33 Best Small Engagement Rings for the Low-Key Bride

Stunning rings from Zoë Chicco, KatKim, and more

By
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
laura lajiness
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
​Laura Lajiness is a writer and editor who covers fashion, accessories, beauty, and fine jewelry for Brides. Her work also appears in ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, POPSUGAR, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.
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Updated on 12/14/22 12:47PM
Jennie Kwon Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Equilibrium Ring collaged on a beige background

Courtesy of Jennie Kwon Rose / Design by Bailey Mariner

Believe it or not, not everyone wants a gigantic diamond for an engagement ring. Modern and minimalist brides flock to smaller designs with teensy stones and delicate bands that are easier to style. Not to mention, a smaller ring will typically cost much less than a flashier one–you could potentially save thousands of dollars.

While small engagement rings are less attention-grabbing initially, they can be more intricate than larger solitaires with more opportunities for craftsmanship. "With bigger diamond rings, usually the stone takes up much of the ring, so there are less opportunities to add design elements," says Ashley Zhang, a fine jewelry designer in New York. "With smaller rings, you can have multiple stone cuts in one design, add accent stones like birthstones, or hand engraving."

Also, smaller rings allow for more styling flexibility. "Smaller engagement rings have more potential for stacking and mixing bands. This way your bridal stack can change upon your mood or be added to over time," Zhang says. Whether you're partial to a sleek and sophisticated stone that's classically cut and in a pared-back setting, a romantic cluster ring, or one with a more distinctive off-kilter setting, there's a dainty engagement ring to suit your style.

To help narrow down your search, we're researched and hand-selected the best options available–keeping size, stone, and overall quality in mind. Those with classic tastes will love the Ceremony REN I Ring and the Zoë Chicco Horizontal Baguette Diamond Ring. Looking for a dainty yet intricate design? Our top picks are the KatKim Grande Crescendo Flare Pavé Ring and the Shahla Karimi Love V Ring w/ Pear.

Read on for the best small engagement rings.

Zoë Chicco Horizontal Baguette Ring

14K HORIZONTAL BAGUETTE DIAMOND RING

ZOË CHICCO

Minimal, subtle, and elegant. This mini .06-carat baguette diamond ring, set in 14-carat gold, can be worn on its own or stacked with other bands.

Price at time of publish: $350

Barbela Design Diamond Jayne Ring

Simple diamond ring

Courtesy of Barbela

Two bezel-set diamonds meet vertically in a twisted, closed-loop band. It's an utterly elegant, artful choice for the modern bride set in 14-carat yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $500

Ariel Gordon Marquise Wink Ring

Ariel Gordon Marquise Wink Ring

Courtesy of Ariel Gordon

This ultra-delicate option features a marquise diamond in a more modern, east-west setting. Set in 14-carat yellow gold, other gemstone options for this ring include rhodolite garnet, a swiss blue top, and iolite.

Price at time of publish: $295

Invert elongated stones for a more contemporary engagement ring style. "For gems, turning an elongated stone on its side, like a marquise or emerald-cut, will make it easier to stack with other bands or wedding bands," Zhang says.

Ceremony Ren I Ring

Single diamond simple engagement ring

Courtesy of Ceremony

This art deco–inspired piece features a cigar-style band with a lone princess-cut diamond. This ring, set in 18-carat yellow gold, is perfect for brides who want a wider band with a structural edge.

Price at time of publish: $1,705

KatKim Grande Crescendo Flare Pavé Ring

Delicate modern engagement ring

Courtesy of KatKim

With a sideways diamond pavé band that wraps around the finger, punctuated by a seemingly floating, single round diamond, this piece of jewelry is perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement. A work of art set in 18k yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $7,500

Lizzie Mandler Petite Knife Edge Solitaire Ring

Simple solitaire diamond engagement ring

Courtesy of Lizzie Mandler

The knife-edge detailing on the 18-carat yellow gold band of this round-cut solitaire option adds dimension to a timeless design. Brides in the market for just a hint of sparkle won't be able to say no.

Price at time of publish: $1,420

ILA Pietro Marquise-Cut Diamond Ring

Simple Marquise-cut diamond ring

Courtesy of ILA

With a hovering marquise-cut diamond set in recycled 14-carat rose gold, this exquisite delicate ring is sure to wow. It's a made-to-order piece that features a super-dainty band that gives the illusion of a floating diamond when worn.

Price at time of publish: $2,195

De Beers The Promise Small Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

De Beers The Promise Small Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

De Beers

This dazzling 18-carat rose gold beauty features a round brilliant solitaire enclosed by two interlocking bands, one plain and one set with diamonds. A truly elegant choice for brides after that fairytale ending.

Price at time of publish: $3,300

Blanca Monrós Gómez Small White Lily Ring

Blanca Monrós Gómez Small White Lily Ring

Courtesy of Blanca Monrós Gómez

The unique cluster of rose-cut diamonds differing in size, surrounded by a slim pavé band, ensures that this ring will sparkle when catching the light. This ring is set in reclaimed 18-carat yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $2,565

Ashley Zhang Baguette Diamond Eternity Band

Small eternity band

Courtesy of Ashley Zhang

For fans of the eternity band, consider this textured, art deco-inspired option with milgrain detailing. Featuring a seamless loop of channel-set, baguette-cut diamonds, this ornate piece of jewelry will get you all the compliments. This ring is set in 14-carat white gold.

Price at time of publish: $4,895

Nora Kogan Paloma Ring

Paloma Ring

Nora kogan

Calling modern brides with spunk: This ring featuring a tapered diamond is for you. With a horizontally set baguette diamond, set in 18-carat yellow gold, this tapered, square band option is a bold (and fun) engagement choice.

Price at time of publish: $3,995

Elisa Solomon Anna Karenina Marquise Diamond Ring

Elisa Solomon Simple vintage engagement ring

Courtesy of Catbird

This vintage, romantic ring should be promoted to heirloom status, stat. Inspired by Native American art, this ornate piece features a marquise diamond with a melee halo. The jewel-encrusted band, with baguette and melee diamonds, is set in 18-carat platinum.

Price at time of publish: $2,110

Zoë Chicco Bezel Set Emerald Cut Diamond Ring

Small bezel set emerald cut engagement ring

Courtesy of Zoë Chicco

The emerald-cut diamond in a thick bezel setting adds a rustic vibe to this otherwise delicate and simple, half-round band ring. It's set in 14k yellow gold for a hint of Grecian goddess appeal.

Price at time of publish: $2,850

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Marquise Band Ring

Small platinum engagement ring

Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Modern and fashion-forward, this solitaire marquise diamond ring in platinum is inspired by the signet design. The minimalist style is sure to please the most understated bride.

Price at time of publish: $3,150

Cartier Etincelle De Cartier Ring

Elegant small diamond engagement ring

Courtesy of Cartier

Sleek, timeless, elegant. Set in 18-carat pink gold, this ring is anything but boring. Featuring an emerald-cut diamond at the center flanked by 22 round brilliant-cut diamonds, this beauty is a testament to refined simplicity.

Price at time of publish: $3,050

Jacquie Aiche Twisted Marquise Diamond Stack Ring

Jacquie Aiche Twisted Marquise Diamond Stack Ring

Courtesy of Jacquie Aiche

When in doubt, opt for a versatile diamond stack ring that looks gorgeous on its own or coupled with other finger jewels. The twisted band, available in 14-carat yellow, rose, or white gold, lends just the right amount of visual interest to the marquise diamond center.

Price at time of publish: $1,815

Catbird Odette The Swan, Supreme

Delicate engagement ring

Courtesy of Catbird

The ultra-slim pavé band is the perfect backdrop to the trio of diamonds in this ring. A rose-cut diamond and two brilliant-cut diamonds are set in a 14k gold band.

Price at time of publish: $3,100

Sofia Zakia Pleiades Supreme Ring

Unique engagement ring

Courtesy of Sofia Zakia

Astrology-lovers, this ring is for you! Named after a cluster of luminous stars, this celestial-inspired ring is romantic and dreamy. Featuring a central diamond flanked by diamonds, two round and two baguettes, this dazzling beauty in 14-carat yellow gold makes it look like stars have been plucked straight from the skies.

Price at time of publish: $5,650

Gillian Conroy Marquise Diamond and Pavé Bezel Ring

Small engagement ring

Courtesy of Gillian Conroy Jewelry

We love the antique sensibilities of this half-pavé band ring with a horizontal bezel-set, marquise diamond in the center. Both elegant and rustic, this ring is set in 18-carat yellow gold with a satin-matte, almost dirty-gold finish.

Price at time of publish: $5,450

Kataoka New Moon Solitaire Ring

Unique engagement ring

Courtesy of Kataoka

In a stunning display of craftsmanship, this romantic option features a brilliant round diamond surrounded by a smattering of smaller diamonds on a dainty, delicate, 18-carat beige gold band.

Price at time of publish: $9,580

Ila Perryn Diamond Baguette Ring

PERRYN DIAMOND BAGUETTE RING

Catbird

Stylish brides-to-be will love the subtly cool details of this ring. Set in 14-carat yellow gold, the two back-to-back horizontally set, tapered baguette diamonds, not to mention the barely there prongs, make this ring a work of art.

Price at time of publish: $3,025

KatKim Cosma Diamond Ring

COSMA DIAMOND RING

Katkim Fine Jewelry

Sharp, geometric edges make simple, timeless designs feel fresh. Featuring an octagon bezel setting and a square band crafted in polished 18-carat yellow gold, this solitaire ring is anything but plain.

Price at time of publish: $5,500

KatKim Marquise Crescendo Ring

MARQUISE CRESCENDO RING

Katkim Fine Jewelry

Make a statement with this seductive 18-carat yellow gold stunner featuring a marquise-cut diamond in a pointed, open design. This is definitely a choice for the fashion-forward bride.

Price at time of publish: $4,000

Because smaller rings tend to be more delicate, they require gentler care. Zhang advises wearers to remove rings before exercise or strenuous activities and to refrain from sleeping in them to avoid snagging the prongs on beddings.

MinimalVS Asscher Diamond Ring

Asscher Diamond Ring, Asscher Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring, Modern Solitaire Diamond Ring

ETSY

A solitaire ring need not be boring. A less common cut, like this Asscher-cut diamond, in a bezel setting, updates a classic and gives it a more contemporary twist. This ring is set in 18-carat yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $6,940

Jennie Kwon Diamond Baguette Mini Equilibrium Ring

Diamond Baguette Mini Equilibrium Ring

Jennie kwon Designs

This small, vintage-inspired bauble is a showstopper. The central round diamond is bezel-set and framed by milgrain detailing. With a baguette and round diamonds set in a 14-carat yellow gold band, this ring is a delicate and intricate piece of jewelry.

Price at time of publish: $1,395

Blue Nile Mini Baguette-Cut Diamond Fashion Ring

Mini Baguette-Cut Diamond Fashion Ring

Blue Nile

This slim ring, set in 14-carat yellow gold, features a bezel-set mini baguette-cut diamond. It's simple, modern, and perfectly stackable.

Price at time of publish: $495

Grace Lee Petite Marquise + Pear Half Eternity Ring

Grace Lee Petite Marquise + Pear Half Eternity Ring

 Courtesy of Grace Lee

Sometimes small pieces make the most impact. Case in point: The row of offset marquise and pear diamonds in this Grace Lee option, set in 14-carat gold, is delicate, striking, and a little bit whimsical.

Price at time of publish: $3,880

Bario Neal Nikko Mini Morganite Marquise Ring

Nikko Mini Morganite Marquise Ring

Bario Neal

This east-west marquise ring features morganite from Brazil and is set in 14-carat yellow gold. Bario Neal prides itself on transparency so you can trace the brand's gemstones from mine to market. This is a great choice for the bride-to-be who wants to veer slightly away from a traditional diamond.

Price at time of publish: $620

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Solitaire

Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Solitaire

Van Cleef

The pearl-inspired, beaded curvature on this rose gold band adds a fun, playful element to this round diamond solitaire. We love the conversation-starting appeal this ring brings.

Price at time of publish: $4,000

Porter Gulch Harper Ring

Porter Gulch "Harper" Ring

Courtesy of Porter Gulch

This scene-stealing marquise diamond ring is utterly romantic. The light and airy design is made even more stunning by the addition of petite round and princess-cut diamonds. It's showstopping without being over the top.

Price at time of publish: $5,550

Jennie Kwon Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Equilibrium Ring

Small engagement cluster ring

Courtesy of Jennie Kwon

This dainty cluster ring in 14-carat yellow gold sparkles like a constellation. With three rose-cut diamonds surrounded by eleven smaller stones on a slim, delicate band, this piece is a romantic choice for brides who exude subtle elegance.

Price at time of publish: $1,575

Mociun Mini Compass Rose Ring

Mociun Mini Compass Rose Ring

Courtesy of Mociun

Old European-cut diamonds gained popularity during the art deco period. For a subtle whiff of art deco sensibilities, consider this piece by Mociun with a central diamond set in 14-carat yellow gold and flanked by six pavé-set diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $2,500

Emily Warden Designs Diamond Honeycomb Ring

Emily Warden Designs Diamond Honeycomb Ring

Courtesy of Emily Warden Designs

This low-profile setting ring would look exquisite on its own or stacked with other bands. The unique honeycomb style consists of a trio of rose-cut white diamonds on a 14-carat yellow gold band.

Price at time of publish: $750

Meet the Expert

Ashley Zhang is a fine jewelry designer with a New York City-based eponymous label, Ashley Zhang Jewelry. Her pieces have been worn by celebrities, such as Jennifer Lawrence, Bella Hadid, and Dua Lipa.

What to Look For When Choosing a Small Engagement Ring

Quality

A smaller ring does not mean a lower-quality ring. In fact, given the delicate nature of your small engagement ring, you will want to pay particular attention to the craftsmanship of your ring. The cut and clarity of your stone and metal content are all things to consider as you shop for your small engagement ring. 

Stone

Someone who doesn't wear much jewelry may not be sartorially (and physically) comfortable rocking a large rock. So, an engagement ring with a smaller stone will naturally feel more comfortable and wearable for the bride-to-be.

Size

When considering a smaller ring, it's important to consider practicality.  "[Some] women have jobs or activities where they use their hands a lot, such as nurses who are putting on and taking off gloves throughout the day," Zhang says. "For them, a large ring may become an annoyance for everyday wear."

FAQ
  • How small is a small engagement ring?

    Typically, a small engagement ring has a stone size of 0.40 carats or below. In comparison, a common regular-sized engagement ring is 0.50 carats or larger.

  • What styles are available for small engagement rings?

    While a smaller ring can be more minimal in design, you can still be creative with your ring's appearance, stone settings, and cut. For instance, the Stone and Strand Shield of Strength Gold Diamond Ring offers intricate band detailing and an interesting combo of round- and baguette-cut diamonds.

  • How much does a small engagement ring cost?

    Like most rings, costs can vary, although a smaller ring will likely cost less than rings with large stones.

  • Will a small engagement ring go out of style?

    No, having a ring that fits your style (and your finger) perfectly will never go out of style!

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Laura Lajines is a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work with Brides, she served as the senior fashion editor at the Zoe Report and PopSugar. Her work has also been featured in Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.

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