- IGI-certified diamonds
- Triple Excellent standard
- Lifetime setting upgrades
- Free, fully insured shipping
- Made to order in Toronto
A solitaire is a single diamond on a clean band — the most timeless engagement ring there is. With nothing to distract from the stone, it puts every bit of attention on the diamond itself, which is exactly why it rewards a beautifully cut, high-grade stone. Here is how to choose one.
Key takeaways
- A solitaire is one diamond, one band — pure, timeless, never dated.
- It spotlights the stone, so cut and grade matter most here.
- Prong count (4 vs 6) changes the look and security.
- The band — plain, knife-edge, pavé, tapered — sets the personality.
- It suits every shape and can be added to later.
Why the solitaire endures
Fashions in settings come and go; the solitaire never does. Because it frames the diamond and nothing else, it is the purest expression of an engagement ring — and it looks as right in fifty years as it does today. It is also the most versatile starting point: a solitaire can be paired with a wedding band, upgraded, or reset over a lifetime.
The diamond is everything
A solitaire hides nothing — there are no side stones or halo to draw the eye — so the stone's cut, colour and clarity carry the whole ring. This is where a high standard pays off most visibly. See why Triple Excellent matters; every Montare solitaire is built around a D–E, VVS1–VVS2, Triple Excellent, three-carat-minimum, IGI-certified stone.
Every centre diamond is Triple Excellent, D–E, VVS and at least three carats — the hard calls are made for you.
Design your ringProngs: four vs six
The head holds the diamond, and the prong count changes both look and feel. Four prongs show more of the diamond and give a cleaner, more modern, more square-shouldered look. Six prongs cradle the stone more securely and lend a classic, slightly rounder look (the famous ‘Tiffany’ style). Both are secure when well made; it comes down to taste.
Choosing your band
- Plain / classic — a smooth band; maximum timelessness.
- Knife-edge — a band that rises to a crisp central ridge for subtle sparkle.
- Pavé — small diamonds along the band for extra brilliance.
- Tapered — narrows toward the stone to make it look larger.
For the full range of settings beyond the solitaire, see our guide to settings.
The best shapes for a solitaire
All of them — a solitaire flatters every shape, from a classic round to an elongated oval or emerald. Choose the shape first (see our visual guide), then let the solitaire frame it.
Design a solitaire with Montare
Every Montare solitaire is made to order around your chosen stone. Start in the ring builder, browse engagement rings, or book a consultation. We are based in Toronto and ship free, fully insured, across Canada.
See the solitaire setting built around a centre diamond that never drops below the Montare standard — D–E, VVS, Triple Excellent, 3ct minimum, IGI certified.
See solitaire rings →Frequently asked questions
Is a solitaire the most popular engagement ring?
Yes — the solitaire remains the most popular and most timeless setting for its pure focus on the diamond.
How many prongs should a solitaire have?
Four prongs show more of the diamond and look modern; six prongs are slightly more secure and classic. Both are excellent when well made.
Can you add a halo or side stones to a solitaire later?
Often yes — a solitaire can be reset or upgraded over time, which is part of its lasting appeal. Montare's Lifetime Setting Upgrade makes trading up straightforward.
What band style is best for a solitaire?
Plain for maximum timelessness, knife-edge or pavé for subtle sparkle, tapered to make the stone look larger. It is a matter of taste.
Design your solitaire. Build it in the ring builder or book a consultation.
The Montare standard
Lab-grown · D–E colour · VVS clarity · Triple Excellent · 3ct minimum · IGI certified
Every ring is made to order in Toronto and backed by our lifetime setting upgrade, with free, fully insured shipping.
Design your ringBook a free consultation