29 Simple Engagement Rings for the Minimalist Bride-to-Be

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 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.

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 expert insight, 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 or a cluster of diamonds, we’ve got all the engagement ring styles a minimalist needs to see.

Read on for the best simple engagement rings.

JSV Concepts Marquise Diamond Wedding Ring

Shop now: $350, etsy.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who prefer an affordable unique and delicate ring without large diamonds

Metal: 14k Yellow, white, or rose gold | Cut: Marquise, brilliant | Carat: 0.3+

NOOIjewelry Diamond Engagement Ring

Shop now: $970, etsy.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a simple, yet elegant three-stone ring

Metal: 18k Yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Emerald | Carat: 1.53

JSV Concepts Diamonds Cluster Ring

Shop now: $330, etsy.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a simple cluster engagement ring with just the right amount of sparkle

Metal: 14k Yellow, white, or rose gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.11

JSV Concepts Minimalist Wedding Band

Shop now: $131, etsy.com

This gold band with an effortless row of white pavé-set diamonds is the epitome of minimalistic elegance. You can choose just one small diamond or a row of six diamonds. Perfect for stacking, pairing with a dainty wedding band, or wearing solo, this sweet and delicate piece is hard to go wrong with.

Who It's For: Those who want a simple, elegant, and affordable wedding band

Metal: 14k Yellow gold, rose gold, white gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.025

Anna Sheffield Hazeline Knife Edge Solitaire Ring

Shop now: annasheffield.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a unique colored engagement ring

Metal: 14k yellow gold | Cut: Cushion | Carat: 1.50

Blue Nile Mini Baguette-Cut Diamond Fashion Ring

Shop now: $495, bluenile.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a unique baguette wedding band with a diamond accent

Metal: 14k Yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.07

Capucinne Jayda Blue Sapphire Ring

Shop now: $860, capucinne.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a dainty sapphire engagement ring

Metal: 18k or 14k Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.25

Melanie Casey Petite Diamond Tempo Ring

Shop now: $1,180, melaniecasey.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a row of delicate white diamonds

Metal: Platinum, 14k yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Round brilliant | Carat: 0.24 total

Melanie Casey Diamond Ember Ring

Shop now: $1,800, melaniecasey.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a unique cluster of small and dainty diamonds

Metal: Platinum, 14k yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Marquise | Carat: 0.28 total

Melanie Casey Diamond Eyelet Ring

Shop now: $980, melaniecasey.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a diamond ring with intricate details

Metal: Platinum, 14k yellow, white, or rose gold | Cut: Marquise, round | Carat: N/A

Melanie Casey Whisper Stacking Ring, Oval Diamond

Shop now: $690, melaniecasey.com

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. You can choose from a natural diamond or a more affordable lab-grown diamond.

Who It's For: Those who are looking for a minimalist gold band for stacking

Metal: 14k Yellow, white, or rose gold | Cut: Oval | Carat: 0.15

Valerie Madison Dua Diamond Ring

Shop now: $800, valeriemadison.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a unique open-band ring

Metal: 14k Yellow gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.2

KatKim Marquise Crescendo Ring

Shop now: $4,000, katkimfinejewelry.com

"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.

Who It's For: Those who a diamond engagement ring with a unique band

Metal: Platinum, 18k yellow, white, or rose gold | Cut: Marquise | Carat: 0.33-3.5

Jennie Kwon Diamond Baguette Mini Equilibrium Ring

Shop now: $1.395, jenniekwondesigns.com

The precise lines of the baguette stones were designed to showcase the center diamond. Milgrain detailing further frames the 14k gold equilibrium ring.

Who It's For: Those who want a diamond ring with intricate and interesting detail and design

Metal: 14k Yellow, white, or rose gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.17 center stone

Nora Kogan Paloma Ring

Shop now: $4,200, norakogan.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a more edgy, modern-looking engagement ring

Metal: 14k Yellow gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.41

David Yurman Crossover Petite Engagement Ring in Platinum, Round

Shop now: davidyurman.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a unique platinum band with a solitaire diamond

Metal: Platinum | Cut: Round | Carat: 0.30+

Ila Perryn Diamond Baguette Ring

Shop now: $3,025, catbirdnyc.com

This slender band comes in 14k yellow gold and puts off a modern vibe. Two diamond baguettes are set back to back, keeping the profile thin while still boasting .24 carats.

Who It's For: Those who want a minimalist band that can be stacked or worn alone

Metal: 14k Yellow gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.24

Jennifer Dawes Dreamy Rose Cut Diamond Ring

Shop now: $5,875, dawes-design.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a timeless and elegant rose-cut diamond ring

Metal: 18k Yellow gold | Cut: Rose | Carat: 0.47

KatKim Cosma Diamond Ring

Shop now: $5,500, katkimfinejewelry.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a bezel set engagement ring for a more modern look

Metal: 18k Yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Octagon bezel | Carat: Custom

MinimalVS Asscher Diamond Ring

Shop now: $6,940, etsy.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a simple Asscher-cut diamond ring with a vintage look

Metal: Platinum, 18k yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Asscher | Carat: 0.70

Zoë Chicco Horizontal Baguette Ring

Shop now: $375, zoechicco.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a simple ring with just a hint of sparkle

Metal: 14k Yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Baguette | Carat: 0.06

Bario Neal Nikko Mini Morganite Marquise Ring

Shop now: $620, bario-neal.com

A horizontal morganite marquise stone is prong-set by hand on a 14k yellow gold round band. The sparkling pink stone is sustainably sourced from Brazil for conflict-free jewelry.

Who It's For: Those who want a hint of color will love this pink morganite engagement ring

Metal: Platinum, 18k white gold, 14k yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Marquise | Carat: 0.14

Messika Move Uno 18-Karat White Gold Diamond Ring

Shop now: $1,330, messika.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want an eye-catching ring with a unique rolling diamond

Metal: 18k Yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Brilliant | Carat: 0.09

Ginette NY Medium Lonely Diamond Ring

Shop now: $725, ginette-ny.com

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/ginette-ny-medium-lonely-diamond-ring-size-6-prod243410006

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 for stacking.

Who It's For: Those who want a small and dainty solitaire diamond ring

Metal: 18k Rose gold | Cut: Round | Carat: 0.09

Capucinne Rustic Salt-and-Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring

Shop now: $1,310, capucinne.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a salt-and-pepper diamond in a minimalist ring setting

Metal: Platinum, 18k yellow, white or rose gold, 14k yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Round brilliant | Carat: 0.45

Tiffany & Co. Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Shop now: tiffany.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a classic emerald-cut diamond on a platinum band for the quiet luxury look

Metal: Platinum | Cut: Emerald | Carat: Custom

NOOIjewelry Simple Engagement Ring

Shop now: $1,933, etsy.com

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.

Who It's For: Those who want a small cluster ring with a classic round solitaire diamond

Metal: 18k Yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Brilliant Round | Carat: 0.25

Brilliant Earth Pave Cluster Diamond Ring

Shop now: brilliantearth.com

You can feel good knowing that not only do you have a beautiful ring, but all the diamonds are Conflict-Free with 100 percent recycled precious metals. This beautiful pave cluster diamond ring gives us a beautiful sparkle, set off by the simply elegant rose gold band.

Who It's For: Those who want a pave cluster ring made with conflict-free diamonds

Metal: Rose gold | Cut: Brilliant round | Carat: Custom

Clean Origin Quiet Beauty Oval Ring

Shop now: $1,200, cleanorigin.com

This beautiful oval diamond solitaire gets all the attention when paired with this simple dainty band. This lab-grown diamond is more affordable than natural diamonds, which means you can get a larger stone for less.

Who It's For: Those who want a more affordable option for a diamond solitaire ring

Metal: Platinum, 18k yellow, white or rose gold, 14k yellow, white or rose gold | Cut: Oval | Carat: 0.45 to 3

Other Options You Might Like

Valerie Madison Triangle Rose-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

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.

VRAI Knife-Edge Bezel Ring

A bezel-set baguette diamond seamlessly sits along a yellow gold band offering an effortlessly edgy spin to a straightforward design. Wear it alone or with a stack of other stunners, you really can't go wrong with a piece like this.

VRAI The Signature Emerald Engagement Ring

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.

What to Look for in a Simple Engagement Ring

• Stone: The best part about a simple 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." You can also go the non-traditional path and choose a beautiful colored stone, such as the Bario Neal Nikko Mini Morganite Marquise Ring.
• Band: The metal and design of the band provide 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, such as in the Melanie Casey Diamond Eyelet Ring.
• 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.
• Price: There are no set rules on how much you should spend on an engagement ring, as it comes down to your budget and your personal preference for rings. To give you some perspective, according to the Bride’s American Wedding Study, the average amount spent on an engagement ring in 2020 was $3,756 (down from $7,829 in 2018). Many people still believe in the “3 months salary” rule, in which you should spend the amount you make in three months—however, that has since become an outdated way of thinking. You want a ring that you are happy with, has sentimental meaning, and doesn’t put you in debt. 

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 selecting the best minimalist engagement ring, she spoke to jewelry experts for their insight:

• Melanie Casey is a jeweler and founder of Melanie Casey Fine Jewelry.
• Connie Hung is the founder and creative director of Costanté.