One of the most recognisable pieces in the jewellery world, the solitaire ring is the ultimate classic of any collection. With its singular prominent gemstone, whether that be sapphire, emerald, or diamond, in a setting that puts all focus on the stone. Their beauty is indisputable, so it’s no wonder they’re so desired.

The diamond solitaire is the most unmistakeable design, and has long been associated with one particular moment, a proposal. Engagement was once the only occasion women might receive such a beautiful piece of jewellery, but does it have to be?

Self-gifting solitaire style rings is not only a beautiful gesture to yourself, it is also a thoughtful statement about individuality and changing meanings, choosing to self-gift because jewellery is there to be loved and worn. 

Although engagement is still universally celebrated and marked with a ring, it is no longer the only time a woman might own a solitaire ring. Society is evolving, leading to an influx in women investing in their own jewellery, and even their own solitaire rings. 

The meaning of the ring can evolve with time, but that’s what is so unique about the solitaire. It’s classic appearance means neither you or the ring will outgrow each other, it’s a style made to last a lifetime.

Women choosing to buy jewellery the same way they would buy other personal items is constantly evolving, and self-gifting jewellery has risen by more than 51% in recent years amongst millennial women. If it’s jewellery you’re self-gifting, why not choose a solitaire?

Financial independence

Beyond what a ring may symbolise, the movement toward self-gifting reflects a wider shift in the ways women choose to celebrate themselves. Women gaining greater financial independence and freedom over how they spend has allowed luxury jewellery to become something personal to purchase, whether that be to mark a milestone, celebrate an achievement, or simply enjoy something beautiful.

Whether investing in a new wardrobe, travelling the world or choosing a piece of fine jewellery, women have greater freedom to make purchases that reflect their own tastes and priorities. In the world of jewellery, evolving designs and new diamond options have opened up further possibilities, making the classic solitaire an increasingly appealing choice to make for yourself.

Lab grown diamonds have made diamond solitaires far more accessible for self-gifting. They have the exact same chemical and physical composition as the natural stone, at a more affordable price point. Not only are they affordable, they also allow for more freedom in choosing the exact diamond cut and appearance you want, if you choose to build your ring. Beautiful diamond solitaire, but with a different perspective, a bit like self-gifting.

Alternatively, pre-loved solitaire rings can be a more affordable option depending on the design you're looking for. Second hand solitaire rings are meaningful because they already tell a story that's been left open-ended for you to keep writing, giving the jewellery an added depth.

With such a reshaped market, self-gifting solitaires have become well within reach. What once might have been years of saving, could now just be a few months. If you have your heart set on a specific style or particular ring, then why not consider investing in yourself?

Wearing it on the right hand

To continue on from this reinterpretation, there is now a growing trend for women to wear engagement rings on their right hand as opposed to the left, entirely changing the tradition and giving it a brand new meaning. 

Engagement rings are worn on the left hand because of the ancient Roman belief that there was a vein that ran from the fourth finger on that hand to the wearer’s heart. Although this has been anatomically disproven, it is now the default placement for engagement rings. Because of this clear association with partnership, women might choose to wear the self-gifted piece of jewellery on their right hand instead.

Changing the placement of your ring tells the world that you understand the visual connotations of a solitaire, but that this is about you and telling your story without needing to change anything about the design of your dream ring.

When the ring is about you

A ring doesn’t have to symbolise a relationship to be significant. There are so many moments in life that require celebration, you can wear an eternity band as a symbol of forever to yourself, and you can choose beautiful jewellery to wear just because it’s beautiful. 

Maybe it’s to mark a milestone you never thought would come, or it’s a celebration of who you are, there is something special in wearing a piece of jewellery that’s personally meaningful to you, and showing that to the world.

Like choosing a new wardrobe or home decor, jewellery is a form of self-expression and individuality, and doesn’t primarily hold associations to romance.

A ring represents a woman’s own journey, who she believes she is, and what she’s proud of. Self-gifting yourself a solitaire ring and wearing it like an engagement ring shows other women that pushing conventions is allowed, and should actually be celebrated.