A single diamond, held securely in place, catching the light with every movement, there’s a reason solitaire engagement ring styles remain the most sought-after choice for proposals. The design puts your diamond centre stage, free from distraction, letting its brilliance speak for itself. But "solitaire" isn’t a one-size-fits-all category. The setting, band shape, and metal all influence how that stone appears on your partner’s hand, which means choosing the right style matters just as much as selecting the diamond itself.

At A Star Diamonds, our Hatton Garden workshop has helped countless couples find their perfect solitaire, whether through our ready-to-wear collection or a fully bespoke design crafted by our in-house goldsmiths. We’ve seen firsthand which styles suit different tastes, lifestyles, and hand shapes. This guide breaks down five distinct solitaire variations worth considering, so you can compare options with confidence and find a ring that feels right for your story.

1. Bespoke classic claw solitaire

The classic claw solitaire remains the most recognizable of all solitaire engagement ring styles, featuring four or six prongs that hold your diamond securely while allowing maximum light to reach the stone. This timeless design has graced hands for over a century, yet bespoke versions crafted in 2026 bring modern precision to traditional elegance. At A Star Diamonds, our goldsmiths shape each prong by hand, ensuring they grip your diamond firmly without obscuring its facets.

What it looks like

You’ll see four prongs positioned at the cardinal points or six prongs evenly spaced around the diamond’s girdle, lifting the stone above the band to create height and drama. The prongs taper to delicate points that disappear when you look at the ring from above, making the diamond appear to float on your finger. Each prong measures approximately 0.5mm in width, which balances security with minimal metal coverage.

Why people choose it in 2026

This style offers unmatched brilliance because it exposes roughly 80% of the diamond’s surface to light, far more than enclosed settings. You also gain flexibility for future wedding band pairings, as the elevated diamond sits comfortably above most band styles. The design’s simplicity means the diamond’s quality carries the entire visual impact, which matters when you’ve invested in superior cut and clarity grades.

A well-executed claw setting lets you showcase your diamond’s natural beauty without competing design elements.

Setting and security notes

Six-prong settings provide superior security for daily wear, distributing grip across more points and reducing the risk of prong damage loosening the stone. Four-prong versions work beautifully for princess-cut or square diamonds, where prongs align with the stone’s corners. You should plan for annual prong checks with a jeweller, as metal wears down gradually over decades of wear.

Best metals and band details

Platinum and 18ct white gold dominate this style in 2026, as their neutral tones enhance diamond whiteness. You can choose between knife-edge, rounded, or flat band profiles, with widths ranging from 1.8mm to 3mm depending on your hand size and preference. Rounded comfort-fit interiors prevent the band from catching on clothing.

Typical budget range in the UK

Expect to invest £800 to £1,500 for the setting alone in platinum, with 18ct gold versions starting around £600. Your total ring cost depends entirely on the diamond you select, though bespoke work at A Star Diamonds includes lifetime benefits like free resizing and cleaning.

2. Bezel set solitaire

The bezel set solitaire wraps a thin metal rim completely around your diamond’s girdle, creating a smooth, contemporary silhouette that stands apart from traditional solitaire engagement ring styles. This setting encases the stone’s perimeter while leaving the table and pavilion exposed, offering a sleek alternative that works particularly well for active lifestyles.

What it looks like

You’ll see continuous metal forming a collar that holds your diamond flush against the band, with no prongs visible from any angle. The bezel edge typically measures 0.5mm to 1mm in thickness, creating clean lines that emphasize modern minimalism.

Why people choose it in 2026

This style offers unmatched protection for your diamond, as the metal rim shields the girdle from knocks and catches on clothing or surfaces. Active professionals choose bezels for their low-profile design that won’t snag during daily tasks, while the contemporary aesthetic appeals to those seeking understated elegance.

A bezel setting gives you peace of mind during activities where prongs might catch or bend.

Setting and security notes

Bezel settings provide superior stone security, as the entire circumference holds your diamond in place rather than four or six isolated points. You won’t need frequent maintenance checks that claw settings require.

Best metals and band details

Platinum and 18ct yellow gold work beautifully for bezels, with the metal rim becoming a visible design element. Band widths typically range from 2mm to 3mm to balance the bezel’s visual weight.

Typical budget range in the UK

Budget £900 to £1,600 for platinum bezel settings, with gold versions starting around £700, reflecting the additional metalwork required compared to prong designs.

3. Cathedral solitaire

The cathedral solitaire takes its name from the graceful arches that rise from the band to cradle your diamond, mimicking the architectural lines of cathedral windows. This elegant variation on traditional solitaire engagement ring styles adds visual height and dimension through metalwork that flows upward from both sides of the band, creating a dramatic frame beneath your stone.

What it looks like

You’ll notice two or three arches extending from the band’s shoulders toward the centre, forming a structural base that elevates your diamond higher than standard claw settings. The arches typically rise 3mm to 5mm above the band, creating depth when viewed from the side while maintaining a classic appearance from above.

Why people choose it in 2026

This style offers architectural interest without competing with your diamond’s brilliance, adding personality through structural design rather than additional stones. The elevated setting creates finger coverage that suits those who prefer substantial ring presence.

Cathedral settings give you elegance through design rather than embellishment.

Setting and security notes

The arched supports provide additional stability for your diamond, distributing stress across multiple contact points rather than relying solely on prongs. This structure resists warping better than simple claw settings.

Best metals and band details

Platinum and 18ct white gold showcase the architectural lines beautifully, with band widths from 2mm to 2.5mm providing proportional balance to the arches.

Typical budget range in the UK

Expect £1,000 to £1,700 for platinum cathedral settings, reflecting the additional metalwork and craftsmanship required compared to basic claw designs.

4. Knife edge solitaire

The knife edge solitaire features a sharp, angular band profile that tapers to a distinct ridge running along the centre, creating a sleek, geometric aesthetic that sets it apart from other solitaire engagement ring styles. This modern variation transforms the traditional round band into a bold architectural statement, where light catches the metal’s edges and creates dramatic shadows along the ring’s surface.

What it looks like

You’ll notice two angled planes meeting at the band’s centre to form a raised ridge, similar to a blade’s edge when viewed from the side. The angular profile typically measures 2mm to 2.5mm in width, creating striking geometry that contrasts beautifully with your diamond’s curves.

Why people choose it in 2026

This style appeals to those seeking contemporary minimalism with an edge of sophistication. The angular profile makes your fingers appear longer and more elegant, while the design’s boldness suits confident personalities who want their ring to make a statement through structure rather than embellishment.

Knife edge bands give you modern architecture that enhances rather than competes with your diamond.

Setting and security notes

The tapered profile requires careful crafting to maintain comfort, as sharp edges can feel uncomfortable if not properly finished. Quality goldsmiths round the inner edges slightly while preserving the outer knife edge.

Best metals and band details

Platinum excels for knife edge designs, as its density maintains crisp lines without warping. Band profiles work best with four-prong settings that complement the geometric aesthetic.

Typical budget range in the UK

Budget £950 to £1,650 for platinum knife edge settings, reflecting the precision metalwork required to achieve and maintain the sharp profile over time.

5. Hidden halo solitaire

The hidden halo solitaire conceals a ring of small accent diamonds beneath the central stone’s setting, creating unexpected sparkle that reveals itself only from side angles. This clever design combines the clean appearance of traditional solitaire engagement ring styles from above with secret brilliance that catches light as your hand moves, offering a perfect balance between classic simplicity and modern detail.

What it looks like

You’ll see a band of micro pavé diamonds encircling the base of your centre stone, typically 0.8mm to 1.2mm below the main diamond’s table. The halo remains invisible when viewing the ring straight on, revealing itself only from profile angles.

Why people choose it in 2026

This style gives you added sparkle without compromising the solitaire aesthetic, appealing to those who want subtle embellishment that doesn’t overwhelm their centre stone. The hidden diamonds also create perceived size increase of approximately 10% when light reflects upward through your main diamond.

Hidden halos give you extra brilliance that feels personal rather than showy.

Setting and security notes

The surrounding diamonds provide structural support for your centre stone, creating a protective barrier that distributes impact across multiple points rather than single prongs alone.

Best metals and band details

Platinum and 18ct white gold showcase the hidden diamonds best, with 2mm to 2.5mm band widths providing proportional balance to the enhanced setting.

Typical budget range in the UK

Budget £1,200 to £1,900 for platinum hidden halo settings, accounting for the additional diamond work and precision setting required beneath your centre stone.

Next steps

Each of these five solitaire engagement ring styles offers distinct advantages that suit different personalities, lifestyles, and aesthetic preferences. You’ve seen how traditional claw settings maximize brilliance, while bezels prioritize protection, and architectural details like cathedral arches or knife edges add structural interest. The hidden halo bridges classic and contemporary tastes through concealed sparkle that reveals itself only to those closest to you.

Your choice depends on practical considerations like daily activities and visual preferences around metal coverage, band profile, and overall height. Consider how each style complements your partner’s hand shape and existing jewellery, then factor in long-term maintenance requirements that align with your lifestyle.

At A Star Diamonds, our Hatton Garden workshop crafts bespoke versions of each style, tailored precisely to your vision and your chosen diamond. Book a consultation at our Hatton Garden workshop to discuss your preferences with our goldsmiths, designers, and gemologists who’ll guide you through every detail, from metal selection to prong placement, ensuring your solitaire captures your unique story.