s entirely clean to the naked eye but has small, almost invisible white imperfections along the edges. On the other hand, a diamond with the same clarity rating might have a large, noticeable black mark at the center. It’s better to read the official grading report, preferably from GIA, AGL, or EGL. You can also view a 360-degree video of the stone to detect any imperfections that pictures may not reveal. Some retailers also provide information about whether the diamonds are conflict-free.

Have a Budget (and Priorities) in Mind

Let’s begin by dispelling the notion that an engagement ring, especially a Solitaire diamond ring, should cost three months’ worth of salary. This idea was created as a marketing tactic by De Beers in the 1930s and should not dictate your ring-buying plans. According to Brides’ American Engagement Ring Study, in 2020, the average amount spent on a Solitaire diamond ring was $3,756, significantly less than the $7,829 spent on average by couples in 2018. Rest assured; you can purchase a nearly one-carat Solitaire diamond ring for about $1,500. Your choice will depend on how you allocate your budget, whether it’s for the quality of the diamond, the intricacy of the setting, or additional features like baguettes or engravings. If a major splurge isn’t possible right now, consider a simple platinum or gold Solitaire diamond ring, providing room for future upgrades.

Find Ways to Save

First and most economical are lab-grown diamonds. You can find a 1.50 carat lab-created diamond with a D VS1 grade for under $850. Keep in mind that each diamond is different from the other, and prices differ according to the four Cs. To make the most of your budget and get a dazzling diamond, consider these tips:

  • Compromise on color and clarity

If you’re open to making some trade-offs in terms of color and clarity, you can opt for a larger diamond. According to David Braverman from Diamonds-USA.com, many clients initially aim for an F color with VS clarity but discover they can choose a diamond with a G color and SI clarity. This allows them to either get a larger diamond or stay within the same budget while keeping the carat weight.

  • Pick a lower-clarity stone with a brilliant cut; Round, Oval, Pear or Marquise. 

According to David, diamonds with numerous facets can conceal imperfections. If you prefer a step-cut stone, such as an Emerald cut, prioritize VS clarity over color. These styles have wide, flat “tables,” making even the tiniest imperfections easily visible without magnification.