The solitaire ring across the eras
A solitaire ring is, at its simplest, a single stone set alone - but the way that stone has been mounted has changed considerably since the mid-19th century. Victorian solitaire rings tend to use closed-back or part-closed settings with old mine cut diamonds, giving the vintage solitaire ring a warmer, less brilliant sparkle than later cuts. Edwardian solitaire rings moved to platinum, allowing finer, more delicate claws that let more light reach the diamond. By the Art Deco period, antique solitaire rings often sat within geometric platinum galleries, sometimes with stepped shoulders or calibre-cut side stones.
Old mine and old European cut diamonds, the two cuts you will see most often in an antique diamond solitaire ring, were cut by hand and by eye rather than to today's precise angle specifications. That gives a vintage solitaire ring a softer, more candlelit sparkle than a modern round brilliant solitaire ring - something many buyers come to prefer once they have seen an antique diamond ring and a modern one side by side.
Styles in our solitaire ring collection
Our antique solitaire rings collection holds solitaire rings from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods, in gold, platinum-topped gold and full platinum settings. Diamond cut, colour and clarity are described honestly for each antique diamond solitaire ring, and we are glad to talk through how an old cut diamond compares to a modern one if you are choosing between the two for your solitaire engagement ring.
Many of our vintage solitaire rings and antique diamond rings are inspired by the glamour of the Art Deco period, with geometric platinum mounts and old European cut stones. Whether you want a simple, understated antique solitaire ring or a more elaborate art deco diamond ring, our collection covers a wide range of styles, settings and price points.
Buying a solitaire ring: what to look for
Every antique diamond ring in our solitaire ring collection has been carefully chosen for its quality and character. Whether set in gold or platinum, these ring antique diamond pieces are checked for claw security, stone condition and hallmark accuracy before sale, and we describe each solitaire ring's cut, colour and clarity as accurately as our assessment allows.
For a solitaire engagement ring, ask us about resizing before you buy - antique shanks vary in how well they take alteration, and we would rather tell you upfront than after a purchase. We can also advise on which of our antique solitaire rings suit daily wear best given their setting height and claw design.
Visit us or browse online
Our solitaire ring collection changes regularly as new pieces come in. If you are searching for a specific period, cut or carat weight within our antique solitaire rings, contact us directly or visit our shop at 29 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, open Monday to Saturday, 10:15 to 17:00.
