QUICK LINKS: 1. Why Choose a Solitaire Engagement Ring? | 2. Popular Solitaire Diamond Cuts: Round, Oval & More | 3. How to Choose the Right Carat Size: 1 Carat vs 2 Carat Solitaire Rings | 4. Gold vs Platinum: Best Metals for Solitaire Rings | 5. Top Solitaire Engagement Ring Styles in Australia | 6. Where to Buy Solitaire Engagement Rings in Adelaide | 7. FAQs About Solitaire Engagement Rings |
Looking for a ring that’s timeless, elegant, and all about the diamond? You can’t go past a solitaire engagement ring. Whether you’re drawn to a classic round cut or a modern oval sparkler, solitaire rings are loved for their simplicity and their ability to make one stone shine like no other. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect solitaire ring for your style, budget, and love story—right here in Adelaide.
Why Choose a Solitaire Engagement Ring?
Timeless Appeal of Solitaire Rings
If you’re picturing a classic engagement ring, chances are you’re thinking of a solitaire engagement ring. With a single dazzling diamond as the focal point, solitaire rings are the little black dress of the jewellery world—elegant, timeless, and always in style.
Fun fact: The solitaire style soared in popularity after Tiffany & Co. introduced their iconic six-prong setting in 1886, which made the diamond appear to float above the band and sparkle even brighter!
Solitaire Rings vs Other Engagement Ring Styles
Unlike halo or cluster designs, solitaire rings feature a single diamond front and centre—no distractions, no fussy elements. This makes them perfect for those who love minimalism, elegance, and a stone that really stands out.
Did you know? The solitaire diamond ring is the most popular engagement ring style worldwide, consistently topping search trends with over 1,900 monthly searches in Australia alone!
Benefits of a Single Diamond Setting
- Puts the spotlight entirely on the diamond
- Easier to clean and maintain than multi-stone rings
- More affordable to upgrade or reset in future
- Timeless appeal that never dates
Popular Solitaire Diamond Cuts: Round, Oval & More
Round Cut Solitaire: A Classic Favourite
The round solitaire engagement ring is the ultimate classic. Known for its incredible brilliance and symmetry, the round brilliant cut reflects the most light of any shape.
Interesting Fact: Roughly 75% of all solitaire engagement rings feature a round-cut diamond!
Oval Cut Solitaire: Modern & Elegant
For those who want something timeless yet a little different, the oval solitaire engagement ring offers the best of both worlds. It elongates the finger and offers excellent value, with no compromise on sparkle.
Bonus: Oval diamonds often appear larger than round ones of the same carat weight!
Other Unique Solitaire Cuts to Consider
While round and oval shapes lead the way in popularity, there are several other diamond cuts that can make your solitaire engagement ring stand out with style and personality.
Emerald Cut: Understated Elegance with Vintage Flair
With its long, step-cut facets and rectangular shape, the emerald cut delivers a clean, elegant look. It offers less sparkle than brilliant cuts but makes up for it with a sophisticated, mirror-like shine. This cut has a vintage Hollywood vibe and is perfect for someone who loves sleek, Art Deco-inspired designs.
 Pear-Shaped: Romantic and Uniquely Feminine
Combining the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise, the pear-shaped diamond is teardrop perfection. It flatters the finger with its elongated silhouette and adds a touch of whimsical romance to any setting. Ideal for vintage lovers or brides who want something soft, with a statement.
Princess Cut: Modern Sparkle with a Bold Edge
The princess cut is square-shaped with pointed corners and brilliant faceting (basically a square-shaped brilliant cut), making it one of the sparkliest of the fancy cuts. It’s a favourite for those after a modern, edgy look without sacrificing shine. A solitaire princess cut ring feels contemporary and clean, while still packing that wow factor.
Top Tip: Fancy shapes like emerald, pear, and marquise often offer better value per carat than round diamonds, making them ideal if you want a unique look without going over budget.
How to Choose the Right Carat Size: 1 Carat vs 2 Carat Solitaire Rings
When it comes to solitaire engagement rings, carat size is one of the first things people consider—and for good reason. The carat weight affects not only how large the diamond appears, but also its price, presence, and long-term value. Here’s a closer look at the two most popular sizes:
1 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring
The 1 carat solitaire is a timeless favourite—and for good reason. It offers the perfect balance between size, sparkle, and budget, making it the most commonly chosen diamond weight for engagement rings in Australia.
Why people love it:
- It offers impressive visual presence without feeling over-the-top
- A well-cut 1 carat diamond appears bright, full of fire, and elegant on any finger size
- It pairs beautifully with any setting and hand shape
On average, a high-quality 1 carat diamond ring costs between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on the stone’s cut, colour, and clarity.
2 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring
If you’re after a bold, luxurious look, a 2 carat solitaire delivers serious wow factor. It’s a statement piece that turns heads and fills the setting with brilliance—but it also comes with a much steeper price tag.
Things to consider:
- A 2 carat diamond appears significantly larger—about 60% more surface area than a 1 carat
- It requires a secure, well-crafted setting due to its increased depth – it will stand quite tall!
- Finger size and hand shape may influence how the size appears visually (it can look huge or just right depending on proportions)
Did you know? A 2 carat diamond isn’t just twice the price—it can be up to 4x more expensive than a 1 carat due to the rarity of larger, high-quality stones.
Pro Tip: If you’re torn between the two, consider opting for a fancy cut (like oval or marquise), which gives you a larger-looking diamond for the same carat weight—great if you want the presence of a 2 carat without the hefty price tag.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Size for Your Budget
- Prioritise cut over carat—sparkle matters more than size
- Consider oval or pear cuts for a larger look without the price tag
- Go slightly under popular weights (like 0.9ct) to save while keeping the look
Gold vs Platinum: Best Metals for Solitaire Rings
Pros & Cons of Gold Solitaire Rings
Gold solitaire engagement rings remain a top choice. Choose from:
- Yellow gold: Warm, traditional, and bold
- White gold: Modern and versatile, pairs beautifully with diamonds
- Rose gold: Romantic and vintage-inspired
Each has its own charm—but remember white gold needs rhodium plating every couple of years to maintain its shine.
Why Choose Platinum for a Solitaire Ring?
Platinum is a naturally white metal that won’t fade over time. It’s incredibly durable, dense, hypoallergenic, and perfect for a ring you’ll wear every day. It’s the superman of metals!
Fast Fact: Platinum is 30x rarer than gold—making your ring even more exclusive.
Can’t Pick Between Platinum and White Gold?
How to Match Metal with Your Diamond and Style
- Round cut? Try white gold or platinum for a sleek, modern finish.
- Warm skin tones? Yellow or rose gold adds a flattering glow.
- Vintage-inspired? Rose gold or milgrain details add old-world charm, paired with marquise, cushion or pear cut diamonds.
Top Solitaire Engagement Ring Styles in Australia
Solitaire engagement rings may be defined by a single diamond, but that doesn’t mean they all look the same. In fact, there are countless ways to personalise a solitaire ring while keeping its clean, elegant aesthetic. Here are the most popular solitaire styles across Australia right now:
Classic Solitaire Setting
This is the solitaire in its purest form: one stunning diamond on a simple band. Often set in a traditional four- or six-prong claw, this design puts the spotlight entirely on the centre stone.
Why it’s a favourite:
- Timeless and versatile
- Works beautifully with any diamond cut or carat size
- Easy to pair with a wedding band later
Ideal for: Those who love clean lines, subtle elegance, and a ring that never goes out of style.
Explore our classic solitaire engagement rings handcrafted in Adelaide.
Modern Solitaire Ring Designs
For a more contemporary take, many couples are turning to modern solitaire rings with creative setting styles and refined details.
Popular features include:
- Bezel settings: The diamond is encased in a sleek metal rim for a minimalist, secure look
- Tension settings: The diamond appears to float between the band ends—visually striking and ultra-modern
- Hidden halos or side setting details: Add sparkle without distracting from the clean solitaire profile
- East-west settings: Rotating an oval, marquise, or emerald-cut diamond horizontally for a modern twist
Design Tip: Modern solitaires pair beautifully with sculptural or asymmetrical wedding bands for a truly unique bridal set.
Vintage-Inspired Solitaire Rings
If you love jewellery with a story, vintage-style solitaire settings add character while still keeping the single-stone aesthetic.
What makes them vintage-inspired:
- Filigree or hand-engraved detailing on the band
- Milgrain edges for a soft, antique texture
- Tulip-style claws that echo Victorian and Art Deco designs
- Unique claw shapes—think double claws, talon claws or corner capped stones
- A gold solitaire engagement ring in rose or yellow gold beautifully complements vintage design elements and warms up the look of any diamond.
Where to Buy Solitaire Engagement Rings in Adelaide
Recommended Adelaide Jewellers for Solitaire Rings
Finding the perfect solitaire engagement ring starts with choosing a jeweller you can trust. Whether you’re after a classic design or a one-of-a-kind custom piece, visiting a local expert makes all the difference.
Tips for Visiting Local Jewellers in Adelaide
- Book a consultation to get personalised advice and undivided attention.
- Explore different diamond cuts and carat sizes to see what suits your style and hand shape.
- Bring inspiration photos or celebrity references to help guide the design.
- Ask questions—from diamond grading to metal choices, your jeweller is there to help, so don’t be shy!
Looking for a truly special solitaire ring in Adelaide? Visit our team at Bell & Brunt. With over 100 years of experience, we’ll help you design the perfect ring from scratch—handcrafted just for you.
Should You Buy Online or In-Store?
Online may offer convenience, but nothing compares to trying on rings in person and seeing how different styles suit your hand. Plus, you get to support local Adelaide craftsmanship.
FAQs About Solitaire Engagement Rings
How Much Should You Spend on a Solitaire Ring?
There’s no rule—spend what feels right for your budget. A high-quality 1 carat solitaire can range from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on specs.
Are Solitaire Rings Easy to Maintain?
Yes! With fewer stones and setting types, they’re easier to clean and maintain. Just make sure to have the setting checked annually.
Can You Upgrade a Solitaire Ring Later?
Absolutely. Many jewellers offer remodelling services so you can swap your centre diamond in future—or redesign the whole ring.
Whether you’re going for a sleek gold solitaire engagement ring or a show-stopping 2 carat solitaire, this classic style is loved for a reason: it’s all about your love story, captured in oneÂ
