Solitaire Engagement Rings — One Diamond, Everything
The solitaire is the most iconic engagement ring style — a single certified diamond, beautifully set, speaking for itself. We design and craft solitaires around stones of your choice, at factory-direct prices.
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The Timeless Choice
A solitaire engagement ring puts everything on the diamond. No side stones, no distractions — just a perfectly selected, certified diamond in a refined setting. It's the ring style that has endured for generations precisely because it never looks dated.
Round Brilliant Solitaire
The round brilliant cut maximises light return and fire. It's the most popular solitaire choice, and for good reason — it sparkles from every angle and works beautifully in all setting styles: four-claw, six-claw, or bezel.
Oval Solitaire
Oval diamonds are trending strongly in South Africa. The elongated shape flatters the finger, and oval cuts often appear larger than their carat weight suggests. A GIA-certified oval in a slim band is one of the most elegant solitaire combinations.
Cushion Solitaire
The cushion cut has soft, rounded corners and exceptional brilliance. It offers a slightly vintage feel while remaining modern. Lab-grown cushion cuts in solitaire settings offer outstanding value without compromising visual impact.
Your Solitaire, Your Way
Choose Your Diamond
Select from GIA or IGI certified natural diamonds, or choose a lab-grown diamond for 50–70% more size at the same budget. We source diamonds to your specification — carat, cut, colour, and clarity — and present options with full certification.
Choose Your Setting
Four-claw, six-claw, bezel, tulip — each setting holds the diamond differently and creates a distinct look. We advise on which setting best suits your chosen stone's shape and your partner's style.
Choose Your Metal
Platinum, 18ct white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Each metal has different durability, maintenance, and cost characteristics. We'll explain the differences and help you choose the right one for your ring and lifestyle.
We Craft & Deliver
Once the diamond and design are confirmed, your ring is crafted and quality-checked before delivery. We ship with insured, secure delivery to any address in South Africa, or collect by appointment from our Johannesburg office.
Solitaire Setting Styles
The setting is more than a mount — it shapes the character of the ring. Here are the most popular solitaire setting styles available at Diagem.
4-Claw (Prong)
The classic choice. Four prongs hold the diamond securely while exposing maximum surface area to light. Slightly more modern and minimalist than a six-claw setting. Works especially well with round brilliant and princess cuts.
6-Claw (Tiffany Style)
Six prongs offer more security and a fuller, rounder appearance at the top of the ring. The Tiffany-style solitaire is the benchmark of classic elegance. Ideal for larger diamonds where extra security is worth the added visual weight.
Bezel Setting
A bezel setting wraps a rim of metal completely around the diamond's girdle. It's the most secure setting style, offers a modern, low-profile look, and is ideal for active lifestyles. Particularly beautiful with round and oval cuts.
What Does a Solitaire Engagement Ring Cost in South Africa?
Solitaire ring prices depend primarily on the diamond. Here's a realistic guide to what you can expect at different budget levels when buying direct from Diagem.
R15,000 – R40,000
A beautiful lab-grown diamond of 0.5–1.0ct in E–F colour, VS clarity. An ideal choice for those who want maximum visual impact on a budget. GIA or IGI certified. Simple 18ct gold four-claw setting.
R40,000 – R120,000
A natural or lab-grown diamond of 1.0–1.5ct in D–F colour, VVS–VS clarity. This range produces stunning solitaires that rival any retail store, at significantly lower cost because we source direct.
R120,000+
Premium certified natural diamonds of 1.5ct and above in top colour and clarity grades. GIA-certified, platinum or high-specification gold settings. Investment-grade stones that will be treasured for generations.
All prices are guides. Contact us for an accurate quote based on your specific requirements.
Enquire About a Solitaire Ring
Tell us your budget and any preferences, and David will respond with certified diamond options and a no-obligation quote. Most enquiries answered within a few hours.
Solitaire Ring FAQ
What is a solitaire engagement ring?
A solitaire ring features a single diamond as the centrepiece, mounted on a plain metal band. The simplicity draws all attention to the diamond — making cut quality and certification essential. Solitaires are the most classic and enduring engagement ring style.
What diamond shape works best in a solitaire?
Round brilliant cuts are the most popular choice, maximising light return and sparkle. Oval, cushion, and princess cuts are also widely requested. The right shape depends on personal taste and finger proportion — David can help you decide during a consultation.
How much does a solitaire engagement ring cost in South Africa?
Prices range from around R15,000 for a simple band with a smaller diamond to R200,000+ for larger GIA-certified stones. Because we source direct, you get significantly more diamond for your budget than through a traditional retailer.
Can I choose my own diamond for a solitaire ring?
Yes, absolutely. That is exactly how we work. Choose a certified diamond from our selection (natural or lab-grown), then choose a setting style and metal. We craft the finished ring and deliver it securely anywhere in South Africa.
Do you do solitaire rings in yellow gold?
Yes. We offer solitaires in 18ct yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. Yellow gold with a round brilliant diamond is a particularly striking and on-trend combination in 2026.
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