What to Know Before You Purchase Your First solitaire?

How often have you heard about diamonds and 4Cs in one context? We suppose that, rather often, it is our guess. Each of us enjoys the sparkles of diamonds, and all of us pay attention to the great number of jewels in jewelry stores. We like the appearance of the jewelry and select those that we are willing and able to pay for; the other aspects are left to the jewelers. 

Previous generations used to be personally familiar with jewelers and had full confidence in them. It was not necessary to check how genuine they were or how real the diamond was. This is not the case in 2024. Now, you need to pay attention to the details to verify their authenticity and make the right purchase. 

With more GenZ out there shopping for diamonds, they should be well-informed and do the research. This buying guide for shoppers to select a solitaire from Earth Shine Jewels is our effort to provide information all under one roof. First of all, it is necessary to determine what is meant when we mention solitaires. Let’s get started from the basics. 

Key Takeaways

What is a solitaire?

A solitaire diamond can be defined as a single diamond used in a jewelry item, often a ring. Solitaire diamonds are the most common style in diamond engagement rings or wedding bands. However, solitaires are not limited to rings only. Other diamond jewelry, including diamond necklaces and diamond earrings, are also popular. Of course, you will also see men with single-stud earrings as well.

“Solitaire” is a term that originated from the Latin word solitaries, which means alone. A solitaire diamond is typically the central gemstone. The most preferred type of solitaire diamond jewelry is a ring. The ring normally consists of a band and a single diamond, which is usually placed at the center of the ring. The stone is typically a round-cut diamond, which is the most popular cut of all. The diamond has 58 facets or small planes, that handle the light and give it sparkle.

Types of Solitaire Jewelry

Rings: The primary option features a single diamond in the center of the ring. For instance, the Classic Round Cut Solitaire Ring features a stunning, brilliant round cut center stone set in a traditional style.

Pendants: An individual gem set on a chain, such as the Radiant Halo Solitaire Pendant, which is an intricate diamond set in a halo surrounded by exquisite diamonds.

Earrings: Solitaire earrings with one diamond, such as the Elegant Solitaire Stud Earrings for Women, offer a classy and elegant touch that is ideal for any occasion.

How do Choose a Solitaire?

When shopping for a diamond solitaire, the first thing to remember is the “4 Cs”: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.

Carat Weight

This is how a diamond is measured, and it means the size of the diamond. The weight measurement is in carats. One carat is equivalent to 1/5 of a gram and is equally divided into 100 points.

Cut

The cut makes up how well the diamond has been cut and entails height, depth, angles, and more. It affects the shape, the way it reflects light, and how it glistens to the eye. The clearer the cut, the better the diamond appears to be since it reflects light more effectively.

Color

Diamonds come in a variety of colors, but the most common ones are white-colored diamonds, which are also referred to as clear or colorless diamonds. White diamonds are known to be the hardest and, at the same time, the most expensive because of their lack of tint.

Clarity

Clarity relates to the imperfections in the diamond or the inclusions, and it is graded from included to flawless on a 6-point scale. The fewer the defects, the higher the clarity grade and the greater the value of the diamond.

The Round Brilliant

Round Cut Engagement Ring

The Princess Cut

The Emerald Cut

If you appreciate vintage charm and depth in your jewelry, the Emerald Cut might capture your attention. With its elongated rectangular shape, it exudes an aura of elegance and refinement. Do you find yourself drawn to pieces with a nostalgic allure?

 The Oval Cut

The Pear Cut

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When buying a solitaire, it's important to avoid common pitfalls. Strictly remember the suggestions that we are sharing over here:

Not Doing Your Research

Do not buy your solitaire in a hurry. Try to understand your requirements carefully before buying anything. Furthermore, determine how much money you are willing to spend when purchasing the stone. Obtain a basic understanding of the 4Cs and learn how to decide upon the quality of the solitaire. You also need to consider whether you can afford to be flexible on any of the 4Cs in order to stay within your budget.

Not Opting for Certification

In the case of purchasing gemstones, do not omit the aspect of certification. A certificate that is given by a certified organization determines the quality of a diamond by rating it on the four Cs. Therefore, the actual cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the stone can be precisely known. In any case, it is always recommended to insist on purchasing a certified diamond.

Not Going for a Reputed Retailer

When purchasing solitaire jewelry, one ought to consider the credibility of the shop from which he or she purchases the jewelry. For instance, Earth Shine Jewels has a guarantee on the items sold and assures the buyers that their diamonds are accredited.

The 4 Cs of Diamonds

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting a solitaire is a serious decision, and it needs a lot of attention. Finally, it is crucial to avoid certain pitfalls that can influence the buying process and enable you to acquire a beautiful and valuable diamond that can be passed on for generations.

FAQs

1. What is the most important factor to consider when buying a solitaire?
The cut of the diamond is deemed to be the most significant because it defines the amount of light that is refracted back to the observer.

2. How can I ensure the diamond I purchased is authentic?
One must always purchase jewelry from a reputed showroom like Earth Shine Jewels and demand an authorized certification from a reputed agency.

3. Is it worth buying a diamond with slight inclusions?
Yes, there are even very small inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye, and, therefore, they will not cost you less while giving you an excellent diamond.

4. Can I buy solitaire jewelry online?
Of course, it is possible to purchase solitaire jewelry online. Please make sure to buy from a reputable dealer and refer to customer feedback to gain confidence.

5. What is the best setting for a solitaire diamond?
The most common type of setting for a solitaire diamond is the prong setting. This setting provides stability to the diamond and, at the same time, enables light to reflect on the diamond, thus increasing its glitter.