Cluster Ring vs Solitaire Ring (4 Differences)

Cluster vs Solitaire Setting

If you’re searching for an engagement ring or any other piece of jewelry, the number of styles seem endless.

One initial decision is whether to choose a cluster or solitaire setting.

The main difference between cluster and solitaire rings is cluster rings consist of many small diamonds placed closely together to imitate a single center stone. Solitaire settings feature one center stone without any diamonds surrounding it or placed along the shank.

Let’s compare cluster versus solitaire rings, including: 

  • An overview of each
  • Four differences 
  • How to decide

What is a Cluster Diamond Ring?

Cluster rings mimic the appearance of a single stone placed on top of the ring. 

But if you examine them closely, you’ll find that instead of one diamond, there are often five to 10 smaller ones.

This group of diamonds forms the cluster.

Within this style, there are a variety of designs. 

Some include one stone that’s larger than the others. It sits in the middle and is surrounded by several accents of equal size.

Check out this image of a stunning cluster diamond ring that provides an example of this type.

It’s from the vendor where I bought my wife’s engagement ring.

On their site, you can zoom into the piece to separate the center diamond from the surrounding ones. It also features pavé lining the shank, which is popular with cluster settings.

Others contain diamonds that are all the same size.

This cluster setting includes multiple round-cut diamonds in the center that form a cushion shape.

Cluster Setting

Either way, the intent is typically that when someone views the piece, the diamonds will blend together to create the illusion there’s only one.

What is a Solitaire Setting?

A solitaire setting includes a single diamond, with no side stones or pave on the ring. 

It’s most commonly associated with diamond rings, but any piece of jewelry, such as necklaces or earrings, can be considered solitaire.

One of the reasons buyers choose solitaire settings is it focuses all attention on the center diamond. So it’s important to select a quality gem that’s eye-clean and appears colorless.

If there are shades of yellow or noticeable inclusions, they’re more noticeable in a solitaire setting compared to ones with a halo or pavé.

For example, check out this solitaire setting.

Solitaire Setting

The diamond is held by four prongs and stands alone on top of the ring. Its simplistic, sleek design is available in yellow, white, or rose gold or platinum.

As a petite ring, it also results in the diamond appearing larger compared to a thick ring.

This is the exact style I chose for my wife’s engagement ring. I wasn’t dealing with a large budget, so the overall carat weight wasn’t high. I chose a 2mm knife edge band so it wouldn’t overpower the round-cut.

Because there aren’t other diamonds on the band, there are fewer design options for solitaire rings.

What are the Differences Between Cluster and Solitaire Rings?

1. Solitaires are More Popular for Engagement Rings

Solitaires are the most popular setting for engagement rings. The center diamond is often the focal point of engagement rings, and solitaire settings maximize its aesthetic.

Check out the solitaire engagement ring below that holds a round-cut diamond.

Solitaire Engagement Ring

The center diamond is the only element that draws your attention.

Buyers often choose a high setting, with a large, eye-clean diamond. It sparkles when twirled, and a wedding ring can fit next to it.

By selecting a ring without additional diamonds, you can put the savings toward the center diamond instead of paying a higher price for accents along the band.

To demonstrate the differences, the price of this solitaire setting in 14K white gold is $240.

Solitaire Diamond Ring

This setting is similar, except there are channel-set diamonds in the ring. It costs $1,550.

The extra 0.23 carats costs $1,310, which could buy you a higher clarity, cut, or color grade on a solitaire setting.

It’s rare to see a cluster setting as an engagement ring. Even though the illusion is it’s all one diamond, you often want to show off your engagement ring from close up.

At a short distance, it’s noticeable the total carat weight (CTTW) is spread across several gems.

If you decide on a cluster setting for an engagement ring, I recommend one where there’s a single diamond bigger than the rest.

It helps avoid the reputation of cluster rings as tacky.

2. Cluster Rings are Less Expensive

Cluster rings are less expensive than solitaires because the CTTW is spread across multiple diamonds.

An important principle to know when buying a diamond ring is that higher carat weights disproportionately increase the price. A two-carat diamond doesn’t cost double a one-carat diamond.

For example, I compared prices for more than 200 diamonds from James Allen that had the following grades:

  • Color: F
  • Clarity: VVS2
  • Cut: Ideal

Ones that weighed one carat cost an average of $11,840. Two-carat diamonds with those grades cost $40,044, which is almost four times the price for twice the weight.

The reason this is relevant to prices for cluster versus solitaire rings is you’ll pay more when the CTTW is contained in one diamond.

I’ll use examples from Jared to illustrate.

This ring includes small round-cut diamonds clustered in the middle, surrounded by a halo and pave. 

Cluster Setting

The CTTW is 0.50, and it costs $1,499.99.

Jared also sells loose diamonds. I found ones that weighed 0.50 carats, with the same clarity and color grades as the cluster ring.

The average price was $1,135, which is only $365 less than the entire cluster ring. If you placed one of those loose diamonds on a solitaire setting, the price would likely reach more than $2,000.

Overall, cluster rings offer a higher CTTW for a lower price compared to solitaires.

3. Solitaire Settings are Easier to Clean and Maintain

With only a single diamond, solitaire settings accumulate less dirt and debris. This makes them easier to clean and maintain than cluster rings.

Fill a bowl with warm water and dishwashing soap. Soak the ring for about 20 minutes and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. 

Air dry the ring, or pat it with a soft cloth.

Cluster rings may require a professional cleaning. There are far more crevices where debris can sit. 

You can try to clean it the same way you do a solitaire ring, but it might not be as effective.

Avoid cleaning it in a way that could lodge any of the gems loose. They’re difficult to add back in because there’s only a small gap where it fits.

While the risk of a diamond falling out of your setting is minimal if you take proactive steps to protect it, it’s much more inconvenient to lose stones from a cluster ring.

4. Cluster Settings Can Form Alternate Shapes

There are a variety of designs to choose from with cluster settings.

You’re already familiar with the decision of whether to have all the stones the same size, but there are also alternate shapes for its outline.

For example, this cluster ring has a floral halo.

Diamond Ring with Floral Cluster

There’s a large diamond in the middle, surrounded by clustered marquise cuts. It’s also available with a cushion, princess, or emerald cut in the middle.

The clustered diamonds can also form unique shapes that mimic other cuts. This ring features round-cut diamonds in an oval shape.

Cluster Setting with Round-Cuts

From a distance, it appears there’s a single stone in the middle with a halo around it. But the center is nine diamonds pressed against each other.

If you’re interested in an alternative solitaire, check out this one

Solitaire Bypass Setting

The bypass design still holds the diamond with four prongs but wraps around the gem in a unique way.

How to Decide Between Cluster and Solitaire Rings

Either can make for a stunning piece of jewelry, so here are some tips to help you decide.

Consider a cluster setting if:

  • You want a higher CTTW for a lower price
  • You’re interested in a ring that forms a unique shape
  • A ring that creates the appearance of a larger stone is appealing to you

Opt for a solitaire setting if:

  • You’re searching for a traditional engagement ring
  • You’re willing to pay a higher price for a single diamond, as opposed to spreading its carat weight across multiple small ones
  • You want a ring that’s easier to clean and doesn’t trap as much debris

By pairing diamonds with both solitaire and cluster settings, you can create the perfect piece of jewelry for you.

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Jacob Clarke

Jacob Clarke

Jacob Clarke is the founder of TeachJewelry.com.

He earned an Applied Jewelry Professional Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and now brings you essential information about diamonds, settings, and more.

Jacob has consulted with leading jewelry brands, and his work has been cited in Clean Origin, Diamond Nexus and industry publications.

He's also a member of the International Gem Society.

He enjoys discussing jewelry with readers, so contact him with any questions at jacob.clarke@teachjewelry.com.

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Jacob Clarke

Jacob Clarke from Teach Jewelry

About Me

Greetings, my name is Jacob and I am the founder of Teach Jewelry. My aim is to guide you in making informed decisions when it comes to diamond and engagement ring selection. I provide comprehensive yet accessible advice and tips to ensure clarity, eliminating any concerns of overpaying for your diamond, engagement ring, or other jewelry. Whether your interest lies in selecting a top quality diamond, choosing its ring setting, or exploring other jewelry pieces, rest assured, you will attain the knowledge needed to select the right piece with confidence.

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