Alankar Jewellers, Udaipur · 5 min read
A solitaire is the simplest piece of jewellery you can buy, and that is exactly why it is so hard to get right. One stone, one setting, nowhere to hide. If the diamond is dull or the setting is clumsy, everyone notices. If both are right, it looks effortless for the next forty years.
Here is what we are seeing couples in Udaipur choose this year, and the questions worth asking before you sign off on any solitaire, whether you buy it from us or anyone else. You can see our current pieces on the solitaire jewellery page.
For a few years, oval and pear shapes were the fashionable choice. They still have fans, especially for longer fingers, but in 2026 most of the couples we meet are asking for a classic round brilliant. It returns the most sparkle for its size, it suits every hand, and it will not look dated in a decade.
Settings have become quieter too. A slim four- or six-prong band in yellow gold or platinum-toned white gold lets the stone do the talking. Hidden halos, a thin ring of small diamonds tucked under the main stone, are popular with brides who want a little extra light without making the ring look busy.
The second big trend is buying a solitaire for daily wear rather than only for the engagement. A single diamond on a fine chain, or a pair of solitaire studs, works with office wear, sarees and jeans alike. Many families now gift these for anniversaries or a first job instead of heavier gold sets.
For everyday pieces, a slightly smaller stone with a better cut is almost always the smarter buy. A well-cut 0.30 carat stone can look brighter than a poorly cut 0.50 carat one.
Rajasthani brides rarely wear only modern jewellery on their wedding day, and they do not have to choose. A solitaire ring sits comfortably next to a polki choker or kundan haar. We often suggest keeping the ring metal close to the tone of the rest of the set, yellow gold with traditional gold work, so everything feels like one look in photographs.
Metal choice changes the whole character of a solitaire. Yellow gold has made a strong comeback, partly because it sits so naturally with the rest of an Indian bride’s jewellery. White gold and platinum make a diamond look whiter and more modern, and they suit people who mostly wear silver-toned accessories.
There is also a practical side. Platinum is heavier and wears very slowly, which makes it a good choice for a ring that will be worn every day for decades. White gold is lighter on the hand and the budget, but its bright finish may need re-polishing every few years. Neither choice is wrong. Pick the one that matches what you already wear.
More grooms are asking for a solitaire of their own, usually a smaller stone set flush into a broad band so it does not catch on clothes. It is a lovely way to make the engagement feel shared, and a flush setting is very practical for someone who works with their hands.
Every certified diamond is graded on four things. You do not need to be an expert, but you should know what each one means for your money.
This is one of the most common questions at the counter now. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds made in a controlled environment, and they cost considerably less than natural stones of the same size. The trade-off is long-term value: natural diamonds have a well-established resale market, while lab-grown stones do not hold their price in the same way. If you are considering either, ask for the certificate and make sure it clearly states whether the stone is natural or lab-grown.
Diamonds are hard, but they are not indestructible, and the setting is the weak point. Take your ring off for the gym, gardening and cleaning with chemicals. Clean it gently at home with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft toothbrush. Once a year, bring it to a jeweller to have the prongs checked, especially before a wedding or a long journey.
Decide your budget first, then let the cut lead the decision. A smaller, beautifully cut solitaire in a simple setting will always look more expensive than a larger, lifeless stone. If you are in Udaipur, come and compare a few side by side at our Hajareshwar Colony showroom. Seeing them together is the quickest way to know what you like. Our diamond jewellery collection is a good place to start.
Visit Alankar Jewellers, Udaipur
See our gold, diamond, polki and kundan collections in person at 8th Street, Hajareshwar Colony. Open Mon–Sat 11 am – 8:30 pm, Sun 11 am – 7 pm.