Minimalism or Maximalism: Which Design Philosophy is Right for You
When it comes to choosing your engagement ring the decision can be influenced by a number of different factors. Often the criteria for selection-besides the price-tends to come down to the specific design of the ring, or the type or colour of the gemstone, its size; or maybe it is the cut of the gemstone or style of the band in which it is placed. Rarely does one approach the question of engagement ring selection from the standpoint of a certain outlook, or even a philosophy: one that characterises the style, views, and one could even say the dominant beliefs of the wearer. Enter the minimalist and the maximalist approaches to the ring design. Engagement rings now can be distinguished according to a design philosophy that captures the character, of what distinct qualities they possess. So by studying what these rings represent, you can choose an engagement ring that matches yours.
The Meaning of Minimalism in Engagement Ring
Minimalism is an artistic movement that sprung up in the middle of the last century that valued simplicity. And emerged as a reaction against the excesses of other, more abstract art forms and representations of reality, that sought to elaborate and expand, and in the process, it was believed, complicate the reality that was in front of you. Minimalism, hence, besides valuing the idea of simplicity, came to be an artistic philosophy that sought to present beauty and style in a way that is direct, efficient and in some respects ‘neutral’. Minimalist engagement ring designs are noted for their lack of elaboration, for their style, which was partly inspired by the constructivist school of thought, and their impacts on art, which is valued for their technical and more mechanical character. The minimalist engagement ring is the one that captures the modern philosophy of ring design.
The Meaning of Maximalism in Engagement Rings
Maximalism is a reactionary movement that arose in response to the believed limitations and restrictions of the minimalist period and the styles that resulted from it. Maximalism from a theoretical concept integrates the idea of complexity, and convergent styles, which value elements found in more traditional forms of architecture. Thus in practice, it finds itself in opposition to the ideas of minimalism that values the less, and the simple. Since complexity is an integral component of the maximalist style, it necessarily combines a variety of ring design languages, in the process blurring the lines between a set ring style.
Key Features of Minimalist Design in Engagement Rings
When it comes to the reasons for choosing a minimalist design the factors for doing so are quite straightforward, provided that you are aware of what your own stylistic expectations are when it comes to your choice of engagement ring, as the minimalist engagement ring design on the downside provides little room for manoeuvre if you are seeking more additions and variations.
Minimalist Engagement Rings are Simple
As noted simplicity is the main feature and strength of minimalist engagement ring designs, which in practice means the ring’s components are reduced to the basic and necessary. Engagement rings designs that are based on the minimalist art philosophy, tend to feature a simple metal band, with a gemstone mounted upon it. Whilst small variations may be allowed when it comes to the engagement ring in relation to the band’s metal type, and gemstone carat, the formula is very simple.
Minimalist Engagement Rings are (Generally) More Affordable
Whilst the view that ‘less is more’ is the governing view when it comes to minimalist engagement rings, the absence of complex designs, gemstone placements, number of gemstones or even metals, means that there is room for cost-cutting when it comes to the final design of the engagement ring. Whilst this is not always the case, minimalist engagement rings tend to be a safer bet when it comes to price.
Key Features of Maximalist Design in Engagement Rings
Arising in reaction to the minimalism of the minimalist philosophy, when the ring’s elements were lessened, to the most fundamentals, the maximalism design sought to counter this with newer and expansive addition that sought to add more weight (literally) and character to the essential.
Maximalist Engagement Rings are Heterogeneous
Arguably the most important feature of maximalist engagement ring designs is that it combines a variety of ring styles and gemstone variations that may overlap categories. Maximalist engagement rings seek to capture the complex and connects it with the aspirational. As maximalism combines and develops new designs types, which may work in distinct engagement ring categories like solitaire, oval and round engagement rings, but within them, it makes its mark with specific design choices. However, for what maximalism may lack in terms of clarity of style, it shines with its structured complexity, which remains varied in style. Heterogeneity of subtle design combination in-ring and gemstone is its standout feature.
Maximalist Engagement Rings are Elaborate
The maximalist engagement ring design is not for the simple-minded. The style of rings that feature in this category, are necessarily extravagant, containing high colour, higher and/larger number of stones, with the desire to stand out with intricate design choices that makes your engagement ring necessarily stand out from the rest. And also for those who have a bigger budget for their engagement ring of choice, the maximalist design provides more leeway for additions and improvements, as rings of this range are necessarily open for modifications, in terms of band style and ring size and placement.
Minimalist or Maximalist Engagement Ring Design: What is the Right Choice for You?
When it comes to the world of engagement rings, if one chooses to go for a minimalist engagement design then you are going for a ring style that keeps the extravagance elements to a minimum, whilst focusing on strengthening the fundamentals of the ring design. Maximalism, which goes in the opposite direction to the minimalist ring designs, is all about standing out, it is about elaboration by combining various ring designs elements into one, or taking some ring style features and expanding them exponentially. When it comes to specific design choices which captures the maximalist design the filigree engagement ring, with its numerous side stones could be the way to go. For the minimalist, rings that are single stone, and few band marks, notably in the solitaire range could be the way forward.
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