Alternative Engagement Rings: A Style for Everyone
Not all engagement rings are alike. When you imagine the prototypical betrothal ring, you probably envision a stunning solitaire diamond that is between 1 to 1.5 carats — the average size chosen for a basic engagement ring. However, a fiancé-to-be does not have to embrace this traditional style, especially since so many lovely alternative engagement rings exist on the market today.
What is most important when looking for a unique engagement ring is that it reflects your personal style and represents the love you feel for your future partner. There are no rules for alternative engagement rings (even if some of your friends and family tell you there are). After all, even royalty has opted to go beyond the basic engagement ring, choosing to represent her forever love with a colorful gemstone — as you can see with Kate Middleton’s beautiful sapphire alternative engagement ring
What is an Alternative Engagement Ring?
An alternative engagement ring ignores the basic engagement ring choices and often trades in the traditional diamond solitaire for a more colorful gemstone and/or a different setting style. Sometimes, this is referred to as an un-solitaire style, which means the unique engagement ring doesn’t necessarily emphasize a gemstone as its center point. Some examples of un-solitaire rings include:
- Halo ring: An alternative engagement ring with a center diamond surrounded by a halo of other stones.
- Three-stone ring: This is usually made up of one large middle gemstone, with two smaller ones on either side.
- Multi-stone ring: A number of gemstones form a pattern in this unique engagement ring.
- Statement ring: Large, bold rings that start as a basic engagement ring and then add an interesting design or unconventional materials.
Six Alternative Engagement Ring Ideas
There are all kinds of options for unique engagement rings that don’t involve the classic diamond solitaire. Always keep in mind that you want to choose a ring that you’ll adore on your finger every day. Here are a few alternative engagement ring options that go beyond the basic engagement ring:
- Colorful gemstones: Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but don’t feel like you have to settle on a basic engagement ring when there are so many colorful gems out there to try, including sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Make a statement with your favorite color or a special birthstone as your center stone.
- Lab-grown diamonds: If you like the sparkle of a diamond but want an engagement ring that you’re confident is ethically sourced, this unique engagement ring is for you. These gems have the same chemical and physical structure as the real things but are lab-grown. And, if you want a more affordable basic engagement ring, lab-grown diamonds are a good option, too.
- Vintage or vintage-inspired: If you love a bit of history, these unique engagement rings are for you. The timeless style of other periods, such as Art Deco and Victorian, can outshine those basic engagement rings. Vintage-inspired rings also often include settings like engraving or filigree work that offer a sort of throwback feel.
- Nature-inspired: Embrace the great outdoors with rings that feature flourishes of nature through organic shapes and patterns, interweaving leaves, flowers, or vines through a basic engagement ring’s design, giving it an original flair.
- Minimalist: Not every ring needs to scream engagement. These subtle and unique engagement rings are elegant and can showcase just a single gemstone or only a band.
- Modern: These rings eschew basic engagement ring traits and push the envelope a bit. You’ll see geometric shapes, abstract patterns, sleek shapes, and asymmetrical stone settings. These unique engagement rings are perfect for those who want more than a traditional design.
Alternative Engagement Ring Settings
As there are unique engagement ring types, there are also out-of-the-box settings. As you mix and match the two, keep in mind that the perfect setting always complements the gemstone(s). Have fun exploring the different look combinations available until you find the best alternative engagement ring for you! Some novel settings you can try out:
- Bezel: This metal band —usually made of platinum, gold, silver, or titanium — completely encircles the gemstone and wraps around its edges, securing the rock to the unique engagement ring. You can also use accent stones in the band to up the shine factor and frame the center stone.
- Pavé: French for “paving,” this setting uses a string of sparkling gemstones, often diamonds, to create a shining, seamless band — just like a jeweled cobblestone road.
- Halo with a twist: Take a halo ring and add a novel shape to it, such as a square or hexagon and presto, you have a unique engagement ring! In addition to this update, you can also opt for a gemstone other than a diamond to add color.
- Cluster: A little like the pavé setting, this look intends to dazzle with groups of gemstones placed together for high impact. You can use all kinds of gem types and cuts to create a beautiful alternative engagement ring.
- Asymmetrical: If you’re a non-conformist, you’ll love the off-center positioning of the gemstone on this alternative engagement ring, which gives it serious art house vibes. See our 14k yellow gold with white diamonds Chantilly Ring as an example.
- Multi-band: Why have just one ring, when you can opt for two or three? This type of unique engagement ring allows you to have more than one band design, with each featuring the same (or different gems), textures, or finishes.
- Tension Setting: Looking for a unique engagement ring with a contemporary feel? This band uses a suspension technique to float the gem, creating a minimalist kind of art piece.
How to Find Your Unique Engagement Ring
Your search for a more original ring is much like looking for a basic engagement ring. You want to pay attention to your personal style and preferences, budget, and gem and materials quality — along with finding a reputable jewelry maker.
Choosing an alternative engagement ring is one of those personal decisions that you and your intended can make together, or you can shop with a friend or a close family member who can clue your partner in if they want it to be a surprise. Be creative and resist putting pressure on yourself to find the perfect unique engagement ring: it will appear eventually, so enjoy the ride.
How Does Your Personal Style Impact Ring Choice?
We all have preferences — some people want a basic engagement ring that is classic all the way; others embrace a more funky feel. Your ring should represent your likes … no matter what anyone says. You’re going to wear it forever, after all.
Before starting your expedition, try doing some basic research — window-shop, search online, or check out Pinterest — to get a general idea of basic engagement ring options. Your personality should guide your choice. When you choose clothes or jewelry, consider the style you like best. Are you?
- Classic
- Elegant
- Modern
- Free-Spirited
- Minimalist
Allow this category to inform your search. You want something that works with your wardrobe and lifestyle. If you are someone who likes activity, well then, you need a ring that is durable enough to sustain the adventures you have. If you are more practical, a thinner band or smaller gemstone might feel more organic.
What Is Your Budget?
The basic engagement ring is a major expense for many couples. The Knot’s 2023 Jewelry and Engagement study showed that people spent an average of $5,500 for the purchase. This is why you should set a budget (or at least a range) before ring shopping.
Consider any long-term financial concerns you have, too, such as paying off college loans or saving for a down payment on a house. Setting a purchase amount prior to looking for your unique engagement ring helps you weed through all the basic engagement ring choices, which sometimes feels overwhelming.
Don’t worry if you can only afford a certain amount. There are many ways to maximize that basic engagement ring budget — for example, using a less expensive (but more interesting) metal choice or gemstone.
Look for Quality Materials
When shopping for your ring, look for the finest materials you can afford. With diamonds, for instance, you should use the 4Cs to determine the gem's value. These include:
- Cut: You want a diamond that is cut well so it sparkles brilliantly. This will depend on how the diamond is faceted.
- Color: The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown). The less of a hue present, the more valuable the diamond.
- Carat: Diamonds are measured in carats (weight). Typically, the larger the diamond, the more it is worth.
- Clarity: You want a diamond that has few flaws, such as small crystals, clouds, or fractures.
Other gemstones look at factors such as the vibrancy of the hue, how intense the color saturation is, and the gem’s lightness or darkness. For example, when you buy a ring with an emerald, you look for a saturated medium green with even color throughout the stone.
When you scrutinize metal quality, you’ll also consider color and look for an even sheen. Precious metals like gold also contain hallmarks that signify purity. Since 24k is pure gold, 14k means it’s 14 parts gold (or 58.3 percent) and 10 parts another metal (or 41.7 percent).
How to Find a Reputable Jewelry Maker
Locating a jewelry maker you can trust is more than just reading the online reviews (although you should do that!). You need to visit locations and engage with the staff, who should be knowledgeable, listen to your questions, and consider your needs. You also want a place that has a good reputation when looking for alternative engagement rings — so much so that they stake their business on it by offering warranties and a return policy.
Our Favorite Unique Engagement Rings
Nature lovers will enjoy the simple beauty in our Encrusted 3-Branch Solitaire Ring that fuses gold and diamonds into a splendid band shaped like a bough. You can play with the look by choosing either 14k white, yellow, or rose gold and selecting the size of your center diamond. Our Tidals Ring also offers a classic look with its three-stone setting of three white diamonds matched with a 14k yellow gold band.
How to Design a Custom Engagement Ring
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, designing a custom ring is a great option for you to make something truly special. The first step is to conceptualize what kind of engagement ring you want. Find inspiration from online resources, such as jewelers’ websites, then talk to your partner about your ideas. Once you settle on a concept, sketch it out or bring inspiration photos with you to your jewelry design consultation.
3 Steps to Customizing an Engagement Ring:
- Step 1. Collaborate with the jeweler, discussing your intent and the materials you envision.
- Step 2. The artisan should create the final design, giving you a detailed, accurate drawing with technical specifications.. At this stage, some revisions might be necessary, as adjustments are made based on budget and material suitability.
- Step 3. A written plan and timeline should be provided with all the details, including price, specifications, and materials. Be sure that the jeweler details any warranties or return policy.
At Wear Ever Jewelry, we can create the alternative engagement ring of your dreams. Our experienced goldsmiths and artisans can customize jewelry from scratch or reimagine a loved one’s basic engagement ring into a unique design. We’ll stay in contact during the entire process so you can rest easy knowing your ideas are coming to life in the form of your ring.
An alternative engagement ring is more than a possession. It is a physical representation of your commitment to another person. As you move forward in your life together, your unique engagement ring reminds you both of the journey you’re taking and where it began.
Make picking out your basic engagement ring or alternative engagement ring a special experience — one that you can refer to and remember long after your wedding day is over. Celebrate this new chapter in your life and the collaboration it inspires with loved ones and the people you meet along the way. Choosing a unique engagement ring allows you to participate in a time-honored tradition of starting a committed relationship … even if you opt out of the basic engagement ring others desire and go with a one-of-a-kind forever ring instead.