Calling all minimalists! If you (or your S.O.) live by the mantra “less is more,” then prepare to fall head over heels for these simple engagement rings!!
Chic, effortless, and totally timeless, simple engagement rings are made to be worn every day…for as long as you both shall live. They speak for themselves, and never go out of style. In other words, they’re the perfect rings for your forever love story!!
Keep scrolling for all our favorite simple engagement rings, from super minimalist finger candy to dainty diamond designs — plus a few expert tips for how to narrow it down to “the one!”
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Can an engagement ring be simple?
One word: definitely! While we often hear about huge, over-the-top rings that max out on sparkles (celebrities, we’re looking at you!), there’s something so chic and sophisticated about simple engagement rings.
While they can still have that sparkly wow factor, simple engagement rings are all about understated designs, dainty details, and low-maintenance minimalist looks. The result? A timeless ring that will last as long as your love (aka, forever!).
Who are simple engagement rings best for?
Simple engagement rings are best for people with busy lifestyles or minimalist aesthetics who don’t want the fuss of a big and bold ring.
Simple rings are easy to wear (and clean!) every day and they won’t get in the way of your daily activities. Plus, they go with every outfit, and they never go out of style!
In other words, this is the perfect ring for someone who prefers an understated and timeless style to flashy bling — they love the classics, they always look effortless, and they know what they want. Proof that simple definitely doesn’t mean boring!
What precious metals are best for simple engagement rings?
While simple engagement rings can shine with any type of metal, there’s something about yellow gold that makes diamonds really stand out on an understated, minimalist band. It’s a classic combination, perfect for a classic (read: simple) ring!
(P.S. We’ve created an entire section on simple gold engagement rings below, so you can see what we mean!)
But shiny gold isn’t the only option! If you’re looking for a simple engagement ring that will keep up with your S.O.’s busy, active lifestyle, platinum may be the best choice. It’s super durable and long-lasting — definitely heirloom-worthy!
How much should you expect to spend on a simple engagement ring?
Because they tend to have less accent stones and more minimalist designs, simple engagement rings are often less expensive than their mega watt counterparts. But, like all types of engagement rings, there are simple options for every budget! You can typically expect to spend around $150 for a budget-friendly design, and over $10,000 for something more luxe.
If you’re choosing a diamond center stone, this price will depend on the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat. The better the cut, the whiter the color, the higher the clarity, and the bigger the carat will all increase the price. But remember: when it comes to simple engagement rings, bigger isn’t always better!
The number of accent diamonds and the use of either mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, or other alternatives will also affect the final price tag. Here at GWS, we’re big fans of moissanite engagement bands — they’re more ethical and affordable, and they look just as stunning as mined stones!!
And no matter what stone (diamond or gem!) you go with, you can also splurge or save with the metal of the band. 14k gold will be the most affordable, while platinum will be the priciest.
The Best Places to Buy Simple Engagement Rings
So, where do you start? To kickstart your journey to finding your dream minimalist ring, here are our top three favorite places to buy simple engagement rings!
- Catbird: From their famous Swan diamond rings to their beautiful minimalist gemstone styles, Catbird is leading the pack for stunning simple engagement rings! We also love that their studio uses 95% recycled gold and diamonds and is focused on creating swoon-worthy designs with the lowest environmental impact. Say less!
- Etsy: For elegant and affordable simple engagement rings in every style, look no further than Etsy! With thousands of independent designers creating handcrafted minimalist rings, there’s truly something for everyone. Plus most of Etsy’s ring options can be customized with the metal and center stone of your choice!
- Diamond Nexus: Another studio focused on sustainability (and AMAZING simple designs!), Diamond Nexus creates heirloom-quality alternative diamond engagement rings that are made to last a lifetime. We’re such big fans, we even created our own curated list of Diamond Nexus rings that we chose specifically for GWS couples!!
Now let’s get into the bling!
Simple Gold Engagement Rings
If you’re looking for a timeless, heirloom-quality design that’s dripping in glamour, then you’ve come to the right place!
Simple gold engagement rings scream luxury, with a rich gilded look and a design that doesn’t need any bells or whistles to stand out. Trust us, you can feel confident about getting down on one knee when you have one of these stunners on lock!
Whether you love the classics or are looking for something one-of-a-kind, we’ve rounded up the best of the best simple gold engagement rings right here.
1: Classy Simple Gold Engagement Ring
This Daisy design oval cut diamond engagement ring is a simplistic yet elegant ring that will add sparkle to your wedding band finger. The two kite side stones are the perfect unique touch for this ring made with conflict-free diamonds.
This ring is a timeless symbol of love, representing past, present, and future, while exuding a subtle sophistication that transcends trends. The understated beauty of this design allows the diamonds to shine brightly, reminding us that true love is eternally precious.
8: Shimmer + Shine Simple Gold Engagement Ring
You might not want to look directly at this simple gold engagement ring — the shine is that bright! Showcasing a round brilliant cut center diamond encircled by a hidden diamond halo, this delicate ring will light up any room.
The recycled solid gold placement and matching band secure this intriguing array of VRAI created diamonds, creating an unforgettable luminary effect that shines from all directions.
Elegant Simple Engagement Rings
It goes without saying — all the best engagement rings have an aura of elegance. But, if you really want to take those chic + sophisticated + minimalist timeless vibes to the next level, these elegant simple engagement rings deliver!
With simple styles that are anything but boring, these elegant rings make a statement every time they walk into a room. They’re eye-catching, but not flashy, and they’ll look just as enchanting now as they will in 50 years.
Good luck narrowing these picks down to just one!
If you’re proposing with an heirloom-worthy ring, then you also need a proposal story that’ll be passed down for generations. Check out these 74 unique ways to pop the question!!
Simple Diamond Engagement Rings
They’re a classic for a reason! Sparkly and sophisticated, simple diamond engagement rings really do make such good best friends. Plus, there are so many different variations of the timeless style!
From simple solitaires to dreamy ensembles — plus a few lab-grown diamond alternatives — we’ve found something for everyone. No matter what style speaks to your love story, you can’t go wrong with one of these simple diamond engagement rings!
Minimalist Simple Engagement Rings
When it comes to minimalist anything — and especially minimalist simple engagement rings — the style is in the simplicity!
These stunning rings stand out thanks to their understated styles, and they always look crisp, clean, and impossibly chic. Perfect for when you want something low-maintenance that still holds tons of meaning!
Scroll on to see our favorite styles for all the stylish minimalists out there.
Small Simple Engagement Rings
Small simple engagement rings are here to prove that bigger isn’t always better!
Here at GWS, we’re big believers that choosing something personal and one-of-a-kind is always better than choosing something for the sake of a trend or tradition. And that’s why we’re so smitten with these dainty styles!
Unconventional and SO sweet, these small simple engagement rings really are something special. Quick disclaimer: they may cause you to swoon!!
Plan the Perfect Proposal With Our Best Engagement Guides
There’s nothing better than hearing that “YES!” after getting down on one knee and popping the question. And we want to help you make sure the moment is as perfect as possible!!
First and foremost, don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on where to buy engagement bands and how to choose the perfect one. This is where we answer ALL your burning questions about choosing your forever ring!
Once you have the bling picked out, you’ll want to make sure you order the right size. Here are our tips for measuring ring size (without giving away your plans!).
And finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Check out these 74 unique ways to pop the question that will make it one of the most memorable moments of your lives!
We’ll leave you with one last thing: CONGRATULATIONS!! Drop any questions you have in the comments below and good luck during this amazing, special time.