A solitaire engagement ring is most classic and timeless style of engagement ring that features a single diamond or other gemstone set in a simple metal band. The word "solitaire" comes from the French word "solitaire," which means "alone" or "single," and refers to the fact that the ring has only one center stone.

The most common type of solitaire engagement ring features a round diamond, but solitaire rings can be set with diamonds or other gemstones in a variety of shapes, including pear, oval, marquise, and princess cut. The diamond or gemstone is typically held in place by four or six prongs, which allow the stone to catch the light and sparkle.

Solitaire engagement rings are often considered the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, as they emphasize the beauty and simplicity of the center stone without any distractions. They are also a versatile option, as they can be paired with a variety of wedding bands and other jewelry.

No, an engagement ring does not need to be a solitaire ring. There are a number of different styles to choose from to symbolize your engagement, including:

1. Three-stone
2. Halo
3. Side-stone
4. Vintage

Solitaire engagement rings aren't necessarily more expensive simply from a design perspective, and will be impacted by general price factors such as the craftsmanship and materials used.

The biggest difference when looking at the price of the solitaire engagement rings versus other styles, is that ALL of the focus is on ONE diamond with solitaire engagement rings (hence the name!). So where other rings styles like halos can benefits from having a group of lesser quality diamonds that come together to form a unified brilliance and sparkle, you can't really get away with that with a solitaire since there's only one stone.

When buying a solitaire engagement ring, it's highly encouraged to focus on choosing a center diamond with an excellent cut, high clarity grade (VS2 or higher), and at least a near-colorless grading (G-H or higher).