Solitaire engagement rings are the best choice for those who want to get married.
A promise of forever love and an expression of unconditional love to be given on special occasions
The Solitaire rings symbolizes love for life. It is characterized by a single precious gemstone set into the ring. It represents a lasting and loyal bond, accompanied by unconditional love. It is among the engagement rings par excellence along with the Trilogy and the Eternity and is usually offered during marriage proposals but also on other occasions. When was the time when the custom of giving a Solitaire engagement ring start? What is its deep meaning and what are other occasions to give it?
What is solitaire rings?
In comparison to other engagement rings, the Solitaire is distinguished by the presence of a single precious stone that is set within the ring. The most popular stone is one set in white gold with a diamond, but there are Solitaires with other precious stones or metals.
The Solitaire is available in two different kinds of setting, with prongs similar to the famous Tiffany Setting, in which the stone is held in the center of the ring by prongs. The other is bezels, where the stone is placed in an open cavity.
The most popular cut is the brilliant cut. It's round and can make any stone glow with a bright light.
The purpose of Solitaire
The Solitaire with diamonds is a symbol of eternal love and an unbreakable bond. It is a test of fidelity, because only one diamond symbolizes the love of a single person, dedication and stability of the relationship.
It is a promise to the future, which is the reason it is mostly offered during the vow of marriage. It is also due to its round shape and its symbolism of eternity.
Metals and stones to create solitaire
The main stone of Solitaire rings is the white diamond. It is a symbol of purity, solidity and the stability of the connection between two lovers, generally chosen with a brilliant or princess cut, and with a round cut, drop or heart.
However, at present, the choice of stone is also based on other types of precious stones, such as colored diamonds or stones with different meanings from those of the diamond.
For example there are Solitaires with rubies, which are a symbol of love, and sapphires, beryl and aquamarine, stones that signify fidelity and an unshakeable and happy relationship, paired with emeralds a symbol of hope, and opals as which are a symbol of honesty.
From the various options to choose from are zircons, which give the Solitaire a more casual look and can be easily adapted to any outfit and style.
The most popular metal for the Solitaire setting is white gold. However, modern Solitaires can also be constructed in yellow gold, rose silver, gold, or steel depending on the preferences of the person you are giving the Solitaire to.
The history behind Solitaire rings
The tradition of giving an engagement ring to symbolize of the promise of love and commitment is in place since Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. In this time, the tradition of placing the wedding ring on your left ring finger was created.
According to the ancients, the left ring finger is home to the vena amoris, a small vein that runs along the arm before reaching the heart. Putting a ring on the ring finger is an excellent sign of good luck for the couple, that will be together forever.
The custom of gifting the solitaire ring with diamonds is a tradition that dates back to the Renaissance period. The first diamond engagement ring was given by Archduke Maximilian in 1477 to his future wife Mary of Burgundy. It was a ring of gold that was decorated with one diamond. It was a symbol of love and eternal union.
When to give a solitaire ring
The Solitaire is often presented as an indication of love, either during wedding proposals or an engagement ring. It is also given to mark important events or anniversaries that couples have in their lives.
However, this does not mean that a Solitaire cannot be given to other occasions or for other people, particularly when selecting other stones to go along with the diamond.
A solitaire can be a gift between mother and daughter or a gift dedicated to a special person, a celebration of an important event, or the celebration of a milestone achieved. There are no restrictions and the most important thing considering the arduous meaning of the Solitaire, is to present it to someone who you share an essential and inexplicably strong bond.
Where to wear solitaire rings
If you give the ring as a present at the time of the wedding proposal the ring should be positioned on the left finger of the ring. The ring can be switched to the other finger after the wedding ceremony to not obscure the ring's sparkle.
If the Solitaire was given as an alternative to the engagement, you can wear it on any finger.