When it comes to engagement rings, a diamond ring has been the go-to choice for most people. If it is an engagement ring, it has to be a diamond, right? Well, not so much anymore. This general view is slowly changing, as more people turn towards non-conventional options for engagement rings. In the current climate, it’s all about showcasing your individuality and style, not simply following a cookie-cutter model. As a result, there’s been a rise in non-traditional alternatives to the typical diamond engagement ring.
There are many ways to sport an engagement ring that isn’t a diamond. Here’s our top 10 list to give you some inspiration.
1 Black Diamonds
This is the ideal way to turn a common tradition on its head! Colorless diamonds have been the staple for engagement rings but what if the diamonds were black? Black diamonds are trending at the moment and come in a range of shades, from solid black to gray. These gorgeous gemstones are exceptionally durable and very unique.
2 Moissanite
Whether you love them or hate them, moissanites are taking the engagement ring world by storm. Moissanites are a highly brilliant and durable material that entered earth via meteorite thousands of years ago. Natural moissanite is so scarce that the substance had to be synthesized. Today moissanite is an affordable, ethical option to diamonds. You can choose to go with a diamond lookalike moissanite or colored moissanite. Due to their durability and wearability, these Space Diamonds are the perfect companion for a busy and active lifestyle.
3 Sapphires and Rubies
What better way to showcase your style than by picking a color that stands out? Sapphires are a great choice and come in beautiful blue hues. But not many people know that you can find a sapphire in pretty much any color, including white and black.
Red sapphires don’t exist, and that is because they are called another name – ruby. Both sapphires and rubies are highly durable and valuable gemstone options. Long associated with royalty and prestige, sapphires and rubies are increasing in price and eminence. They’re also an excellent investment option (depending on quality factors, of course).
4 Wood
Wooden engagement rings are simply stunning! Whether you choose a simple wooden band or opt to have it featuring a gemstone, this style is a perfect balance of the delicate and the hard. Because wood often has its natural patterns, each ring is unique, with depth and personality. While some maintenance is required to keep the wood lustrous and long-lasting, the beauty of this choice is well worth the effort.
5 Makume Gane
Makume what, you say? MakumeGane is an ancient metalworking technique that originated in Japan. It is commonly used in creating stunning wedding bands and can also be set with a gemstone for an engagement ring. What makes mokume-gane unique is the beautiful swirling or banded patterns created by manipulating the layers of metal. The band is a work of art that simply stuns.
6 Lover’s Knot Ring
If you want to stick with a meaningful band without other embellishments, consider a love knot ring. A knot symbolizes friendship and love, loyalty and commitment. A love knot engagement ring with just a beautifully twisted precious metal is any minimalist’s dream! There isn’t one specific type of knot that is considered a lover’s knot as there are many variations to this. Some lovers knot rings include a gemstone encrusted band, to add a touch of sparkle to the ring. You could also opt for a lover’s knot ring that combines a gemstone in the design.
7 Tanzanite
How about opting for rarity? Most people know that diamonds aren’t rare at all and that their perceived value comes from false scarcity. If you really want a unique and rare gemstone, at a relatively affordable price, tanzanites fit the bill perfectly. This gemstone is only found in one location in the world – at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite is among the rarest gemstones on earth, and its natural supplies are fast depleting. Yet it sells for far less than diamonds. It is unlikely that new tanzanite sources will be found meaning that primary supplies of tanzanite are estimated to run out in a few decades. This is why tanzanite is called ‘the one generation gemstone’.
8 A Claddagh Ring
Traditional designs always provide inspiration for meaningful jewelry. Claddagh rings come from Ireland and are ideal for engagement rings as it is replete with beautiful symbolism. The design features a pair of hands holding onto a heart with a crown perched atop the heart. The hands represent friendship and commitment. The heart stands for love and affection. The crown tops it off as a symbol of loyalty. Friendship, love, and loyalty – the three ingredients for a beautiful relationship.
9 Ying Yang Engagement Ring
You’ve probably seen the Yin-Yang symbol, showcasing black and white halves within a circle. This concept comes from China and represents complementary forces that work together to form a vibrant system. It symbolizes how the whole is greater than the assembled parts. A Yin-Yang engagement ring is full of meaning, a reminder that both parties are equally important in the smooth running of the relationship.
10 Tattoo Engagement Ring
This one’s not for the faint-hearted or the conventional. Not every girl would choose getting inked over getting a piece of jewelry, but there’s actually a lot of substance behind the concept of a tattoo in place of an engagement ring. Tattoos are permanent and symbolize commitment. You can’t take it off on a whim, lose it or sell it. You can choose a design that has a meaning for the two of you, drawing inspiration from your experiences together. While some people prefer to get a tattoo in the shape of a ring, others opt for more obscure designs (think Behati Prinsloo’s 3-dot love tattoo with Adam Levine). You can still wear a ring over the tattoo, to marry the traditional concept of wearing a ring with this highly unorthodox option, but it’ll always be there as a testament to your relationship.
We hope you’re inspired by our top ten unique and unorthodox engagement ring ideas! Whichever option you choose, what matters is that it holds meaning for the two of you. How much better than to simply follow the herd and opt for the most common choice!