The holidays are quickly approaching, which means that holiday shopping season is in full swing! If you’re on the hunt for that perfect holiday gift, know that there’s one type of jewelry that’s always a sure hit: solitaire jewelry. 

Solitaire jewelry is any piece of jewelry that features a single stone within its setting, which allows the true beauty of the center stone to take full focus. The elegant simplicity of the solitaire setting has made it enduringly desired. While other setting styles come in and out of fashion, the simple solitaire is always a top option. So if you’re thinking of picking up a piece of jewelry to gift to a special someone, you simply can’t go wrong with a solitaire. 

To help you find the perfect timeless gift, today we’re highlighting some of our favorite simple solitaire settings. In this post, we’ll also talk the definition of solitaire settings and the variety available within this jewelry category to help you understand your options before you shop. 

What is a Solitaire Setting? 

Solitaire settings are jewelry settings that contain a single gemstone. Similarly, solitaire jewelry is any piece of jewelry that contains only a single gemstone. Solitaire settings are the oldest type of jewelry setting in the world and they remain among the most popular setting styles today, thanks to their enduringly classic, always elegant beauty.

Types of Solitaire Settings 

While solitaire settings are simple by their very nature, you do have some options within the solitaire category. In modern jewelry, you generally have your choice between two solitaire setting categories: prong solitaires and bezel solitaires. 

Prong solitaire settings enclose their center gemstone with tiny metal prongs. The most common type of prong setting is the 4 prong basket setting, though a prong setting can have any number of prongs. Alongside the 4 prong setting, 3 prong settings (these are also called martini settings) and 6 prong settings are two other common solitaire prong style settings. Prong settings are often a top choice for diamonds, since this type of setting allows for excellent light entry, which enhances a diamond’s brilliance. 

Bezel solitaire settings hold their center stone in place with a solid metal ring. This type of setting is loved for its more modern look, as well as for its security. Since a bezel setting completely surrounds the edges of a gemstone, it offers excellent protection from bumps and drops.

Top Timeless Solitaire Setting Gift Ideas 

Now that you know all about the definition and different types of solitaire settings, let’s move into our top timeless solitaire jewelry gift ideas!

Classic Solitaire Engagement Rings

If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you can never go wrong with a classic solitaire ring. Solitaire engagement rings are incredibly popular. Year after year, they’re always among the top trending engagement ring styles. 

The most popular type of solitaire engagement ring is a 4 prong set round diamond solitaire engagement ring, though there are many other options available. If you’re looking for an engagement ring that’s still classic, but has unique touch, you can opt for another diamond shape for your solitaire’s center stone, such as princess, cushion, asscher, emerald, marquise, oval, or pear. Or, you could also go for a different type of center stone. 

One of our favorite alternative engagement ring options is moissanite, a glittering clear gemstone that looks remarkably like a diamond. Moissanite has the same classic look as a diamond, yet has a much more budget-friendly price tag (on average, a moissanite costs around 90% less than a diamond with the same carat weight and qualities). 

However you choose to customize your solitaire engagement ring, this gift is one your sweetheart is sure to treasure for a lifetime!

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Solitaire Diamond Studs 

Solitaire diamond studs are a gift option that will dazzle. Diamond studs are easily one of the most classic and desirable types of jewelry. If the person you’re shopping for doesn’t have a pair of diamond studs, round diamond studs are an excellent option, since this is the most popular style. If the person you’re shopping for already has a pair of diamond studs, we recommend gifting them either an upgraded pair in the same style (but with larger diamonds) or a pair that can give them some style variety. For example, if they have round diamond studs in white gold, gift them a pair of round diamond studs in yellow gold or perhaps a pair of studs with a different diamond shape, like princess cut or oval cut diamond studs. 

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Unique Solitaire Engagement Rings 

A classic solitaire engagement ring is a beautiful gift. But if your sweetheart has an eye for the unique, you may want to opt for a more distinctive solitaire style. Luckily, though the solitaire is a simple style, switching up your choice of precious metal and center stone can instantly transform this style into something incredibly unique. 

Some great center stone options that can instantly make your solitaire engagement ring stand out from the crowd include colored diamonds and gemstones. Pictured above is one of our current favorite unique solitaire combinations. This rose gold and blue diamond solitaire ring is eye-catching and breathtakingly beautiful. 

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Solitaire Diamond Pendants 

Last up in our gift recommendations, we have the solitaire diamond pendant! A solitaire diamond pendant is a gift anyone would adore. Diamond pendants are gorgeous, timeless, and quite versatile. They can add a touch of luxe shimmer to casual looks, work attire, and upscale ensembles. 

As with other types of diamond jewelry, round diamonds are the most popular option for solitaire diamond pendants. They have a classic elegance and a high brilliance that will draw eyes from across the room. If you’re shopping for someone with a classic sense of style, you can’t go wrong with a round diamond solitaire pendant.

While round solitaire diamond pendants are the most popular style, you can also go for a more unique look by opting for a different diamond shape. Princess cut diamonds are lovely for those who love a modern look, while asscher cut, emerald cut, and cushion cut diamonds have a distinctive vintage beauty. Then, oval, pear, and marquise cut diamonds are all great options if you’re looking for something that’s both unique and sophisticated. 

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