Smaller diamond engagement rings (1.5 carats or less) are a perennial favourite at Cullen, ever popular with minimalists, frontline workers, and those with petite hands. Given today’s fast-paced and overstimulating world, it’s no wonder that more people are embracing the minimalism that comes with engagement rings of a more modest size. If a “less-is-more” approach resonates with you, follow your heart to a smaller and elegant lab diamond engagement ring for your proposal and read on…
What Makes a Minimalist Engagement Ring?
While there are no rules when it comes to engagement ring design and is only limited by the wearer’s imagination, more understated engagement rings typically feature a single solitaire gemstone on a plain or pavé band and can be paired with an equally understated plain or pavé wedding band, so the ring stack sits low on the hand.
Minimal rings can usually be hallmarked by their smaller centre stones made for those who appreciate small details, where the opportunity to wear a smaller, practically perfect diamond cannot be passed by.
Why Choose a Minimalist Engagement Ring?
Engagement Rings for Smaller Hands
Australian standard women's ring sizes are categorised into three groups: small (I-M), medium (N-Q), and large (R-U). If your hands are on the smaller side, a slim band (around 1.8mm) and a smaller gemstone may feel more proportionate and comfortable.
Because it is just as easy to go too big as it is too small with your centre stone and should be proportional to your ring size. If you have a smaller ring size, it is more than likely that a smaller carat will suit your hand better. As always, this is not a hard and fast rule and is entirely up to you how large you want to go with your centre stone!
For many, the choice of a simple solitaire engagement ring is a matter of personal style. A solitaire ring highlights the beauty of the centre gemstone, allowing its brilliance to take centre stage, without overshadowing the wearer.
With a simple and elegant ring, like our popular Louise 6 claw solitaire design, our in-house jewellers can focus on showcasing the outstanding beauty of the lab diamond or another gemstone, such as moissanite, using clean lines and expert craftsmanship to craft the dream ring that is well-suited for minimalists who value both style and practicality.
Understated and Accessible
As carat weight is a large contributor to the cost of a diamond, opting for a smaller carat weight means you can select an exceptional stone with high clarity, colour, and cut grade at a more accessible price.
Smaller, Practical Engagement Rings
A simple engagement ring is a wonderful choice for those with active lifestyles, as a smaller or lower profile ring is less likely to get damaged or snag on clothing.
Larger carat sizes can sometimes catch on your favourite shirt or sweater, and they’re more vulnerable to scratches and chips, especially if you work with your hands. While diamonds are among the hardest materials on Earth, they aren’t indestructible—a sharp impact against a hard surface can cause damage.
If you’re regularly on the go or using your hands throughout the day, a sleek and simple design may be the ideal option. A simplistic engagement ring is a beautiful yet practical choice that ensures your ring remains safe and stunning for years to come.
Get Creative
Don't let anyone tell you that creativity and simplicity can’t be achieved simultaneously! There are many different directions you can go with ring design other than just the carat size of your centre stone.
So if a smaller carat size is your preference, this represents the perfect chance to customise other aspects of the ring such as band thickness, bezel settings or playing around with the orientation of the stone to add a personal touch to a ring you can cherish for a lifetime.
Going with a thicker band such as a cigar band with a smaller carat size like our Tatiana can be a great way to let the centre stone speak for itself while still having a design element that is sure to stand out in a subtle way.
Understated design details such as a bezel, opting for a low set ring or positioning the centre stone east west are a few other ways to give a smaller stone a spark of intrigue without being over the top.
If beauty in the simplicity is something that resonates with you, rather than customising the engagement ring you can add a touch of minimalism with your wedding band pairing. Subtle pairings can be a great way to enhance that minimalist aesthetic.
These are just a few ways to customise an engagement ring when opting for a smaller carat size, and represents only a tiny fraction of what is possible. The only limit is your imagination! If you would like to discuss creating a minimalistic engagement ring with us, check out our custom design process , or book an appointment to chat with our sales consultants who can help bring your dream to life.
Conclusion
For those who want to avoid trends and fads and who want a timeless piece, modesty and simplistic style will never go out of fashion. Opting for a smaller carat size and focusing on the design and the quality of the stone can be the antidote to a modern world of celebrities and influencers with mega engagement rings. Whether you are looking for something that will compliment a smaller ring size, an active lifestyle or simply love the look, a minimal piece that will stand out for all of the right reasons is the perfect choice for your forever ring.
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