Solitaire

Not at all. While diamonds are the traditional choice, solitaire simply refers to a single stone setting. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and even less conventional stones like morganite or teal sapphire work beautifully in a solitaire design and offer colour and personality that a diamond does not.

A little daily attention goes a long way. Remove your ring before gardening, heavy lifting or working with household chemicals, and take it off when washing dishes or using cleaning sprays, as these can dull the stone and wear down the metal over time. Clean it regularly with warm water, a drop of dishwashing liquid and a soft brush, and have a jeweller check the prongs and setting at least once a year to make sure the stone remains secure. Storing it separately from other jewellery will also help prevent scratches on both the metal and the stone.

Start with the diamond itself, paying attention to the four Cs: cut, clarity, colour and carat weight. The shape of the stone matters too, as a round brilliant, princess cut and oval each sit differently on the hand and create a distinct look. Consider the metal, whether you prefer the warmth of yellow gold or the clean finish of white gold, and how it will sit alongside any rings you already wear. Always choose a certified diamond for assurance of quality, and keep in mind that carat refers to weight rather than visible size, so it is worth checking the actual measurements as well. Setting a comfortable budget upfront makes the process easier and helps narrow the collection to the options that suit you best.

In most cases, yes. A plain band solitaire is one of the easiest ring styles to resize, either up or down by one or two sizes. Rings with stones set into the shoulders or intricate detailing along the band may be more limited. Our jewellers can advise on what is possible for any specific design.