60 Alternative Engagement Rings for the Non-Traditional Bride
Today's bride is hardly cookie cutter–and her engagement ring shouldn't be either.
A simple solitaire rarely comes to mind for daring, design-driven, and unconventional fiancés-to-be. Rather than debating the nuances of a cushion vs. a princess-cut, baguette flanks vs. a solitaire, or how large a pavé-set halo should be, this bridal archetype dreams of emeralds, rubies, vintage cuts, and rare pearls.
If your style has never been ordinary, the token your fiancé proposes should follow suit. Here, 63 unconventional–yet undeniably stunning–engagement rings for you to consider. Subtly hint to your favorite, or in the spirit of being non-traditional, ask for it outright.
The Look: Shape Shifters
If the idea of an atypical cut speaks to you, these modern settings should be at the top of your wishlist. Dare to be bold when considering whether to go simple or spectacular. Let's face it: You're anything but ordinary.
AZLEE "Empress Diamond Staircase Ring" 18k Yellow Gold with Hexagon Diamond, $5,600, azleejewelry.com.
Shape Shifters
Ileana Makri "Diamond End Ring" in 18k yellow gold ring with white diamonds, $13,510, ileanamakri.com.
Shape Shifters
Martin Katz 2.58ct octagonal marquise rose-cut diamond set in 18k white gold ring, $29,000, martinkatz.com.
Shape Shifters
Spinelli Kilcollin "Artemis" three linked rings in 18K yellow and rose gold with micropavé white diamonds, pavé-set prongs, price upon request, spinellikilcollin.com.
Shape Shifters
Forevermark by Jade Trau "Rae Wrap Diamond Ring" set in 18k yellow gold, $3,300, forevermark.com.
Shape Shifters
Grace Lee "Confetti Band" in 14K Gold with seven pear-shaped and marquise diamonds, $5,580, gracelee.com.
The Look: Double the Diamonds
No, you're not seeing double—these rings come complete with a double dose of diamonds. Rings with two stones can symbolize your unity as two individuals coming together, while others may just see it as the best way to express their personal style. Whether your selection is stylistic or sentimental, these two-in-one rings are to die for.
Ashley Zhang "Margaret" Asscher-cut ring, from $18,000, ashleyzhangjewelry.com.
Double the Diamonds
Jemma Wynne emerald-cut diamond "Open Ring" in 18k yellow gold, price upon request, jemmawynne.com.
Double the Diamonds
Moi et Toi double heart diamonds set in two-tone 18K gold, $13,125, 1stdibs.com.
The Look: Rare Breed
Believe it or not: fancy blue, grey, and pink-orange diamonds do exist. And so do many other rare colored diamonds that you likely assumed only your dreams were made of. Think beyond the basic bling; if you're looking for a hue you thought you just made up, check out these tonal, bold, and multi-colored options.
Tiffany & Co. rectangular modified brilliant fancy vivid green diamond ring with rose-cut white diamonds and round diamonds in a floral platinum setting, price upon request, tiffany.com.
Rare Breed
Martin Katz fancy dark gray emerald-cut diamond with heart shaped diamonds, 8 French-cut baguette channel set diamonds, micro-set with 42 fancy pink diamonds and 68 white diamonds in platinum and 18K rose gold, $295,000, martinkatz.com.
Rare Breed
Harry Kotlar "The Vault" vivid yellow cushion-cut diamond with two pink diamonds in platinum and 18k yellow gold, $512,245, harrykotlar.com.
Rare Breed
Lauren Addison "Radiant-cut Pink Diamond" highlighted by pink diamond pave in 18K rose gold, price upon request, laurenaddison.com.
Rare Breed
Monique Péan natural fancy pink-orange oval brilliant-cut diamond ring with white diamond baguettes and white diamond pavé set in recycled platinum, price upon request, moniquepean.com.
Rare Breed
De Beers "Aella" oval-shaped diamond ring featuring rare yellow hue and brilliant micropavé diamonds, price upon request, debeers.com.
The Look: Cute Cuts
If your style is full of fun prints and feminine touches, why not have your ring reflect your love for all things sweet? Butterflies, hearts, moons, and flowers are just a few of the motifs that make for an engagement that's cheeky, whimsical, and fun.
Graff Classic Butterfly diamond ring, $55,00, graff.com.
Colleen Banks is a seasoned jewelry and weddings editor, having been a style editor at Martha Stewart Weddings for 8+ years. Colleen’s love for the best-of-the-best jewels, bold color, whimsical details and epic parties make her an expert at thinking outside-the-box when it comes to weddings. When Colleen isn’t styling a wedding or writing about them, she’s most likely filling her online shopping cart with the Gucci she’s currently coveting, listening to Britney Spears, or taking Instagram pictures of her cat, Shelby.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
45 Emerald Engagement Rings to Envy
How to Wear Something Blue—Without Forcing It
53 Vintage Engagement Rings to Shop Now
45 Sapphire Engagement Rings To Covet
