The aesthetically pleasing and elegant minimalist engagement ring has been a hot topic for a decade now.
From high-profile celebrities to office workers, all have been rocking this look and opting for the concept of “Less Is More.” Let’s explore this concept:
1. The Concept Of Minimalism
The concept of minimalism is majorly a lifestyle philosophy. But, it is also known for its in-depth establishment in the spectrum of art. One such practice today is minimal engagement rings. But, to know more about existing fashion jewellery trends, it is preferable to understand the ideology first,
2. So What Is Minimalism?
It is a deep-rooted ideology that believes “LESS IS MORE.” And with this rises its key features which determine its traits like, simplicity, essentiality, mindfulness, quality, ease of life, etc. It invokes the interest in people to knowingly simplify varied aspects of their lives. And then value the most essential part of it. It does not only exist on the surface. But, also holds greater weight in relationships, thoughts, social and financial activities and every area that concerns psychoanalytical behaviour.
2.1. Key Principles Of Minimalism Include:
i. Simplicity
Simplification of life in a manner that covers the areas of thought process, actions, commitments and moving away from all existing distractions which are extra.
ii. Essentiality
True concern about the real essentialities in life. It talks about the identification of items, commitments, wishes and relationships that do not add any value to life. Furthermore, it is the subtraction of all that lacks purpose.
iii. Mindfulness
It focuses on daily activities which gives insight into impulsive behavior and mindless consumerism. This results in a better living as one avoids all unnecessary involvements.
iv. Quality over quantity
Consumeristic behaviour leads to the possession of liabilities, thus increasing the quantity over quality.
v. Ease of life
With materialism being the innate consumer behaviour, people tend to over-possess and lose the tendency to have financial freedom. But, a minimalist keeps a check in life to make it simpler and more beautiful without unnecessary ornaments.
Although many principles outline the concept of minimalism yet, the inside has to be filled by one’s approach that fits in the same. Some may practice extreme minimalism by fulfilling only their essential needs. And others may prefer a bit more comfortable and moderate lifestyle approach. Nonetheless, it focuses on making life simpler. And more accessible by making those who practice minimalism feel contended at the end of the day.
This ideology might appear as if, it was depriving the people of what others call luxury. But. with deep insight, it is clear that minimalism brings out conscious choices of what adds value to their lives. It focuses on decluttering and organizing one’s environment in a fashion that, one can clearly perceive the materialistic aspects of life and remove them mindfully. This way, one creates space for what is necessary and holds authentic values in the form of a minimalist approach.
3. History Of Minimalism
Its history is embedded in two aspects in different timelines. Let’s learn about that,
3.1. Art Movement – Minimalism in Visual Arts
Every movement and era is followed by another one. It may be the result of contradictory ideas or amendments in the existing philosophy. Minimalism was a result of constant abstract expressions. The post-war world suffered from ambiguity in life resulting in abstract expressionism. But abstractness lacked exactness of life and therefore, the artists sought to strip away the undesired elements and focused on the real essence of art.
3.2. Characteristics Of Minimalist Art
i) Simple Geometric Shapes: Minimalist art is heavily loaded with very basic geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, circles and lines.
ii) Clean lines and repetition: Artists practised clean straight lines. This represented straightforwardness and they often repeated these elements in their compositions.
iii) Limited Colour Palette: Least variation was done with the colours. Most of the time the art pieces would be monochromatic or would have a really small spectrum of colours. This practice emphasized the simplicity and visual purity of the art.
iv) Large Scale: Many minimalist pieces were characterized by significant size, intended to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
3.3. Lifestyle Philosophy – Minimalism in Everyday Life
It is already known, that, an ideology comes into the limelight as a result of any one of the two existing reasons. In the late 20th century, minimalism again rose to power as a response to consumerism and materialism.
i) From 1980-The 1990s: Japan witnessed an instant hike in minimalistic lifestyle as a result of an excessively booming economy and consumer culture.
ii) In The Early 2000s: Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as “The Minimalists,” popularized minimalism through their blog, books, and documentaries. They shared their personal experiences and how it positively impacted their lives.
iii) The Mid-2000s: Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, introduced the KonMari method, which emphasizes decluttering and organizing belongings by keeping only those items that “spark joy.”
As the years passed this philosophy penetrated most spheres of life, art and culture. It focuses on simplicity while maintaining what is necessary for one in terms of values.
4. Minimal Engagement Ring
Engagements and weddings are a lifetime symbol of love and dedication. And every object, person and thought attached to the same has greater value. In the modern era, where the world is divided into many facets. Concepts like minimalism, maximalism, materialism, etc. prevail quite astoundingly.
Hand-picked items are in fashion to be used at weddings. Customized paintings, photographs, gifts, clothes, decorations, music and whatnot. It all has a personal touch attached to it and this is what makes the wedding and engagement more special. And guess what tops the list, it is none other than the thoughtful minimalist ring.
In the era of minimalism, people practice it in different forms. But when it comes to their engagement, they keep it low profile, something less with greater value and meaning. The gemstones or the tiny simple centre diamond contributes to how easy it would be to wear every day and with ease of cleaning it. Such minimalist engagement and wedding rings simply convey the beauty of minimalism.
The below-mentioned characteristics and ideas are for a perfect minimalist bride for a simple engagement ring,
4.1. Characteristics
A minimalist engagement ring is usually a simple engagement ring. And has a sort of underrated design that focuses on simplicity and elegance rather than meticulous details or extravagant gems.
Thin band: In day-to-day life, thin bands are often the choice. They are made of gold like, rose gold or white gold, or platinum depending upon the choice of the person wishing to wear it. It does not hinder dedicated handwork and adds a delicate touch to it. Without any doubt, it tops the list of most minimalist engagement rings.
4.2. Settings
i) Solitaire setting: A classic solitaire setting remains evergreen. It is simply a diamond ring or a diamond attached to a gold band. The gold band can also be replaced by different varieties of yellow gold, rose gold or white gold, or even platinum band. There are different cuts available under the solitaire styles. It ranges from a round cut solitaire, princess, and baguette to the emerald cut diamond Gemstones like sapphire, ruby and emerald are also other choices in this classic ring style.
ii) Bezel setting: The bezel setting can be recognized by the encircling metal around the gemstone in a ring. This helps to hold the gem in place and brings focus to it too. The metal will have a thin rim around the diamond, most commonly used in this style.
iii) Tension setting: This setting holds the gemstone securely with the tension of the band. The gem is placed between the tiny grooves on the ends of the metal ring where they are held by pressure from both the side. This minimalistic look enhances the simplicity and elegance of the ring.
iv) Prong Setting: An engagement ring with a prong setting is quite a choice for people. It is simple and beautiful. A gemstone is held by prongs in the centre of the ring. It is a little elevated from the rest of the ring thus highlighting the beauty of less is more.
4.3. Diamonds
i) Baguette-cut diamond
Dainty baguette diamonds make for some really elegant wedding rings. The diamond ring comes in varied shapes and designs. But, it is just the right amount of glamour and perfectness blended into one. It’s a diamond fixated between two wedding bands and appears as if three different simple engagement rings are held together with a diamond in between. Or it can also be known for being attached to one plain band as well. it has 14 facets as its cut speciality.
ii) Brilliant cut diamonds
The most famous of all diamond cuts, the round brilliant cut diamond shape has survived not years but eras. With 33 perfectly aligned facets on the crown and 25 facets on the pavilion i.e. 57 total facets. This cut appears to be a combination of two pyramids stuck to each other by their base and the pointed top of one has been removed. It maintains the brilliant shine of the diamond.
iii) Emerald-cut diamond
The emerald-cut diamond is a unique style of diamond cutting. it is majorly seen in rectangles and squares. These are step-cut diamonds i.e. they have long parallel facets which make them appear as mirrored staircases. Their best quality is that they never lose their shine.
iv) Radiant cut diamond
As its name is, Radiant cut diamonds are astoundingly shiny. They have 70 facets and have only been created just 30 years ago.
v) Marquise cut diamond
This diamond shape is in the form of a boat. It has 57 facets and it is cut in brilliant style. It is slender in shape and super shiny. It is majorly paired with a yellow gold band or a platinum band. But the marquise cut diamond is a little less preferred over the other diamond styles.
4.4. Metals and ‘C’ of Diamond
Common metals for engagement rings to go along the diamond include, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold and platinum. Each metal has its unique characteristics and colour tones. The minimalist rings can vary in their looks and shapes and sizes but the options to explore remain open.
Diamonds are graded based on the four Cs: Carat (weight), Cut (proportions and facets), Color (lack of colour), and Clarity (presence of internal flaws or inclusions). Therefore, it is preferable to check these aspects before choosing the gemstone for the simple engagement ring.
These diamond shapes make for a personal-style simple diamond engagement ring or wedding band.
4.5. Other Options
i) Small gemstone: Engagement rings are a statement piece. They not only are a symbol of a new relationship in life but also a piece of fashion. Today’s folk often prefer statement pieces to overdo their looks. Using small gemstones like diamonds in the centre of the ring not only makes their engagement ring wearable every day but also a symbol of a new beginning and reverence.
ii) Mixed metal: Minimalist engagement rings can also be made by using different metals. like, white gold and rose gold or other alloys.
4.6. Things To Keep In Mind
Heavy and intricate designs with minute details can be a choice for many couples. But if they are following minimalism, this shall be avoided rather they can explore vintage-inspired minimalistic designs. The vintage designs have subtle details and still exhibit their minimalistic charms.
Some may choose channel setting or pave setting but it takes a lot of dedicated delicate work to put it together thus. pushing it out of the minimalistic range. Rather, embellishments and intricate patterns can be avoided by using plain simple bands.
The use of accent stones can be minimalized since the minimalist engagement ring does not include the paved setting of stones.
The add-on gemstone on your first anniversary ring is not minimalistic. Thus, any extra gem should be left out.
This might be an issue and not specifically with the minimalistic engagement ring styles but with the ring size. To create the perfect balance and to enjoy life’s biggest moments a pre-fitting is necessary.
Before one chooses to buy minimalist engagement rings, it is better to look into options that display simplicity and thoughtfulness.
5. Celebrities Who Own Minimalistic Engagement Rings
Celebrities opt for minimalistic engagement rings that reflect a simple and understated aesthetic. Some notable examples:
i. Natalie Portman
The Isralie-American actress got engaged to Benjamin Millepied in 2012. As a sign of their marriage, she adores wearing a simple round-cut diamond set on a delicate band surrounded by a halo setting of accent stones, showcasing a minimalistic yet elegant design.
ii. Mary-Kate Olsen
Mary-Kate Olsen is a former actress and a fashion businesswoman. She and Olivier Sarkozy got together in 2015 and she was proposed with a vintage Cartier piece. The ring features a round-cut diamond in a minimalistic setting. It is a vintage elegant ring and of fancy shape.
iii. Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried’s minimalist engagement ring from Thomas Sadoski is a low-key style dainty ring. It is one of the best minimalist designs. The ring features a simple and delicate design, it has three diamonds symbolizing past, present and future fitted in a plain simple band.
iv. Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde’s engagement ring from Jason Sudeikis. The proposal ring was not a simple diamond engagement ring rather, it is a minutely cut round diamond as the centre stone. it has an emerald halo which was an intentional pick by Jason as it reminded him of Olivia’s eyes. And that’s the timeless beauty of minimalist style.
v. Alison Brie
Alison Brie’s timeless style minimalist engagement ring from Dave Franco. This ring is a precious rose gold set featuring a rose-cut diamond and diamond pave. It is a delicate simple engagement ring.
vi. Zoe Saldana
Actress Zoe Saldana rarely wears her original engagement ring but was seen flaunting a plain gold ring. Zoe Saldana’s minimalist engagement ring from Marco Perego is a pear-shaped emerald with a halo setting of smaller diamonds which she never flaunts about.
5.1. The Unusual Minimalist And Solitaire Rings
i. Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson was in the news some years back for her unusual choice of minimalist engagement ring from Colin Jost featuring a light brown oval diamond set on a black ceramic band. The actress famously known for her variety of roles and singing is a real connoisseur and by her third marriage chose what she wanted all this time. Her ring is embellished with a rare and pure Type IIA diamond, it is one of a kind, equally parallel to what Kohinoor is.
ii. Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s engagement ring from Dave McCary is an evergreen vintage choice. Her engagement ring is in classic solitaire style. It is a perfect ring with the wow factor since it’s an ‘untreated Akoya pearl’ absolutely fitting in the minimalistic engagement ring aesthetic.
iii. Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis received a solitaire round-cut diamond engagement ring from actor Ashton Kutcher. But, she does not wear it anymore because of her indifferent accident in Paris. Yet, this does not diminish the fact that her ring design is classic and minimalistic, allowing the diamond to take centre stage.
iv. Jennifer Aniston
This famous T.V. actress was in the limelight for her minimalist engagement ring by Justin Theroux. The actress received a stunning solitaire oval-cut diamond engagement ring. It was a simple engagement ring with a centre stone, an 8-carat diamond ring.
6. What Does Minimalist Engagement Ring Offer You?
Ranging from emerald solitaire, mined diamonds, colourful solitaire stones available in emerald cut, round diamonds fixated in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold presented as simple engagement rings or wedding bands are the perfect options open to choose from.
The diamond market is huge and there are third-party products offered too. So grab your perfectly embellished minimalist engagement ring or wedding band.
Also read: Engagement of Deepika and Ranveer
Last Updated on by kalidaspandian