Simple Engagement Rings That Are Still Beyond Stunning
Oh, if only choosing an engagement ring could be simple! It certainly can be, if you're drawn to a classic look. Simple engagement rings, which include the much-loved solitaire, tend to make the center stone the star. However, not all simple engagement ring styles are solitaires.
There's real flexibility when choosing a simple engagement ring — you can select a simple band, one set with accent diamonds, or a variation in shape, like a cathedral style. Here are the most important things to know about classic engagement rings.
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Classic or Simple Engagement Ring Styles
The common trait of simple engagement rings is that they blend seamlessly with a wearer's personal style and aren't too ostentatious. The most popular traditional engagement ring style, by far, is the solitaire engagement ring. A few other styles that have stood the test of time include four-prong settings, bands with diamond accent stones, princess-cut rings, pave diamonds, and the petite engagement ring. But which is right for you?
Sometimes when you see it, you know it. Sometimes you need to be a bit strategic. When selecting an engagement ring, think about the criteria that are most important to you. Do they include accent diamonds, metal color, or band thickness? Once you've prioritized according to your personal style — and the four C's — it'll be easier to narrow down your options. And when it comes to simple, classic engagement rings, there are no shortage of beautiful choices.
Benefits of Simple Diamond Engagement Rings
Proposal rings with subtle and delicate styles have three big advantages:
- Their clean, classic style will stand the test of time, staying forever fashionable.
- They're more affordable than more complex designs. (Hey, we'll always be real with you.)
- Simple ring designs are more suitable for everyday wear because there's less delicacy and precious stones in the setting.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
Solitaire engagement rings are the go-to style in simple engagement rings. Here, the beauty of the center diamond is showcased in a simple yet striking band style. Solitaire engagement rings can be set with any diamond shape. The most common are round, princess, cushion, and emerald, but the less conventional marquise, Asscher, radiant, or pear cuts can be stunning as well.
Halo Engagement Rings
The second most popular engagement ring style, the halo engagement ring — in which the center stone is encircled by accent diamonds, like an angel's halo — adds sparkle while maintaining a classic elegance. When paired with a plain-shank band, the look is simple and classic. Halos tend to look best when paired with round, princess or cushion cut center stones, but all diamond shapes can be made with halos.
Pave Engagement Rings
A pave engagement ring is a great choice if you love sparkle. This style has a band studded with accent diamonds (pave is from the French "to pave"). The center stone can come in a variety of shapes, such as round or princess cut, and can be set in a variety of ways, like a bezel setting, that can really amplify the shine.
Settings for Simple Engagement Rings
The band on simple engagement rings can be classic and smooth, or it can incorporate design elements like a twisting motif, cathedral windows, trellis openings or a split shank. Because solitaire engagement rings give the band such visual weight, it's important to select a metal that you truly love. Platinum and silver are most common; platinum is sturdier than silver (and more expensive). Gold has seen a resurgence in recent years, including the currently trendy rose gold, which has a pinkish coppery glow, and white gold, which has a bright silvery finish.
Most Popular Diamond Shapes
Within the diamond market, the ten most mainstream diamond shapes are: Round, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Emerald, Pear, Marquise, Asscher, Radiant, and Heart. Based off of our inventory and industry research, the top 5 most popular diamond shapes (#1 being the most popular) are:
There are various reasons why these shapes are the most popular like versatility, durability, look, price, etc. However, don't let popularity steer you towards a ring. Choose whatever fits your preferences and budget! Knowing which are the most popular shapes does help give a basis to a beginner ring researcher.
Top Simple Engagement Rings
For such simple designs, you'll be surprised at how different classic engagement rings can look from one another. Below you'll find just some of our favorite settings and diamond combinations. But there are hundreds more if you look through our catalog. Not sure what to choose? That's why we offer a free home preview program that lets you try on 2 engagement ring replicas. Because we want you to make that final purchase with clarity and confidence.
Classic Four Prong Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
A truly iconic look, this four-prong solitaire can hold a variety of diamond shapes. The diamond is set slightly up and away from the band, allow light to hit the diamond from all angles, enhancing its sparkle. Under 2 millimeters wide, it's the perfect size for any hand.
Twisting Solitaire Diamond Ring
A beautiful blend of metallic shine and diamond sparkle, this ring puts a unique twist on the classic solitaire style. The twisting band lends a vintage look and is a great choice for those who love nature-inspired or organic designs. While this ring would look beautiful with any metal, to continue with the vintage theme, have it crafted in yellow or rose gold.
Trellis Solitaire Engagement Ring
The unique design beneath the center diamond draws the eye deeper into the structure of this ring. The head opens slightly, allowing light to penetrate the diamond and unleash its sparkle, while the weaved trellis design adds a bit of flair.
Traditional Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
Five accent diamonds add glimmer while keeping the focus on the center stone. This ring is great for people who enjoy accessorizing; the dainty frame allows for stacking and versatility. The band is under 2 millimeters, making it delicate and understated. A classic choice that will never go out of style.
Ridged Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
Ridges add a vintage-inspired look to this ring, while a distinguished pave setting gives it an eye-catching glow. Elegant detailing make this ring great for someone who wants a piece that can hold its own when worn with an evening gown or more formal attire, yet it's classic enough to wear every day.
Under Bezeled Accent Diamond Engagement Ring
If you're looking for some serious sparkle, this might be the right one for you. Ten accent diamonds command attention while a bezel setting secures them to the band and adds a unique look.
French Cut Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
This classic engagement ring glows with shimmering simplicity. French-cut pave diamonds add shine without upstaging the beautiful center stone. The thin band is ideal for brides-to-be who don't want a heavy ring. A timeless look that will never go out of style.
Plain Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
In this ring, bold halo styling elevates an otherwise simple design. You might choose a round diamond, knowing that the halo will make it look even larger, and opt for a diamond with a higher color and clarity and lower carat size.
Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
This compelling ring is a streamlined and structured take on the typically dainty pave setting. Its clean-cut body lends any outfit a polished look and is easy to match with a wedding band. The band can be plain or set with matching side stones.
Grace Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Inspired by cathedral windows, this is a unique twist on the traditional solitaire. The cathedral band lifts the diamond toward the light, enhancing sparkle while adding design flair. Metal scrollwork on the ring's interior creates beautiful visual interest in profile view.
Does an Engagement Ring Need to be Extravagant?
The simple answer to this question is: it depends. An important note to remember while embarking on this journey to the perfect engagement ring is that engagement rings do not need to be extravagant in order to be beautiful and memorable. An engagement ring proposal in and of itself is incredibly meaningful, so you should not feel the need to knock your significant other's 'socks' off with an extravagant diamond engagement ring if you genuinely do not feel like that's something that they would be interested in. Having an affordable engagement ring is just as important as having a beautiful piece, and simplicity within an engagement ring is one way to appease both of those issues.
Simple Diamond Engagement Ring Cost
A simple engagement ring cost depends on stone type, stone shape, carat weight, and metal settings. A classic four prong engagement ring setting starts at $250, that is before adding a diamond or colored gemstone. Our most expensive solitaire setting starts at $800 (bezel solitaire engagement ring). Other minimal engagement rings can be found in our Classic Ring Collection, which ranges from $600 to $1,800. You can expect most of our classic rings to have accent diamonds on the metal band.
