What is the Minimalist Lifestyle — And How Does Fine Jewelry Play a Part?

Today, the word “minimalism” may spark two separate ideas in your mind: the minimalist art movement or the minimalist lifestyle.

Minimalism in Art and Jewelry Trends

Minimalist art trends came to popularity in the 1960s. The movement was characterized by non-complex lines in paintings, art, and music—and, of course, small jewelry pieces designed to match everything. 

Today, minimalist jewelry trends are coming back to life as part of the minimalist lifestyle—which we’ll get to in a moment.

Designed to match everything, minimalist jewelry often has simple lines and small featured stones or pendants. Pieces like stacked rings, stacked necklaces, and plain gold hoops all fit into the minimalist jewelry definition.

Minimalism as a Lifestyle

Lifestyle minimalism has been all the rage in recent trends. In the age of technology, simplicity is slowly but surely coming back into our lives. The goal of the minimalist lifestyle is to create happiness that does not dependent on material things.

If you’re looking to become more of a minimalist, we’ve got tons of jewelry ideas to fit your new lifestyle.

Minimalism Meets Fine Jewelry

Modern minimalist jewelry is characterized by small, subtle jewelry pieces that add a simple yet elegant touch to any outfit. We’re certainly enthusiastic about this style—and love how gold hoops pair with flared jeans. 

However, there’s a lot more to the art of minimalism than just simplistic jewelry trends.

Here, we’ll explore some of the benefits of minimalism. And, we’ll pair this style of simple living with our favorite matching jewelry ideas. 

More Intentionality for Your Jewelry Box

Choosing a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t mean leaving luxury behind. Stainless steel jewelry is a perfect example of being luxurious without being over the top.

Minimalism makes an effort to focus on the present and what really matters. Most who practice it focus their efforts on high-quality items that are built to last, instead of single-use items.

In the jewelry world, this translates to choosing well-made fine jewelry pieces.

When shopping for pieces to fit your lifestyle, make sure you choose a company that values handmade, high-quality pieces built for longevity!

Minimalism Promotes a Cost-Effective Lifestyle

Less material items usually equate to a more cost-effective lifestyle. But did you know most minimalists often invest in high-quality items?

In the long run, it’s more cost-effective to purchase a quality item that will last, instead of continuing to replace an inexpensive item that breaks.

We’ve all experienced the disappointment of a brand new ring turning our finger green. Instead of purchasing jewelry from a department store, opt for high-quality pieces you love that will last a lifetime.

Minimalism Is Eco-Friendly

The practice of minimalism is heavily tied to sustainability. People around the world are beginning to realize the environmental impact of single-use items and poorly made materials.

Fortunately, there are a lot of options for eco-friendly jewelry.

Enter lab-created gemstones.

You can choose from options like diamonds, moissanite, rubies, emeralds, and more—and they’re all grown sustainably in a lab.

The best part is, these gemstones are a fraction of the cost of nature-made gems.

If you’re going to splurge on anything, we can all agree: It should be fine jewelry.

Best Minimalist Jewelry

Good news! We’ve gathered all the information you need to create the minimalist jewelry box of your dreams.

Stackable Necklaces

Stackable necklaces are characterized by basic gold or silver chains and minimal gemstones and decorations. These necklaces are a stunning addition to any outfit and make sense for someone who’s trying to scale down on their clothing and fashion choices.

Stackable necklaces match anything—especially if you choose black diamonds or white diamonds as your featured stone.

The Solitaire Ring

The solitaire ring is a popular choice for engagement rings. But we love it for any occasion. Complete your minimalist jewelry collection with a solitaire ring that features one brilliant center stone.

Hint: with a lab-created gemstone, you can choose a big and beautiful solitaire stone—without breaking the bank or feeling guilty.

Vintage Jewelry

Vintage jewelry is not only iconic but calls back to eras when sustainability and minimalism were better practiced.

Channel your inner flapper girl or be inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. Today, there are tons of ring and necklace pieces inspired by times gone by.

We recommend researching your favorite vintage fashion trends and choosing a fine jewelry piece inspired by them.

Halo Stud Earrings

Minimalist jewelry shouldn’t be boring.

A set of halo studs will match most of the fashion items in your closet—while adding an exciting spin on the typical subtle jewelry.

By choosing a custom jeweler, you can customize your halo earrings with any focal and accent gemstones of your choosing.

For example, you can decorate your halo earrings with an emerald in the center and diamonds surrounding it—or choose a birthstone. 

Find a set of halo earrings you’ll never want to take off.

Pendant Necklaces

Ooh la la! Pendant necklaces are back on center stage of jewelry trends, and we’re here for it. Not only are they beautiful accessories to any outfit, but pendant necklaces also allow you to showcase something that matters.

Keep someone close to your heart. Choose to feature your children’s names or the birthstone of a loved one. Heart, cross, and eternity pendants are also popular options.

Pendant necklaces fit perfectly into the minimalist lifestyle—because they require intentionality.

Minimalist Jewelry for Men

Men shouldn’t be left out of minimalist jewelry options.

Characteristically, men are masters at choosing just a few feature jewelry pieces to make a big statement. We suggest wearing a signet ring alongside a gold or silver chain around your neck.

If you’re feeling bold, choose a standard set of men’s diamond earrings to dress up a casual outfit or to wear with a suit and coat at your next formal event.

For more ideas and to check out current trends in men’s piercings, check out our post: Men’s Piercing Styles and Diamond Jewelry.

Minimalist Jewelry Is What You Make It

There are thousands of opinions about how the practice of minimalism should be done. At the end of the day, you want minimalism to bring you joy and make you feel good.

There’s nothing about minimalism that says you can’t have or wear fine jewelry pieces. Just be intentional about the pieces you buy. Consider how they’ll match the outfits in your closet. And, choose high-quality items you know you’ll love for a lifetime.