What is a solitaire ring?
By Jared James · Last updated 24 August 2026
Definition
A solitaire is any piece of jewellery featuring a single gemstone as the only stone, without accent diamonds or additional gems alongside it. The word comes from the French for alone, and the design philosophy is simplicity and focus: one stone, held simply, doing all the work. Solitaire engagement rings are the most iconic example, typically a round or oval diamond in a claw or bezel setting on a plain band, and the style is perennially popular precisely because it lets the stone speak for itself.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a solitaire engagement ring?
- It is an engagement ring with a single centre stone and no other gemstones in the design. The stone is usually a diamond, though coloured gems are popular too, and the setting is typically a claw or prong style that lifts the stone to maximise the light it catches.
- Can a solitaire ring have side stones added later?
- Some solitaire settings are designed to accommodate a matching wedding band with stones, and a jeweller can sometimes add a halo or side-stone insert to an existing solitaire. It depends on the original setting style and how much metal is available to work with.
- Is a solitaire ring good value?
- A solitaire puts all the budget into a single stone, so you get the best quality gem for the money you have. Because there are no accent stones adding complexity, the setting is usually simpler and less expensive to make, which means more goes toward the diamond itself.
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