Solitaire vs French Pave Engagement Ring

Yes, today's blog is all about going back to the classics! I know I’ve been spoiling you with stunning bangle earrings over the last few months, but I’ve heard the whispers: "Bonnie, we love your fine jewelry creations, but we’re craving some timeless pieces!" Well, I’ve got you covered.

Welcome back to another By Bonnie blog, where we talk about all things diamonds. And what could be more classic than a solitaire ring—specifically, the ever-sought-after 1.5 carat knife-edge six-prong solitaire? This timeless beauty never goes out of style! But because I love to spoil you, if you stay with me through this blog, I’ll also show you a comparison of one carat and two-plus carat pavé rings, so you can decide which size speaks to you.

Oh, and of course—what’s a By Bonnie blog without the perfect wedding band pairings? I’ll show you how to match your band with your solitaire for that flawless look. So stick around, diamond lovers, and let’s dive in!

Classic Round Knife Edge Solitaire

On my hand, I’m wearing a 1.5 carat G VS2 on a knife-edge solitaire band that’s 2.2mm wide.

Now, I know many of you ask me, “Bonnie, what’s the perfect millimeter width for an engagement ring?” Here’s the thing—I usually recommend starting between 2 to 2.2mm for that perfect balance. It’s got just enough metal to give it substance without being too thin. I know the super thin bands are all over Instagram right now, but I’m all about this classic look. Check out how the proportions work with a 1.5 carat—it’s timeless elegance!

French Pave Diamond Wedding Band

Alright, here’s the first wedding band that I think is the perfect match for symmetry lovers—a 2.2mm French pavé paired with a 2.2mm solitaire. 

Check out the proportions; it’s beautifully balanced. Even if you decide to wear the band solo, it’s not too dainty—it strikes that delicate yet substantial look. This French pavé band has a very low profile, so when you stack them, it doesn’t overpower the engagement ring. Instead, it complements it perfectly, sitting side by side in flawless harmony.

French Pave ½ Way Diamond Wedding Band

Next up, we have a bit of contrast—a 2.6mm French pavé paired with a 2.2mm solitaire band. 

This combo gives you a slightly more substantial diamond presence on the band without taking away from the beauty of your 1.5-carat round. It's perfect if you want a bit more sparkle but still love that delicate balance. One thing to note is that with a knife-edge band, the ring and band may not sit perfectly flush, but this minimal gap shouldn’t bother you—it’s much smaller compared to others. Overall, this pairing adds contrast while keeping the spotlight on your stunning center stone!

Round Diamond Double Gallery Wedding Band

Number three is our double gallery halfway band, a super popular choice to pair with a knife-edge solitaire. 

The band we’re featuring is 2.8mm, so let’s first take a look at how that size fits. On its own, the band feels nice and substantial—notice the profile is a bit taller than the French pavé, but not by much. It pairs beautifully with the height of the knife-edge solitaire, creating a seamless look. For those in professions where wearing your engagement ring daily might not be practical (teachers, healthcare workers, etc.), this band is the perfect alternative. It’s not overpowering but still complements your 1.5 carat ring effortlessly!

Eternity Bands Cannot Be Resized

Once you see how beautifully it pairs, you might ask, "Can I get this halfway, three-quarters, or all the way around?" Absolutely! It's customizable based on your lifestyle. Here's a little pointer from me—if you choose an eternity band (where the diamonds go all the way around), you won’t be able to resize it later if your weight fluctuates. This is important to consider, as over time, life events like pregnancy or weight changes can drastically affect your ring size. So be careful when ordering a band that’s set all the way around to ensure it works for you long-term!

Solitaire and French Pave Ring Comparison

As promised, here’s the one-carat diamond for comparison! 

It's set on a four-prong French pavé band with a hidden halo, and we're placing it side by side with the 1.5-carat solitaire. If you're seeking something a bit more understated but still full of sparkle, this option is worth considering.

Personally, I love the Cathedral setting because it elevates the center stone, giving it that extra “center stage” effect. But not everyone is into Cathedral settings, and that's perfectly fine—it all comes down to personal preference.

Sophia Round Diamond Wedding Band

Now, let’s dive into band pairing number four, and this one is a bit on the chunkier side at 3.5mm. 

Introducing our Sophia band! It’s a stunning choice that still manages to stay low profile, making it perfect for everyday wear. If you're someone who loves that extra bling, don’t worry—this band pairs beautifully with the 1.5-carat solitaire.

What I love about the Sophia band is how it sparkles and how substantial it feels on its own. It has that gorgeous width without overpowering the center stone. However, as a little pointer, once you hit the 4mm mark, that's when a band can start overshadowing a 1.5-carat solitaire. So be mindful of that when making your decision.

When choosing your wedding band, think about how often you’ll be wearing the band alone versus with your engagement ring. This will help you figure out the right balance between sparkle and size for your perfect set!

Sophia Round Diamond vs French Pave Band Comparison

And as promised, here’s the comparison between a 1.5-carat and a 2.25-carat pavé version.

I’ve switched things up, and now you can see the 2.2-carat French pavé on a 2.2mm band paired with a 3.5mm. For me, this combo is absolute heaven! I’m in love with the way the bands complement each other without overpowering the diamond. Bonus points for all you bling lovers—this one’s a true diamond-on-diamond dream!

If you haven’t seen my full tulip collection video yet, be sure to check it out for a complete breakdown of all the styles. I’m all about that extra sparkle, and this set has it all—super classic and timeless!

So, how was it? Did you enjoy this classic blog? Which wedding band was your favorite—something a little thinner or something chunkier?