Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.
Many brides-to-be out there may dream of engagement rings that will get noticed from across a hotel lobby, but one of the trends these days is to go for a more minimalist diamond that’s not as flashy. If you’re shopping for a ring for your future spouse, or even if you’re just in the market for a demure ring that shows your affection, you’ve come to the right place. We have everything you need to know if you’re casually browsing or seriously in the market for an engagement ring for your special someone. So, what should you be thinking about?
What to Look for When Shopping for an Engagement Ring?
Per Brides.com, there are four different factors to look for when shopping for an engagement ring, all of which begin with “C.” You want to check for carat, clarity, cut and color. But when it comes to minimalist-friendly rings, the main factor you may to consider out of those four is the cut. But since minimalist rings tend to be somewhat “small” by nature, you can make your selection based off of the feel of the ring itself and how it meshes with your SO’s personal style. Where you can get more creative is with the band setting. Do they prefer white gold, yellow or rose gold? Check the jewelry they usually wear to see what fits. After that, it’s up to you! Any piece of jewelry that you gift will surely have significant sentimental value, so if you need some added guidance, check out the selection of stunning minimalist engagement (or special occasion rings) that we handpicked below!
Raffaello Ditty Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
This sing features a 0.12 carat classic round cut diamond that’s set in a round white gold band. Everything about it is super simple and straight to the point, so it’s a great ring to give to someone special in your life — whether you’re getting engaged or not!
Pros
- Clean design
- Super affordable price
- Many ring sizes available
Cons
- Significantly smaller stone
Available at: Amazon
Monica Vinader Essential Diamond Ring
Although this round cut diamond stone is smaller, the added round metal setting around the center does make the gem pop more! It’s available in silver, rose gold and yellow gold, so you can select an option to fit your loved one’s specific aesthetic.
Pros
- Three metal settings available
- Affordable
- Clean design
Cons
- Only one carat size available
- Limited ring sizes
Stefano Navi 1 Carat Round Solitaire Diamond Ring
A minimalist engagement ring still fits the category even if it possesses a bigger stone! The sleek design here lies in the classic round cut of the stone and the clean band it’s set in.
Pros
- Timeless design
- Positive customer reviews
- Multiple carat and ring sizes available
Cons
- Slightly pricier
Available at: Amazon
Lana Jewelry Solo Marquise Diamond Ring
If you’re looking for a more unique diamond cut, this marquise version is the way to go! Though the stone is small, the shape is enough to signify that this isn’t your average piece of jewelry when it’s propped on the left ring finger.
Pros
- Super minimalist
- Unique stone cut
- Affordable
Cons
- Very few ring sizes available
- Only one carat size
Available at: Nordstrom
Houston Diamond District 0.5 Carat Oval Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
This oval diamond is a bit more extravagant than your typical round cut, but the setting and smaller size of the stone still make it feel modest.
Pros
- Multiple metal setting options
- Wide range of ring sizes available
Cons
- One carat size
- Slightly more expensive
Available at: Amazon
Houston Diamond District 14K White Gold 1.25 Carat Lab Grown Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Again, we have another marquise cut diamond, but in a larger stone size for the bride who wants a little bit more bling! For the clarity and the carats you’re getting for this type of ring, we would consider it a major steal.
Pros
- Wonderful clarity
- Larger stone size
- Multiple metal settings available
Cons
- More expensive
Available at: Amazon
David Yurman Chatelaine® Ring
This ring is both minimalist and intricate at the same time. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, this is the one! The band has a rope design that’s a signature of the David Yurman brand, and instead of one single diamond, you’ll receive a cluster of smaller stoned that are shaped into a princess cut.
Pros
- Designer brand
- One-of-a-kind design
Cons
- Multiple diamonds as opposed to one single stone
Available at: Nordstrom
BYCHARI Lili Diamond Bezel Ring
This may be the most minimalist ring out of the entire list! The .01 carat diamond feels like it’s one with the gold band which surrounds it, so it’s ideal for the super low-key bride who doesn’t dig a ton of flash in their jewelry.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Incredibly minimalistic
- Three gold band settings available
Cons
- Very small diamond featured
Available at: Nordstrom
Sushilajewelry Salt Pepper Diamond Ring
This ring is for a bride or significant other who wants something other than a diamond. It’s a very unique and cloudy stone which looks nothing like your average diamond. Even if you’re not getting engaged, this ring will delight anyone who’s on the receiving end of this wonderful gift.
Pros
- Unique stone
- 14k gold solid setting
- Out-of-the-box shape
Cons
- Longer shipping time
Available at: Amazon
ANGARA Natural Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
The fact that this ring has two smaller diamonds on the sides of the main stone instantly gives it a more glamorous feel. The center diamond is .25 carats and the sides are .078 each, which totals just under .5 carats, though it looks much bigger than that!
Pros
- Multiple stones in one setting
- Dainty band
- Multiple different metal settings
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
Available at: Amazon
Houston Diamond District 1 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
This final engagement ring option is likely one of the more typical ones you’ll find on the market, though it’s no less special. It has a full carat princess cut stone set in a 14k white gold band that’s simple and classic.
Pros
- Timeless design
- Affordable for the carat weight
- Five-star ratings
Cons
- Only one band size and metal setting available
Available at: Amazon
Looking for more? Check out our other recommended picks below:
- This Perfect Springtime Wedding Dress Is Wildly Affordable — Just $33
- The 11 Best Wedding Guest Dresses for the Summer Season
- 8 of the Best Bridal Jumpsuits for a Wow-Worthy Wedding Look
Check out more of our picks and deals here!
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as face masks, self tanners, Lululemon-style leggings and all the best gifts for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.
The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at [email protected]. Happy shopping!