Rethinking the Solitaire: Contemporary Engagement Rings with Character
The solitaire remains one of the most enduring engagement ring styles, and for good reason. A single beautiful stone, thoughtfully set, has a simplicity that never really goes out of fashion. But for the modern bride, and certainly for our Together Journal readers, we’re seeing a growing appetite for something a little less traditional and a lot more individual.
Over the past week, we’ve been exploring the collections of some of our favourite jewellery designers, looking at the many ways they’re reinterpreting this timeless classic. What we love most is just how much creativity can be found within such a seemingly simple design.
Diamond cuts are becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation. From elongated ovals and elegant emerald cuts to marquise, pear and cushion shapes, each brings its own personality to a ring. We’re particularly enamoured with east-west settings at the moment, where elongated stones are positioned horizontally across the finger. It’s a relatively subtle design decision, but one that can completely transform the look and feel of a solitaire, giving it a distinctly contemporary edge.
We’re also noticing a move towards more substantial bands and interesting settings. Chunkier gold bands, sculptural forms, softly rounded profiles and beautifully organic, almost molten-looking designs are bringing a new sense of character to engagement rings. Rather than sitting high above a delicate band, stones are increasingly being integrated into the design itself, with bezel settings, low profiles and unexpected proportions creating pieces that feel as much like contemporary jewellery as traditional engagement rings.
And then there’s the question of size. Larger centre stones are certainly making their presence felt, a shift that’s likely being influenced, at least in part, by the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. With larger stones becoming more accessible at a given budget, couples have greater freedom to explore proportions and make a statement. But bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some of the most compelling designs we’ve come across use smaller stones in beautifully considered settings, proving that proportion, craftsmanship and originality can be just as impactful as carat weight.
Perhaps what’s most exciting is the freedom couples now have to interpret the solitaire in their own way. Yellow gold continues to bring warmth and a slightly nostalgic quality, while platinum and white gold offer a cooler, more architectural feel. Mixed metals, unusual stone shapes, asymmetrical details and bespoke settings are all opening up new possibilities.
The beauty of the solitaire has always been its simplicity, but simplicity doesn’t have to mean conventional. Today’s most interesting interpretations are a wonderful reminder that even the most classic designs can feel fresh, fashion-forward and entirely personal.
Here, we share some of our favourite modern solitaires from the jewellery designers currently catching our eye.
Class A Jewellers
From Instagram Visit classa.com.au and @classajewellers
Kate & Kole
From Instagram Visit kateandkole.com.au and @kateandkole
Guys Gold
From Instagram Visit guysgold.com and @guys.gold
Solitaire Jewellery
From Instagram Visit @solitaire_jewellery
Natasha Schweitzer
From Instagram Visit natashaschweitzer.com and @natashaschweitzer
Union Studios
From Instagram Visit madebyunionstudios.com and @madebyunionstudios
Real Fine Studio
From Instagram Visit realfinestudio.com and @realfinestudio
Monika Ruggerino
From Instagram Visit monikaruggerino.com and @monikaruggerino
Laher
From Instagram Visit laher.co and @laherdesign
Le Mela
From Instagram Visit lemela.co.uk and @le.mela
Love Isabelle Jewellery
From Instagram Visit loveisabellejewellery.com and @loveisabellejewellery
Natasha Schweitzer
From Instagram Visit natashaschweitzer.com and @natashaschweitzer
Union Studios
From Instagram Visit madebyunionstudios.com and @madebyunionstudios
Marrow Fine
From Instagram Visit likeshop.me/marrowfine and @marrowfine
Laher
From Instagram Visit laher.co and @laherdesign
Naveya & Sloane
From Instagram Visit naveyaandsloane.com and @naveyaandsloanejewellery
Kinn Studio
From Instagram Visit kinnstudio.com and @kinnstudio
Kinn Studio
From Instagram Visit kinnstudio.com and @kinnstudio
Real Fine Studio
From Instagram Visit realfinestudio.com and @realfinestudio
Guys Gold
From Instagram Visit guysgold.com and @guys.gold
Charlotte CHESNAIS
From Instagram Visit charlottechesnais.com and @charlottechesnais
Love Isabelle Jewellery
From Instagram Visit loveisabellejewellery.com and @loveisabellejewellery
ÖUGIE
From Instagram Visit ougie.co and @ougiegold
