The loner

If we sayengagement ring"it's highly likely that what immediately springs to mind is a diamond solitaire. Why has this type of ring become the king of proposals, the symbol of commitment? And how do you choose an engagement ring that's right for you?

But first, what is a solitaire engagement ring? According to the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) definition, it's a ring whose centerpiece is a precious stone, usually a diamond. Most often, it's brilliant-cut (round, the most common shape), but it can be any shape and any style of cut. Note: the French word "solitaire", derived from the Latin solitarius, is also used in English.

The story of the loner

This is largely the work of Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of the eponymous brand. From the moment he launched his 6-claw diamond solitaire in 1886, success has been dazzling and almost unstoppable.

The innovation in this ring model is light. Entering from all sides, between the claws, it magnifies the diamond, elevating it to star status, the jewel's focal point.  

Contrary to what you might think, the name "solitaire" comes from the way the stone is cut, rather than from the fact that there is only one stone on the ring.

Les solitaires Paulette à Bicyclette

At Paulette à Bicyclette, our models Jacqueline and Lucia are in this tradition. Jacqueline is our sleek 4 claw solitaire, while Lucia is a solitaire with a flat ring paved with diamonds. These are timeless engagement rings that will endure for generations.

If you like both purity and color, we recommend a blue or green sapphire, a grape-red garnet or a tourmaline, pink or green for example. "Solitaire" doesn't necessarily mean "diamond"!

Discover also the different settings to create your own solitaire.

How to choose a solitaire?

A solitaire is a sure bet. Our "solitaire" engagement rings feature simple lines that highlight the stone.

While the weight of the stone, measured in carats, has a major influence on its price, we invite you to take a closer look at the stone's dimensions, which we express in millimeters. For brilliant-cut stones (round stones), for example, stones 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm in diameter are suitable for discreet engagement rings, designed for those who like sobriety.

A solitaire set with a 4 mm-diameter stone is a perfect compromise: the brilliance of the stone is highlighted, while the ring remains very easy to wear on a daily basis. With a 5 mm stone (equivalent to approx. 0.5 carats), the engagement ring takes on more substance and volume. It then generally takes more than 6 mm in diameter to reach the famous carat, so coveted across the Atlantic. 

Anything is possible, because we are craftsmen-creators. If it's a generously sized solitaire you're dreaming of, we'll make it for you. If you have an old stone, or a family diamond, we can create a custom setting perfectly suited to your needs, for a totally unique and symbolic engagement ring.

Good to know: our solitaires are designed to accommodate a wedding ring right up against them.

The cobbled loner, accompanied, supported...

The lonely stone may not be so lonely!

When a ring is covered with stones, it is called "pavé". Diamond pavé is a beautiful way to surround a colored stone, or to maximize the brilliance of a diamond solitaire. At Paulette à Bicyclette, we don't offer full-turn pavé settings, as these rings are extremely difficult to cut, and we want them to last a lifetime and be passed on. We do, however, make pavé rings in ¾ turn, half turn... Our pavé solitaires have flat, ribbon-shaped ring bodies, and are intended to be paired with a wedding band of the same shape.

When side stones support the center stone, we speak of an "accompanied" or "shouldered" solitaire. Smaller, they can be of the same shape or contrast with it.

Contact us, we'll be delighted to help you choose your engagement solitaire.

Discover also other types of engagement ring The trilogy ring, the ring without stones, the art deco engagement ring, the open ring...