Diamond Solitaire Rings

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 makes a fantastic addition to any outfit with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.

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 seeking an antique engagement ring, vintage engagement ring or Art Deco engagement ring.) 

During the late 19th century, Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible, initially sourcing platinum specifically from Russian mines and matching the durable metal with an equally robust precious stone. These shimmering rings, such as the timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring, gave the impression of delicate lace. 

Tiffany & Co. broadly helped put diamonds on the map in 1886 by introducing the American marketplace to the diamond solitaire design, which is still the quintessential engagement ring style. Designed to maximize a diamond’s sparkle, the trademark Tiffany Setting elevated the stone on six prongs (in contrast to the bezel setting, which was common at the time). This setting raises the stone above the band, allowing its facets to catch the light.

Today, the design of diamond 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 diamond solitaire rings over the years. However, the simplicity of this accessory remains timeless.

Find antique and vintage diamond solitaire rings on 1stDibs.