I Have my Eyes on Every Single Solitaire on this List

A jewellery editor breakdowns how an increasing number of designers worldwide are embracing the single stone and setting it in new and innovative ways.

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Instagram @taffinjewelry @bapalal • Araya Fine Jewelry

The solitaire diamond setting – A clean, minimalist design where a single, sparkling real diamond is set in a piece by itself – is one of the oldest known jewellery settings. Its history dates back to the Ancient Romans, when an uncut diamond, traded from India, was often set within a gold band given as a pledge of marriage.

Today, jewellers are adopting and updating this versatile setting and using it as a focal point on earrings, necklaces, and bracelets – creating classic designs with a modern twist that are perfect for any wardrobe. Here, I round up my favourite diamond solitaire designs I can only dream of adding to the cart:

Mellow Yellow

Bapalal Jewellers
Bapalal Jewellers

The rising star in diamond jewellery trends, the yellow diamond needs little adornment to help it shine. Take this pair of real diamond studs by Mumbai-based Bapalal Keshavlal that feature two incredible 8.5-carat yellow emerald-cut diamonds surrounded by a double halo of pavé sparkling diamonds.

I Heart You

Instagram @kamyenjewellery

This 2-carat GIA-certified heart-shaped diamond ring by Kamyen Jewllery is the perfect example of blending modern design with a traditional cut and elevating it to allow the stone to shine.

Green with Envy

Instagram @shriramhariramjewellers

Lately, even the humble polki has been receiving star solitaire treatment. Take these contemporary polki stud earrings featuring uncut natural diamonds surrounded by parakeet green French enamelling by Delhi-based Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers.

Modern Marvels

Vikjet Fine jewelry

Dubai-based Natasha Jethwani of VikJet Fine Jewellery has mastered creating whimsical, wearable jewels that will go with almost anything. Here, she uses traditional polki but updates it with a yellow-gold halo, resulting in a modern necklace that exudes sophistication.

Forever a Classic

Instagram @thegempalace

Inspired by the decadent jewels of royalty, this pair of diamond drop earrings from Gem Palace, with sparkling rose-cut diamonds at the centre, will soon become your jewellery box favourites.

Red Hot

Instagram @taffinjewelry

This striking necklace from New York-based TAFFIN by James de Givenchy features a 22.85-carat marquise diamond set on a red ceramic lavaliere (pendant) and placed on a fine gold spring.

Play Time

ARAYA Fine Jewelry

Araya Fine Jewellery, another Dubai favourite, has created a unique ring with a hexagonal diamond set in crystal and surrounded by a diamond bezel – modern and delicate.

One of a Kind

Instagram @diamantinafinejewels

This stunning 7-carat oval diamond from Diamantina Fine Jewels is set east to west on a simple chain – the perfect piece to layer or wear on its own.

Make a Moval

Instagram @simonteaklejewelry

Simon Teakle’s 2.56-carat light brown moval diamond, a rarely-seen diamond cut that lies between the more recognisable marquise and an oval, is set within a simple rose gold band, resulting in a modern, fuss-free ring you’ll want to wear every day.

Double Trouble


Tara Fine Jewellery

Tara Fine Jewellery’s double gold ring features two independently set solitaire diamonds, an oval and an emerald cut, set on ‘’80s-inspired vintage gold bands.