A solitaire sets one diamond above a clean band and asks nothing else of the design. It is the most enduring of engagement rings because there is nowhere to hide: the stone and the proportion of the setting around it carry the whole piece. Get those two things right and the ring reads beautifully for a lifetime.
The stone comes first
With no side stones to share attention, every quality of the diamond is on view. We help you weigh cut, colour, clarity and carat against one another so your budget lands where it shows most. Cut is usually the place to hold your standard, since it governs how the stone returns light. You can read more in our guides to diamond cut and the wider 4Cs of diamonds.
Every diamond we set is independently graded, whether natural or laboratory-grown, so you are comparing like with like before you decide.
Four claws or six
The claws, or prongs, hold the stone and shape how it looks. Four claws expose more of the diamond and give a cleaner, more open profile, which can make a stone appear slightly larger. Six claws cradle the girdle more fully, adding security and a rounder silhouette that suits larger stones and active hands.
- Four claws: more visible stone, a crisp modern line, ideal for round and fancy cuts you want to show off.
- Six claws: greater hold and a softer outline, reassuring for everyday wear and heavier diamonds.
Band profile and proportion
The band decides how the ring sits and how the stone is framed. A slimmer band makes the diamond look more generous; a wider, more substantial band reads as solid and reassuring. We work in platinum and 18ct golds, and a court or D-shaped profile is gentle against the finger for daily wear.
A well-judged setting does quiet work. By lifting the stone to the right height and keeping metal to a minimum, we let light pass through the diamond, hold it securely, and often make it look larger than its weight alone suggests.
Made for daily life
An engagement ring is worn constantly, so it has to be practical as well as lovely. We finish claws to sit flush, set the stone at a height that clears most cuffs and gloves, and balance the band so the ring does not spin. Each one is designed in CAD and hand-finished at our own bench in London, with casting and setting carried out by trusted specialist workshops.
Common questions
How many claws should a solitaire have?
Four claws show more of the diamond and look cleaner; six give more security and suit larger stones or busy hands. Both are robust when made well. We advise based on your stone, your lifestyle and the look you prefer.
Can a setting make my diamond look bigger?
Yes, within reason. A slim band, fine claws and the right setting height all draw the eye to the stone and reduce visible metal, so a well-proportioned solitaire can look larger than its carat weight would imply.
How much does a bespoke solitaire cost?
Settings start from £800, and complete bespoke engagement rings start from £1,500. The diamond is the main variable, so the final figure depends on the stone you choose. We give clear costings before any work begins.
If you are ready to begin, book a consultation at our private London studio, or read more about our bespoke engagement rings and how each one is designed and made for you.
