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Finding the Right solitaire-rings for You
Even as jewelry trends have come and gone, antique and vintage diamond solitaire rings are a classic fashion piece. Although enduringly popular as an engagement ring style, a solitaire ring — whether it's an emerald solitaire ring, a sapphire solitaire ring or another iteration — makes a fantastic addition to any outfit with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.
Solitaire rings have a single stone setting and a minimalistic band in which pressure, bezel or prongs hold the stone in place. They have a long history in jewelry, such as an example discovered in Israel with a single amethyst that could be as old as the third century A.D.
Simple gold rings with single diamonds were prized possessions in Ancient Rome. However, it was not until the 1940s that engagement rings with a solitaire diamond setting became widely popular.
After the turmoil of the Great Depression and World War II led to a decline in diamond prices, De Beers saw an opportunity. The diamond magnate teamed up with the ad agency N.W. Ayer for the “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign. It was a sensation and cemented the solitaire diamond as the leading engagement ring. Statistics show that diamonds are the most common gemstones for engagement rings, preferred by 87 percent of people. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Today, the design of solitaire rings takes many forms, and those created by Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and other internationally celebrated jewelry houses are particularly sought-after accessories. Though the single-stone setting remains the same, bands have become more detailed, with some containing other stones or even multiple diamonds. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and other art movements have influenced the design of solitaire rings over the years. However, the simplicity of this accessory remains timeless.
Browse 1stDibs for a unique selection of antique and vintage solitaire rings to accent any fashion choice.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Whether platinum or white gold is better for engagement rings is a matter of personal preference. Each type of precious metal has certain advantages. White gold tends to be more affordable and is less malleable, increasing its durability. Platinum requires less maintenance and retains its color over time. Find a variety of platinum and white gold engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, you can wear a rose gold wedding band with a white gold engagement ring if you wish. Your bridal jewelry should represent your sense of style, so you're free to mix and match pieces however you see fit. If you want to create a cohesive look, choose a wedding band and an engagement ring with similar elements, such as matching gemstones or decorative embellishments. Find a large selection of wedding bands and engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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