Like your bride-to-be, alternative engagement rings are uniquely one of a kind, and if you’re looking for a ring that tells the world that you and your S.O. have something special, then an alternative engagement ring is exactly what you need.
So, whether you’re looking for a non-traditional engagement ring that features colored gemstones or a salt and pepper diamond ring perfect for everyday wear, there’s an alternative engagement ring out there for everyone.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite alternative engagement rings and styles. So, keep reading to find the perfect unique engagement ring for you!
What is the Difference Between a Diamond Engagement Ring vs. an Alternative Engagement Ring?
Generally, unique engagement rings are engagement rings that buck tradition in favor of personalized elements and non-traditional details. For example, a unique engagement ring may combine two types of precious metals within the band or forgo the classic white diamond for other gemstones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby.
Your standard diamond engagement ring will prioritize a diamond center stone and often has a solid band of a singular metal (usually yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum). Diamond engagement rings are also “traditional” when they emphasize the current engagement ring trends and styles.
Interestingly enough, these trendy ‘traditional’ engagement rings eventually become non-traditional engagement rings down the line when new trends emerge, and they fall out of favor.
Consider the Marquise-cut diamond, which was all the rage in the 1950s and considered the perfect ring for brides-to-be. As the years passed, more and more engagement ring trends emerged. The Marquise-cut diamond soon emerged as a vintage diamond cut. Marquise-cut diamond rings are unique thanks to their out-of-the-ordinary shape.
Common Alternative Engagement Ring Styles
As you’ve read, the perception alternative is always changing. With that in mind, the following ring styles pack a punch with a unique style and look that are sure to dazzle and delight.
Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings
One of the easiest ways to transform a normal engagement ring into an alternative engagement ring is to replace the center diamond with a diamond alternative colorful gemstone like aquamarine or morganite.
Moissanite Engagement Rings
If you love the look of a colorless diamond engagement ring but are looking for something just a little bit different consider moissanite.
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that is similar in structure to diamonds but is colorless because it has no nitrogen. Because of its unique structure and chemical composition, moissanite displays more fire, brilliance, and scintillation than any other gemstone besides diamond.
Moissanite also has an incredibly high refractive index which causes light to bend more sharply as it enters and exits the stone allowing moissanite to emit rainbow flashes of light as opposed to the diamond’s sharp white flashes.
Pearl Engagement Rings
A pearl engagement ring is a great way to show off your style and flair for the finer things in life. The pearl symbolizes beauty and wealth for thousands of years, known as the most precious gemstone.
A pearl is a natural gemstone that can be just as beautiful as a diamond. Their natural beauty combined with storied meaning combines to create a stunning stone that allows you to bring your own personal style to your engagement ring.
Plus, pearls are a variety of colors including black, green, pink, and white, so you can easily complement your pearl with a matching precious metal.
Aquamarine Engagement Rings
If you’re looking to make a statement with your engagement ring, aquamarine can be a great choice.
Aquamarine is a semi-precious stone with a strong association with the sea and containing healing properties. It’s a very popular choice for engagement rings because of its mesmerizing blue color—and it’s also a great option for anyone looking for something outside of the traditional diamond engagement ring.
Aquamarines come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose one that fits both your personality and your budget. You can also find them in different cuts and styles, from round solitaires to princess-cut diamonds. If you want something more unique than the traditional diamond, but don’t want to spend big bucks on anything rare or exotic (such as sapphires), this could be the perfect solution!
Morganite Engagement Rings
With purplish-pink hues and a soft feminine appearance, morganite is an attractive gemstone to replace a diamond with. It’s also one of the few gemstones with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale—meaning it’s not only beautiful but strong enough to be used in jewelry.
Morganite is also affordable. Since it’s not as popular as diamonds, it’s much more affordable for most people. And if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank? Morganite is what you need!
Emerald Engagement Rings
The emerald has a storied past that rivals that of the diamond and makes a fantastic center stone in an alternative engagement ring. Emeralds are a member of the beryl family and are typically light green in color. The color of an emerald is determined by the presence of trace elements within the stone itself, as well as its chemical composition.
Emeralds have been used for thousands of years for their beauty and healing properties. Ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds could cure diseases such as epilepsy and stomach ailments. In fact, Greeks thought that emeralds were actually drops of sea foam fallen from the sky onto land (this is why they call them “sea foam”). Romans also used the blue stone for healing purposes, believing that they had magical powers to protect against evil spirits and bad luck. In addition to being used as jewelry, many people throughout history have believed that emeralds have healing properties too!
Unique Diamond Engagement Rings
Of course, the diamond is the most popular choice for the center stone of an engagement ring for a good reason. That’s why we love the following non-traditional engagement rings for their unique twists on the beloved typical stone.
Salt and Pepper Diamonds
Salt and pepper stones are admired worldwide for their unique look and bold statement.
Unlike colorless diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds have characteristics of both white diamonds and black diamonds (hence the name salt and pepper). The resulting stone is a blend of two colors that together create an eye-catching effect.
Colored Diamonds
Looking for the drama of diamonds with the unique style of colorful gemstones? Combine both ideas by investing in a colored diamond.
Colored diamonds are as beautiful and unique as the woman you’re going to propose to. With a wide range of colors available, there’s something for everyone. If you’re unsure about which type of color is right for your partner, take some time to browse through our selection today!
Vintage Inspired Rings
Vintage-inspired rings continue to be one of the most popular alternative engagement ring styles in history and we can see why. Vintage appeal and modern sensibilities combine to create an engagement ring that is destined to become a timeless heirloom.
Try an Art Deco Alternative Engagement Ring
The art deco style is a popular choice for engagement rings, but why?
The art deco style is characterized by sleek and geometric designs, which are often reflective of the movement’s roots in modernism. The style is typically characterized by sharp lines, bold colors, and simple patterns—all of which make for an eye-catching alternative engagement ring.
Art deco engagement rings also tend to be quite durable because of their simple design. For example, in the Deco Emerald Ring above, the emerald-cut diamond is bezel set to improve durability. It prevents the edges from easily cracking or chipping.
Art deco rings have a beautiful and unique aesthetic that is perfect for an alternative engagement ring!
Rock the Victorian Era Filigree Engagement Ring
The intricate pattern of interlocking circles and squares defined the filigree-style engagement ring, which was all the rage in Victorian-era England. Now, this timeless design is making a hot comeback.
This ring style has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that it became popularized. The use of intricate patterns during that time period was mainly due to Queen Victoria’s love for them. She wore them on her fingers and even had them incorporated into her wedding dress.
There are several reasons why these rings have become so popular again. They’re beautiful, they’re unique, they’re timeless, and they can be customized to fit your own personal style or personality traits.
Our 3 Favorite Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
Whether they have colored gemstones, a rose gold band, extra ice, or a simple center stone– the following non-traditional engagement rings are sure to stun.
These are Clean Origin diamonds, so you can expect to pay 20-40% less than you would for a mined diamond! So from wedding bands to engagement rings, be sure to check out Clean Origin.
The Rosalie Engagement Ring
The toi et moi diamond engagement ring style continues to be an extraordinary expression of love.
The Rosalie Engagement Ring is no exception. With two sparkling stones and an expertly crafted rose gold band, the Rosalie is sure to delight.
We especially love the look of a pear-cut diamond with an oval diamond. With a side-by-side setting, the dashing stones serve to complement their timeless sparkle with the joyful promise of your commitment.
Matte Finish Parker Ring
While there are many non-traditional engagement rings out there, the Matte Finish Parker Ring truly stands out from the rest.
This dream ring features a diamond center stone set on three prongs. A channel of delicate melee diamonds trails down one side of the band. Its yellow-gold band has been expertly polished into a smooth matte finish. The distinctive engagement ring design will make your beloved smile for years to come.
Browse Clean Origin’s Non-Traditional Engagement Rings Today
Clean Origin has the best selection of non-traditional engagement rings. Choose from uniquely colored gemstones to sparkling colorless elegant diamonds that are set with sapphires or more diamonds. There is a perfect ring for everyone.
If you’re looking for a non-traditional diamond ring that will draw attention, whether you love square cut or elongated oval engagement rings, look no further than Clean Origin.
