Though engagement rings are getting fancier and fancier—colored stones, diamond-studded bands, and complex custom designs—diamond solitaires remain popular for their timeless, classic elegance. Solitaires accommodate any diamond shape and match well with any wedding band, and if your bride-to-be hasn’t told you exactly what kind of ring she wants, they’re also the safest choice that’s the easiest to find. We’ve got several on hand at Loudoun Jewelry on Maple Avenue at any given time, in a range of price points.
Even if you know about the 4 Cs—carat, color, clarity, and cut—there are still some things to think about when choosing a diamond solitaire engagement ring, starting with stone shape. Since a solitaire features only one diamond, classically without adornment, the shape is an important consideration. More than half of engagement ring purchases are round brilliants (a safe choice if you don’t your intended’s guidelines), but other stone staples include oval, heart, marquise, and pear.
You’ll also want to consider the stone’s setting. Prong settings are popular because they preserve the minimalism that emphasizes the diamond. If the diamond is smaller, a cathedral setting can make it appear larger. Bezel and tension settings are also gain popularity; if you’re unsure what these are, ask the jeweler at your local pawn shop Loudoun, VA to explain the differences between and benefits of each setting.