Round Diamond Solitaire Ring
A round diamond solitaire ring concentrates the eye on a single stone, holding the history of decades past in precious metal settings.
Round Diamond Solitaire Ring
A round diamond solitaire ring focuses entirely on a single central gemstone mounted upon a precious metal band. You will most frequently encounter pieces spanning the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Mid-Century periods.
The selections here range from delicate Victorian gold mounts to substantial Art Deco platinum settings featuring geometric detailing. These engagement rings and dress rings reflect the prevailing design sensibilities of their respective decades.
How they were made
Craftsmen utilised platinum and various carats of gold, including yellow, white, and rose hues, to form the bands and settings. Platinum gained particular favour during the Art Deco era for its strength and ability to hold fine millegrain edges.
Stones within these mounts display diverse historical cutting techniques, ranging from old European and old mine cuts to transitional and modern brilliant cuts. Each cut reflects the hand of the lapidary working within the technical limits of their time.
Some stones have spent over a century watching tea parties and historic moments while waiting quietly in their velvet boxes.
What varies in quality
The distinction between tiers rests upon the optical performance of the central diamond and the precision of the metalwork. Stones possessing superior clarity and colour interact differently with light compared to standard examples.
Furthermore, the integrity of the setting, the crispness of hand-carved details, and the preservation of original claw work separate ordinary examples from exceptional specimens.
The Round Diamond Solitaire Ring Glossary
- Solitaire
- A piece of jewellery featuring a single mounted gemstone. This design prioritises the visual impact of the main stone over secondary embellishments.
- Transition Cut
- A diamond cutting style used roughly from the 1920s to the 1940s. It bridges the older old European cut and the modern brilliant cut.
- Millegrain
- A decorative technique involving a row of small raised metal beads along the edges of a setting. This adds a refined texture typical of Edwardian and Art Deco jewellery.
- Belcher Ring
- A ring style where the stone is held by protruding claws pulled up from the shank. This mounting method sits low to the hand.
Round Diamond Solitaire Ring: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my ring?
Clean your piece gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove everyday oils and debris.
Avoid wearing antique settings during heavy manual tasks to protect the precious metal claws.
Can antique rings be resized?
Most gold and platinum bands permit adjustment by a skilled jeweller experienced in antique pieces.
Certain intricate settings require careful handling to preserve side engravings or gallery work during sizing.
How do I date a ring?
Examine the mounting style, manufacturing techniques, and cut of the diamond for period clues.
Assay office hallmarks and maker marks stamped inside the band often provide definitive chronological markers.
What is an old cut diamond?
Older diamond cuts feature hand-faceted geometry designed under candlelight rather than modern electrical illumination.
These stones exhibit charming inner patterns and distinct faceting that distinguish them from contemporary brilliant cuts.