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Ring by Melanie Casey Fine Jewelry
If your style is more understated and showing off some major bling while you’re engaged is just not your thing, you're in luck: rocking a minimalist engagement ring doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on style—in fact, some of the coolest rings we’ve seen are all about simplicity. Take Mila Kunis and Julia Stiles as examples with their strikingly simple solitaire designs. Whether it's a five-carat stunner like Mila's or a more understated stone like Julia's, these celebrity rings prove that there's nothing quite like a classic.
"These understated designs wear well and are less likely to clash with your wardrobe or other pieces of jewelry," says Melanie Casey, jeweler and founder behind Melanie Casey Fine Jewelry.
Keep your lifestyle, daily activities, and personal style in mind while you search for the perfect minimalist engagement ring. Features such as an unembellished band or a low-profile center stone will contribute to how easy your ring will be to wear and clean.
To make sure you pick the best of the best, we consulted Casey and Connie Hung, founder and creative director of Costanté, to learn insider tips about selecting a minimalist ring. Based on their tips, we looked for rings made with high quality metals and authentic stones. We also looked for a variety of styles to suit different aesthetics. Whether you prefer a solitaire round diamond like Vrai The Signature Round Brilliant Cut Engagement Ring or a cluster of diamonds like in JSV Concepts Cluster Ring, we’ve got all the engagement ring styles a minimalist needs to see.
Meet the Expert
- Melanie Casey is a jeweler and founder of Melanie Casey Fine Jewelry.
- Originally a self-taught jewelry designer, Connie Hung is the founder and creative director of Costanté.
Ready to shop for your very own minimalist bling? Now, scroll through the best simple engagement rings we can't stop staring at.
Vrai The Signature Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
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Vrai
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow or White Gold, 14K Rose Gold | Cut: Round Brilliant | Carat: 0.50-3.37
The round-cut diamond solitaire is a classic choice. Vrai's features a low profile and a sling dip. "Solitaires are the quintessential minimalist style," says Casey. "Although they’re simple, the options with solitaires are endless!"
Price at time of publish: $3,300
JSV Concepts Marquise Diamond Wedding Ring
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Courtesy of JSV
Metal: 14k Yellow, White, or Rose Gold | Cut: Marquise, Brilliant | Carat: 0.3+
This delicate engagement ring features a dainty, natural white marquise diamond center stone with tiny brilliant-cut diamond accents. The band comes in rose, white, and yellow gold in sizes three through 10.
Price at time of publish: $350
NOOIjewelry Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Etsy
Metal: 18k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Emerald | Carat: 1.53
An utterly minimalistic take on a three-stone ring, this emerald-cut diamond features two tiny white diamonds set on each side of the center stone of an 18k yellow gold band. We're obsessed with how effortlessly elegant this piece is.
Price at time of publish: $953 for 18k yellow gold
JSV Concepts Diamonds Cluster Ring
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Courtesy of Etsy
Metal: 14k Yellow, White, or Rose Gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.11
It doesn't get much sweeter than this. A gorgeous cluster of dainty white diamonds are scattered on a thin rose gold band. This is a perfect option for the bride seeking a piece that is both simple and unique.
Price at time of publish: $330
JSV Concepts Minimalist Wedding Band
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Courtesy of Etsy
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.025
This yellow gold band with an effortless row of white pavé-set diamonds is the epitome of minimalistic elegance. Perfect for stacking or wearing solo, this sweet and delicate piece is hard to go wrong with.
Price at time of publish: $131 for 1 Stone/Yellow Gold
Anna Sheffield Hazeline Knife Edge Solitaire Ring
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold | Cut: Cushion | Carat: 1.50
This champagne ring is a cornerstone of Anna Sheffield's solitaire collection: The Hazeline is timeless and delicate. The cushion-cut champagne-colored diamond is set in a knife-edge, 14k recycled yellow gold shank.
Blue Nile Round Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Blue Nile
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow Gold, 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Brilliant Round | Carat: 2
This stunner speaks for itself. A two carat round solitaire diamond sits pretty on an ever-lasting 18k yellow gold band.
Blue Nile Mini Baguette-Cut Diamond Fashion Ring
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Blue Nile
Metal: 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.07
The horizontal baguette-cut diamond is set in a slim and stackable 14k yellow gold band. The ring is available in sizes five through eight, but because it's so delicate, it cannot be resized.
Price at time of publish: $495
Capucinne Blue Shade Sapphire Ring
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Courtesy of Capucinne
Metal: 18k or 14k Yellow Gold | Stone: Blue Shade Sapphire | Stone Size: 3.5-4 mm
Add a splash of color by opting for this soft blue sapphire embellished engagement ring. With a customizable band, this beautifully tranquil stone pairs well with any of the metals available.
Price at time of publish: $850
Vrai The Signature Emerald Engagement Ring
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Vrai
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow or White Gold, 14K Rose Gold | Cut: Emerald | Carat: 0.50-8.04
The Signature was designed to sit low on the finger and flush with the wedding band. The diamond gets extra reflective light with Vrai's signature sling dip below the band. The emerald cut can lay horizontal or vertical on the band.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $1,050
Melanie Casey Petite Diamond Tempo Ring
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Courtesy of Melanie Casey
Metal: Platinum, 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Round Brilliant | Carat: 0.24 total
This ring was designed to symbolize the rhythm we walk through life with. The line of white diamonds are varied in size but evenly spaced on a solid 14k gold band of either yellow, rose, or white.
Price at time of publish: $1,100
Melanie Casey Diamond Ember Ring
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Courtesy of Melanie Casey
Metal: Platinum, 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Marquise | Carat: 0.28 total
The Diamond Ember Ring features a slim gold band set with a delicate white marquise diamond with small, round diamond accents. The band tapers at the stone cluster creating a perfect balance. "Accent stones and pavé bands can also add visual interest to minimalist designs," says Casey.
Price at time of publish: $1,480
Melanie Casey Diamond Eyelet Ring
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Courtesy of Melanie Casey
Metal: Platinum, 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Marquise, Round | Carat: NA
Inspired by intricate embroidery, bright white cluster diamonds accent the marquise-cut focal stone. The dainty arrangement is set on a slim gold band to maintain a minimalist form.
Price at time of publish: $1,550
Melanie Casey Whisper Stacking Ring, Oval Diamond
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Courtesy of Melanie Casey
Metal: 14k Yellow, White, or Rose Gold | Cut: Oval | Carat: 0.15
As per the ring's name, this piece makes an excellent addition to a ring stack. The solid 14k gold band is gently lifted so layers can nestle together snug.
Price at time of publish: $690
Valerie Madison Super Nova Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Valerie Madison
Metal: 14k Yellow, White, or Rose Gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.11
The Supernova Diamond Ring features a unique sculpted point and a nested brilliant-cut white diamond. Made in Seattle, the design uses recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds mainly coming from Canada.
Price at time of publish: $650
Valerie Madison Dua Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Valerie Madison
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.2
In 14k yellow gold, this dainty ring has an open band with matching brilliant-cut diamonds on each side. The stones are conflict-free and set with Valerie Madison's signature compass claw prongs.
Price at time of publish: $800
KatKim Marquise Crescendo Ring
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Courtesy of Kat Kim
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow, White, or Rose Gold | Cut: Marquise | Carat: 0.33-3.5
"Minimalist doesn't mean boring," says Casey, and the Marquise Crescendo Ring proves just that. A prong-set marquise diamond on polished 18k gold looks classic, clean, and totally wedding-worthy.
Price at time of publish: $3,800
Jennie Kwon Diamond Baguette Mini Equilibrium Ring
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Jennie Kwon
Metal: 14k Yellow, White, or Rose Gold | Cut: Baguette, Round | Stone Size: 3.5 mm white diamond, two 3 x 1.5 mm baguettes, six 1mm white diamonds
The precise lines of the baguette stones were designed to showcase the center diamond. Milgrain detailing further frames the 14k gold equilibrium ring.
Price at time of publish: $1,395
Nora Kogan Paloma Ring
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Courtesy of Nora Kogan
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.41
The Paloma utilizes asymmetry for a fresh approach to a baguette diamond ring. The tapered stone sits horizontally on a 14k band of solid yellow gold.
Price at time of publish: $3,995
David Yurman Crossover Petite Engagement Ring in Platinum, Round
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Courtesy of David Yurman
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow Gold | Cut: Round | Carat: 0.30+
A twisted cable band is a gorgeous way to add a little flair to a simple round solitaire diamond. The David Yurman cable band is iconic, unforgettable, and of course, timeless.
Catbird Perryn Diamond Baguette Ring
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Catbird
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.24
This slender band comes in 14k yellow gold. Two diamond baguettes are set back to back, keeping the profile thin while still boasting .24 carats.
Price at time of publish: $3,025
Jennifer Dawes Dreamy Rose Cut Diamond Ring
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Jennifer Dawes Design
Metal: 18k Yellow Gold | Cut: Rose | Carat: 0.47
The stacking stone ring features a rose-cut white diamond on a sleek 18k yellow gold band. The 7-x-5-millimeter diamond stands out against the dainty 1.5-millimeter band.
Price at time of publish: $5,250
KatKim Cosma Diamond Ring
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KatKim
Metal: 18k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Octagon Bezel | Carat: Custom
The Cosma ring features an octagon bezel setting to emulate the shape of the diamond. It's made from 18k gold, with a selection of yellow, rose, or white. It can be made from platinum upon request or customized with different stones.
Price at time of publish: $5,200
MinimalVS Asscher Diamond Ring
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Etsy
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Asscher | Carat: 0.70
The Asscher-cut diamond sits in a square bezel and can be made with polished, satin, or brushed 18k yellow, rose, or white gold. Total diamond weight is .70 carats and comes with a Gemstone Certification of America certification.
Price at time of publish: $6,900 for 18k rose gold
Zoë Chicco Horizontal Baguette Ring
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Zoë Chicco
Metal: 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.06
This ultra-dainty ring is just a delicate 1-millimeter wide with a .06 carat white diamond baguette. Metals come in 14k white, yellow, and rose gold.
Price at time of publish: $350
Bario Neal Nikko Mini Morganite Marquise Ring
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Bario Nea
Metal: Platinum, 18k White Gold, 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Morganite Marquise | Stone Size: 5×2.5mm
A horizontal morganite marquise stone is prong-set by hand on a 14k yellow gold round band. The morganite is sustainably sourced from Brazil for conflict-free jewelry.
Price at time of publish: $650 without a signature jewelry box
Messika Move Uno 18-Karat White Gold Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Metal: 18k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.09
The Move Uno ring features 18k gold accompanied by a stunning set of shimmering white diamonds, one of which is the collection's signature bezel-set rolling stone. This is the perfect combination of a simple yet completely unexpected design.
Price at time of publish: $2,200
Ginette NY Medium Lonely Diamond Ring
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Ginette
Metal: 18k Rose Gold | Cut: Round | Carat: 0.09
A mini solitaire diamond ring bezel-set with 18k rose gold is the picture of a minimalist engagement ring. The dainty round band makes for beautiful and easy ring stacking.
Price at time of publish: $705
Capucinne Rustic Salt-and-Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Capucinne
Metal: Platinum, 18k Yellow, White or Rose Gold, 14k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Round Brilliant | Carat: 0.45
Just because you're a minimalistic bride doesn't mean you don't want your ring to stand out in a crowd. This stunner does just that with its striking salt-and-pepper diamond set on a simple 18k rose gold band.
Price at time of publish: $1,300
Vrai Knife-Edge Bezel Ring
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Courtesy of Vrai
Metal: 14k Yellow or White Gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.10
A bezel-set baguette diamond seamlessly sits along a yellow gold band offering an effortlessly edgy spin to a straight-forward design. Wear it alone or with a stack of other stunners, you really can't go wrong with a piece like this.
Price at time of publish: $285
Tiffany & Co. Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Metal: Platinum | Cut: Emerald | Carat: Custom
An emerald-cut diamond will always be a classic choice. Set on a refined platinum band, there's no question that this solitaire engagement ring will forever stand the test of time.
NOOIjewelry Simple Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Etsy
Metal: 18k Yellow, White or Rose Gold | Cut: Brilliant Round | Carat: 0.25
This ring exudes a minimalistic charm that we can't get enough of. Set in 18k yellow gold, this handmade Italian piece features a brilliant round solitaire accompanied by two white diamonds set snugly against each side.
Price at time of publish: $1,788 for 18k yellow gold
What to Look for in a Simple Engagement Ring
Stone
The best part about a minimalistic engagement ring? All eyes are on that stunning stone! Select a rock that aligns with your personal style, your lifestyle, and—most importantly—the one you can't stop staring at.
"With the diamond being the only star of the show, the color of the diamond is most clearly visible especially on 14k or 18k white gold or platinum," says Hung.
Casey loves the versatility of a solitaire ring, "Depending on the bride’s personal preferences, you can go big or small with the focal stone," she says. "You can go with a classic round diamond, or change it up with a fancy shape, like a cushion cut. Although they’re simple, the options with solitaires are endless."
Band
The metal and design of the band provides an opportunity to enhance the color and overall appearance of your stone. Hung suggests incorporating a white gold or platinum metal, especially when paired with a white diamond, because it gives the illusion of a brighter and more sparkly stone.
If you would rather have your diamond or gemstone share center stage with your band, consider incorporating an engraving or intricate design paired with the simple setting.
Style
There's a good reason why the saying "less is more" has stuck around. While trends come and go, a minimalistic piece is bound to stand the test of time and become a treasured heirloom. There's nothing more special than a ring that not only symbolizes your own love story but also represents your future loved ones' stories, too.
Why Trust Brides?
Roberta Correia is the former editorial director of Brides and served at the magazine for five years. She also worked at WWD and Rebecca Minkoff and currently is the editor in chief of The Everymom. For extra tips on how to select the best minimalist engagement ring, she spoke to Melanie Casey, jeweler and founder of Melanie Casey Fine Jewelry and Connie Hung, founder and creative director of Costanté.
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