11 Natural Diamond Solitaires That Are Worth It, And Why

Immensely strong, exceptionally brilliant and eternally beautiful: natural diamonds have enthralled humans since the very beginning. Believed to be a divine gift from the Gods, they represented power and strength before they became a symbol of everlasting love and prestige. And solitaire diamonds are the ultimate precious investment.

Whether a rare coloured diamond whose scarcity drives its desirability, or a pure, beautiful white diamond that brings joy every day, natural diamonds are wonders of nature that become imbued with meaning and memories, telling a sentimental story that will endure for generations to come.

From exceptionally rare natural treasures to masterfully crafted contemporary creations, we asked the experts why these 11 diamond solitaires are worth the investment.

1. NOTANDAS

Not every ‘investment solitaire’ must be a diamond you keep in the safe. There is much to be said for investing in a diamond that you feel comfortable enough to wear every day; a piece that brings joy and light whenever you glance at it. This ring, by Notandas Jewellers, encapsulates a fresh, modern approach to diamond jewellery, featuring a 0.50ct solitaire diamond set on a bi-colour band that juxtaposes pavé-set diamonds with curves of rose gold.

‘This solitaire ring has a unique charm that transcends time, appealing to those with a keen eye for elegance and refinement,’ says Vanshika Rawtani, brand-building strategist and digital head at Notandas Jewellers. ‘It is a versatile choice for anyone seeking a touch of sophistication in their everyday style, as it captures the essence of tradition and modernity.’

2. REZA

As the son of a renowned gem dealer and master jeweller, Olivier Reza has his pick of a historic collection of extraordinary gemstones. Having relocated his family’s jewellery maison from Paris to Manhattan, he is breathing new life into the brand with cutting-edge designs, such as this contemporary solitaire ring: a literal twist on a classic. By redefining classical designs, Reza champions diamonds as a statement of style and self-confidence, as much as they are an eternal symbol of love.

A suburb 3.02-carat, D-colour, Internally Flawless emerald-cut diamond is set East-West, clasped between sculptural curves of polished white gold. ‘Each mount is uniquely designed to fit the stone and showcase it in the most desirable way,’ says Reza. When it comes to solitaires, each diamond is chosen for its colour, clarity and proportions, as well as its brilliance and intensity. ‘Two stones with the same colour and material can have very different shines,’ he says. ‘I always feel happy when I am looking at a diamond like this one.’ His clients include art collectors and design aficionados, who assert their independence with self-gifts that will last a lifetime.

3. ADI ALFARDAN

Sometimes the charm of a solitaire diamond lies as much in the emotion it holds as in its inherent preciousness. The “مَلِكةْ قَلبي”, or My Queen’s Heart Solitaire, is one such example. The central diamond is a remarkable, four-carat, D-colour, VS clarity heart-shaped diamond: a magnificent stone in itself. Set on a band of smaller heart-shaped diamonds, its beauty is magnified by the story behind its creation.

‘What sets this ring apart is more than its remarkable gem; it’s also the message from a husband to his wife on Valentine’s Day, infusing it with deeper significance and meaning,’ says Laila Elnaggar, Marketing Manager of Adi AlFardan Jewellery. ‘When he chose the “مَلِكةْ قَلبي” solitaire as a gift for his wife, he wasn’t just selecting a piece of jewellery; he was investing in emotions and memories. This ring will become a cherished family heirloom that will be passed down through generations. It’s not just about sparkle; it’s about the love it represents and the joy it brings.’

4. H. AJOOMAL

For centuries, humans have been drawn to the wonder and beauty of natural diamonds as a way to commemorate significant, joyful occasions. This extraordinary necklace was created to celebrate an important moment in a couple’s lives. At its centre is a 40-carat, H-colour, VS1 clarity heart-shaped diamond, an eternal symbol of love, whose curvaceous silhouette is complemented by an exquisite necklace made up of pear-shaped diamonds.

“We thought, what better way to celebrate than by creating something beautiful with an important heart-shaped diamond?” says Harshad Ajoomal, Founder and Creative Head at H. Ajoomal Fine Jewellery. ‘We crafted it in 18kt white gold, using the bare minimum of metal, so the diamonds’ beauty and lustre shine through.’

5. SANTI JEWELS

Enchanting, unique and brimming with mystical allure, an octagonal portrait-cut diamond is the star of this one-of-a-kind ring. This unconventional diamond is striking in its subtlety, whispering its preciousness so gently that it becomes a delicious secret between the wearer and the person who presented it as the ultimate token of love.

The characterful diamond was custom-cut with facets around the girdle to resemble a star; its exceptional transparency is a testament to the quality of the natural rough diamond. ‘Every time a portrait diamond is cut it’s a risk, as it loses its conventional qualities – but this diamond holds its charm in spite of being completely see-through,’ explains Krishna Choudhary, founder of Santi Jewels.

Choudhary paid homage to the rare beauty of the diamond in a simple yet masterfully crafted ring of brushed rose gold, with a gentle knife-edge detail that mirrors the architectural angles of the stone.  Romantic with an edge, it represents a very modern kind of love. ‘Sometimes we forget while designing that simplicity is the essence of beauty,’ he says. ‘With an exceptionally cut, subtle and unassuming diamond (to some eyes) and beautiful setting, this ring becomes very personal, as if it’s your own little secret.’

6. GRAFF

Graff is synonymous with some of the most magnificent diamonds ever discovered. Its extraordinary stones are dazzling to the connoisseurs who recognise their rarity and value. The 10.47-carat Fancy Vivid blue briolette diamond in this elegant necklace is one example.

Less than 0.02% of all mined diamonds are blue – and this gem is Internally Flawless, making it one of the rarest diamonds the Earth has ever created. It is, quite simply, a natural sensation. Very few diamonds today are crafted into briolettes, a feat that requires an immensely skilled diamantaire, and rare cutting techniques that have been passed down through generations. A delicate necklace of pear-shaped, marquise and round diamonds enhances the charming, antique appeal of the central stone, drawing the eye towards its incredible colour. Wearing a diamond like this against the skin evokes pure emotion, its very existence a reminder of the magic of Mother Nature.

‘This diamond is truly mesmerising. It conjures thoughts of clear blue skies contrasted against snowy mountain tops or tropical oceans that stretch for eternity upon the horizon. When you place it on your neck, it makes you feel incomparable,’ says Anne-Eva Geffroy, Design Director at Graff. ‘Owning a necklace like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

7. GLENN SPIRO

Antique diamonds possess a beguiling, subtle glow that sets them apart from their modern-day counterparts. They were cut by hand hundreds of years ago, by skilled artisans whose sole aim was to emphasise their unique beauty. Their characterful sparkle is rich with history, containing the secrets of love and lives of a bygone era. There is surely no better symbol of eternal love than a diamond that has brought joy to many lifetimes already. Sadly, many antique diamonds have been recut, making untouched originals all the more sought-after, and increasingly valuable.

London-based Glenn Spiro celebrates the romantic character of antique diamonds in jewels that blend old-world charm with a modern sensibility. This solitaire ring features an original old-mine oval-cut diamond weighing 10.05 carats, framed by dark bronze on a shank of polished rose gold: a beautiful juxtaposition of materials that enhances the fire and life of the central stone.

‘Diamonds of this type are rare. They often have no nitrogen gas in their molecular structure, which allows the diamond to have an extra-scintillating optical effect and fire,’ explains Glenn Spiro. ‘This is a totally compelling, special ring that will put a smile on your face every time you wear it.’

8. ENTICE

While solitaire diamonds are most readily associated with rings and gifts of love, they work equally well as a statement of self-love. ‘A while ago, one of our clients was looking to gift herself a timeless diamond. She was a woman of simple taste and was looking for a classic solitaire piece,’ says Ashish Garg, Head of Business at KGK Dubai. ‘We decided to make an oval solitaire earring with a delicate diamond halo around it and a radiant sparkle that could capture her heart instantly.’

Negative space surrounds each 0.20ct diamond, adding a contemporary twist to the classic style. Crafted in 18kt white gold, the earrings radiate a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. ‘They made our client feel a sense of empowerment and grace,’ says Garg – a self-investment that will be treasured for years to come.

9. ALOK LODHA

Diamond jewellery is an intoxicating blend of nature’s beauty and human skill. Talented diamantaires call on centuries-old skills to transform rough stones into polished gems that scintillate with charm and character. And contemporary jewellers are experimenting with unique cuts to bring an entirely new dimension to their artistic creations, resulting in one-of-a-kind jewellery imbued with energy and excitement.

The Bloom La Tulipe earrings by Alok Lodha feature unique tulip-shaped solitaire diamonds, framed by minimal metal to enhance their elegant, feminine silhouette. Weighing 4.09 carats in total, these G-colour diamonds glisten like the earth’s most precious flowers: an everlasting symbol of love and affection. ‘La Tulipe, the collection that houses Bloom La Tulipe, has been 15 years in the making,’ says Alok Lodha. ‘It is a voyage into a new style of gemmology – the finest diamond is custom-cut and pronged to exemplify the unmistakable silhouette of the flower that has inspired artists for generations.’

10. LA MARQUISE

Every diamond is a gift from nature; but Fancy coloured diamonds are more miraculous than most. The GIA estimates that only one out of every 10,000 carats of polished diamonds has a Fancy colour, making the 9.20-carat cushion-cut Fancy Yellow diamond at the centre of this ring a true investment stone, not to mention a remarkably beautiful natural work of art that brings joy to all who lay eyes upon it.

Dubai-based jewellery house La Marquise Jewellery prides itself on the quality of its Fancy coloured diamonds, selecting each one for its warmth and exceptional lustre. The sunny glow of this rare stone is reason enough to take the plunge. And the house believes there is a bright future for diamonds of this rarity and quality. ‘Beyond its captivating beauty, this ring holds profound investment value, destined to be cherished for generations,’ says Nishith Shah, CEO of La Marquise Jewellery. A diamond like this will be a talismanic treasure for eternity.

11. BOODLES

Twenty-five years ago, British jeweller Boodles partnered with William Goldberg Diamonds in New York, becoming the only jewellery house in the UK to sell the rare Ashoka-cut diamond. Named after India’s great emperor warrior turned Buddhist, Ashoka Maurya, Ashoka means ‘without sorrow’. The cut was inspired by an ancient 41-carat Golconda diamond that was said to have the power to remove sorrow and bring joy. Softer and more rounded than an emerald-cut, the elegant Ashoka cut boasts a golden length-to-width ratio and 62 facets which are carefully positioned for maximum spread – so it appears 25% larger than an emerald-cut diamond of the same weight.

These ethereally beautiful earrings feature two equally dazzling Ashoka-cut diamonds weighing 3.11 carats and 3.15 carats, strung from Fancy pink diamonds, another signature of the house of Boodles. ‘Ashoka diamonds are unique, as they may vary in depth and the arrangement of facets, so finding a matching pair of Ashoka-cut diamonds, especially in this size and quality, is incredibly challenging,’ says Jody Wainwright, Managing Director of Boodles. Symbolising the harmony between two souls, partners for eternity, the perfectly matched diamonds are ‘a true pair of gems that embody romance and uniqueness – they really are a needle in a haystack.’