10 Unique Engagement Ring Alternatives for a Personalized Touch


10 Unique Engagement Ring Alternatives for a Personalized Touch
Image via Getty

For all the hopeless romantics out there, fear not: this isn’t about removing engagement rings from the wedding scene. We couldn’t forgo this tradition so rooted in our society even if we want to (we don’t). Instead, it’s a collection of ideas get you inspired to include other nuptial gifts on your list and even consider alternative ideas that might better reflect your unique love story than the traditional diamond ring.

As people become more conscious about the dramatic rise in the value of diamonds and other gemstones, especially following COVID-19, couples are now prioritizing the meaning behind the proposal token and opting to replace traditional stones with different engagement ring alternatives in the best against the herd movement, and an interesting phenomenon around wedding watches start to appear.

@stephaniebekenphotog In loveee with this pendant!! So special 🤍🫶🏼 and I seem to be loosing my voice 😅 #newyork #hudsonyards #pandora #engaged #engagement @Pandora @Pandora ME ♬ original sound - Stephanie

Is it OK to propose without a ring?

According to the Gemological Institute of America, the Egyptian pharaohs were the first to use rings to represent eternity. That’s because a circle has no beginning and no end and reflects the shape of the sun and the moon, which the civilization worshipped. In essence, it’s nothing short of exceptional. 

This ancient symbolism underscores why engagement rings hold such profound significance today. However, it’s not just about the present itself; it all comes down to what it represents: a commitment ’til death do us part. So, anything meaningful to you and your partner could serve as an engagement ring, as long as it fits your story.

Breaking away from traditional engagement rings​

Engagement ring alternatives exist to fulfil couples who wish to approach the next step of their union on their own terms. It offers a unique personal style and emotional touch that only the two of you will truly understand and gives more attention to what the ring means over its size and price.

While we are used to seeing different styles of engagement rings, such as colored gemstones and unique band designs for those who opt to stand out from traditional diamond solitaires, the modern age has opened the gate for the reflection towards accepting other wear ideas to represent this milestone, embracing the fact that a non-traditional jewel can be just as meaningful.

Alternative diamond engagement rings, for example, are becoming a preference for a while now. They can be designed from a variety of gemstones, such as emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, citrines, rose quartz, moissanite, morganite and even opals or pearls —one size fits all do not apply in the world of these precious gems.

10 Unique Engagement Ring Alternatives for a Personalized Touch
Image via @emrata

Diamond ring but make it cheaper

Every girl’s best friend and an eternal element, diamonds truly are forever. Both in the literal meaning of the word and the figurative way to say this stone will always carry a place in our hearts. Yet, the question persists: what feels like a diamond but at a more affordable price?

It turns out that newer generations and young couples, in contradiction to Baby Boomers, are moving away from traditional diamond rings. Instead, they are opting for alternative stones like sapphires or rubies to symbolize their commitment. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lawrence have shown their love for Pandora’s lab-grown diamond jewelry.

Lab-created diamonds not only have the diamond-like appearance without the high price tag but are also ethical and environmentally responsible alternatives to mined diamonds. These diamonds are chemically identical to natural ones but are made in controlled lab settings, which reduces the ecological impact and ethical concerns of diamond mining. 

What can you use as a proposal instead of a ring?

The conventional Western and heteronormative guidebook for weddings has historically shaped our approach to ceremonies, in which a proposal usually involved the man surprising the woman with the dream ring covered in diamonds, followed by the exchange of simpler bands during the wedding. Now, it almost feels like a sacrilege to break away from these norms. Here are some creative ideas to breathe new life into wedding customs.

Alternative Accessories

Watches

The predictions made by Lyst’s 2021 Wedding Report warned us about the popularity of watches and how we should “expect to see more fine watches and the rise of the engagement watch [in 2021].” They were correct.

Indeed, watches translate luxury and wealth like few other accessories, besides being timeless. It’s a unique and functional alternative to the engagement ring to which both the woman and the partner can be favored. These sophisticated accessories are highly dominant in the universe of engagement ring alternatives and, according to jewelry designer experts, are much likely to outshine the typical engagement ring in the near future, given their versatility and personal significance.

Customizable Cartier Tank Française Watch
Customizable Cartier Tank Française Watch by Cartier $8,500

Eternity bands

This alternative to the traditional engagement ring is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity rather than the typical ring featuring large carat-weight diamonds—less of a bold statement, more like a soft whisper. Unlike traditional solitaire diamond rings, eternity bands have a continuous loop of precious gemstones—from classic diamonds to vibrant sapphires or meaningful birthstones—encircling the entire band.

For many brides-to-be, subtle eternity bands are more appealing than big lavish rings for several reasons, one being the appreciation for the timeless beauty and versatility of a jewelry that can seamlessly transition from engagement to everyday wear.

Eternity Diamond III Ring White Gold by Sarah & Sebastian
Eternity Diamond III Ring White Gold by Sarah & Sebastian $7,900

Necklaces

There’s something deeply appealing about wearing an accessory so close to your heart, against your skin, especially for the romantics among us.

Tay Swift captured this feeling perfectly in her lyrics: “I want to wear his initial on a chain ’round my neck, not because he owns me, but because he knows me“. And can we bring back the iconic Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City wearing her diamond engagement ring as a necklace to keep it close to her heart?

Opting for a necklace to symbolize your love story with your partner is sentimental and stylish altogether. Envision a luxurious piece of high-end jewelry to your everyday look while still holding deep personal meaning.

Interlocking Diamond Circle Necklace by Angara
Interlocking Diamond Circle Necklace by Angara $1,340

Bracelets

These accessories will never go out-of-style, and yet are a modern option for the new-fashioned couple who wants to explore fresh engagement ring alternatives. Bonus points for being way harder to misplace than a ring.

Apart from their versatility and eye-catching choice, the appeal of bracelets lies in the fact that both the woman and the man can take advantage of, similar to watches. The couple gets to wear a customized jewel accordingly to their identity and personal taste. Materials such as precious metals, gemstones, or even leather can be incorporated into bracelet designs.

Infinity Pearl Bracelet by Linneys
Infinity Pearl Bracelet by Linneys $2,980

Alternative gemstones

Lab-grown diamonds

Engagement rings featuring lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable and ethical alternative. Created with advanced technology that replicates the growing conditions of a natural diamond, these beautiful stones are indistinguishable from the mined ones in terms of quality and appearance. Plus, they’re often more affordable.

lab-grown diamond engagement ring
Lab-Grown Oval Diamond Solitaire Knife-Edge Shank Engagement Ring by Amara $3,293

Moissanite

An eco-friendly and less pricey gemstone combined with the wow factor of a diamond. This gemstone composed of silicon carbide is increasingly becoming a preference among engaged couples due to its stunning sparkle at a more affordable price point than diamonds.

MOISSANITE Solitaire Engagement Ring Alternatives
7.8mm (1.75ct) Grey Moissanite Evergreen Solitaire Ring In 14k Yellow Gold by Anueva Jewlery $2,098.00

Morganite

Morganite is a delicate peachy-pink hue gemstone with a range of shades, being a romantic and feminine break from the tradition. This gemstone is included in the beryl family, just like emerald and aquamarine, and offers a soft and elegant alternative to the traditional diamond ring as well.

Solitaire Oval Morganite Ring with Trio Diamond Accents by Angara
Solitaire Oval Morganite Ring with Trio Diamond Accents by Angara $2,186

Sapphire

Sapphires come in a range of colors, including blue, pink, green, and yellow. Due to its range of colors, with blue being the most classic, it has become a popular engagement ring choice for brides-to-be who lean towards fun and colorful stones.

5.12cttw Marquise Sapphire & Emerald Diamond Jean Toi Et Moi Ring
5.12cttw Marquise Sapphire & Emerald Diamond Jean Toi Et Moi Ring $13,750

Ruby

This vibrant and passionate gemstone is the symbol of love and vitality and is a much-adored, distinctive option when thinking of break away from solitaire ring tradition. A jewel featuring its rich red color is a top-notch choice for one’s dream ring. Besides, rubies are rarer than diamonds, creating the ultimate sense of luxury and romance that allows any ring finger to stand out from the crowd.

Cathedral Three Stone Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring by Angara
Cathedral Three Stone Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring by Angara $5,121

Pearl

Pearls have long been associated with elegance and are now more popular than ever, making a comeback on women’s wish lists with the rise of the Old Money aesthetic. Formed organically within oysters, pearls symbolize purity and harmony, and their delicate aspect makes them hardly ever an unsuitable choice for any finger. While not the first stone that comes to mind for an engagement ring, pearls are definitely worth considering.

Freshwater Pearl Criss Cross Shank Engagement Ring by Angara
Freshwater Pearl Criss Cross Shank Engagement Ring by Angara $1,349

Men’s engagement ring alternatives

Men’s engagement ring alternatives are a growing trend that enriches the beautiful idea of engagement as a shared experience for both partners. It’s a misconception that only a diamond ring can express your affection and mirror your partner’s personality, interests, or values. Personalized options, like engravings or custom designs, may vary, but wrist wear remain the top-of-mind engagement gifts.

Mr. Porter refers to this trend as a gender equality movement, encouraging women to express their commitment with an accessory that will accompany him on their wedding day, the birth of their first child, and many other significant milestones.

The Lock Bangle in 10-karat yellow gold by Sarah & Sebastian
The Lock Bangle In 10-Karat Yellow Gold by Sarah & Sebastian $3,900

Posted in Accessories, Jewellery, Lifestyle, Trending, Uncategorized by wedded wonderland


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