Bigger Isn't Always Better: 35 Small Engagement Rings That Are Perfectly Understated (2024)

Believe it or not, not everyone wants a gigantic diamond for an engagement ring. Modern and minimalist brides flock to smaller designs with teensy stones and delicate bands that are easier to style. Not to mention, a smaller ring will typically costmuch lessthan a flashier one–you could potentially save thousands of dollars.

While smallengagement ringsare less attention-grabbing initially, they can be more intricate than larger solitaires with more opportunities for craftsmanship. "With bigger diamondrings, usually the stone takes up much of the ring, so there are less opportunities to add design elements," says Ashley Zhang, a fine jewelry designer in New York. "With smaller rings, you can have multiple stone cuts in one design, add accent stones like birthstones, or hand engraving."

Also, smaller rings allow for more styling flexibility. "Smaller engagement rings have more potential for stacking and mixing bands. This way your bridal stack can change upon your mood or be added to over time," Zhang says.Whether you're partial to a sleek and sophisticated stone that's classically cut and in a pared-back setting, a romantic cluster ring, or one with a more distinctiveoff-kilter setting, there's a dainty engagement ring to suit your style.

To help narrow down your search, we're researched and hand-selected the best options available–keeping size, stone, and overall quality in mind. Those with classic tastes will love the Ceremony REN I Ring and the Zoë Chicco Horizontal Baguette Diamond Ring. Looking for a dainty yet intricate design? Our top picks are the KatKim Grande Crescendo Flare Pavé Ring and the Shahla Karimi Love V Ring w/ Pear.

Read on for the best small engagement rings.

What to Look For When Choosing a Small Engagement Ring

Quality

A smaller ring does not mean a lower-quality ring. In fact, given the delicate nature of your small engagement ring, you will want to pay particular attention to the craftsmanship of your ring.The cut and clarity of your stone and metal content are all things to consider as you shop for your small engagement ring.

Stone

Someone who doesn't wear much jewelry may not be sartorially (and physically) comfortable rocking a large rock.So, an engagement ring with a smaller stone will naturally feel more comfortable and wearable for the bride-to-be.

Size

When considering a smaller ring, it's important to consider practicality."[Some] women have jobs or activitieswhere they use their hands a lot, such as nurses who are putting on and taking off gloves throughout the day," Zhang says. "For them, a large ring may become an annoyance for everyday wear."

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Contributing writerLaura Lajinesis a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work withBrides, she served as the senior fashion editor at theZoe ReportandPopSugar. Her work has also been featured inElle,InStyle,Glamour, Refinery 29,Well+Good, and Barneys New York.