- Though many people dream of getting engaged, not every bride is as keen on wearing a traditional engagement ring.
- Instead of diamonds and gold bands, some people prefer unique gemstones and unconventional shapes.
- To help give you an idea of what’s on the market, we’ve rounded up 33 alternatives to classic engagement ring styles.
The wedding industry may be changing, but engagement rings are still as popular as ever.
Especially when looking at the rocks worn by celebrities such as Hailey Baldwin and Paris Hilton, it’s clear that traditional bands and classic-cut stones are still highly favored, despite changing ring trends over the years.
But not every bride wants to stay traditional on the big day. A study done by insurance group Allianz found that many brides are valuing honeymoons and homes over luxe diamond rings. In other instances, some brides still purchase diamonds but opt for unique cuts, colors, and styles that better suit their personality.
If you’re in the market for a unique ring – diamonds included or not – check out our roundup of 33 alternative engagement rings below.
Use a geometric shape to enhance the look of your diamonds.
You can make a traditional round diamond look distinct by placing it in the center of a geometrically shaped cluster of smaller stones.
Cost: $8,249
Find out more about this White Gold Neil Lane Diamond Engagement Ring here.
Instead of wearing a traditional band, opt for a wave of diamonds.
This bridal set is notable for both the shape of its bands and the fact that it places the largest diamond next to the bands rather than on top of them.
Cost: $7,099
Find out more about the White Gold Diamond Bridal Set here.
No one will expect your engagement ring to feature black diamonds.
This edgy, black-diamond engagement ring contrasts with the more classic diamond wedding band to create a chic bridal set.
Cost: $2,999
Find out more about this bridal set here.
Choose a ring that features a unique diamond halo.
The large marquise diamond on this ring fits perfectly in the crease of its contoured band, making for a one-of-a-kind bridal set.
Cost: $2,899
Find out more about this Marquise Diamond Bridal Set here.
Choose a ring in which the band and diamond are the same color.
Rose gold jewelry might be in style right now, but gems of the same color aren't as common.
Cost: $2,599
Find out more about the Neil Lane Morganite Engagement Ring here.
Mixing a yellow band with an unusual setting can make for a distinctive ring.
Though there are four flashy diamonds in this ring, it's the triangle setting that really grabs your attention.
Cost: $849
Find out more about this diamond engagement ring here.
You don't need diamonds when you have colorful gems.
The prong setting on this band allows for a variety of colorful gems to be placed side by side, creating an uneven but interesting look.
Cost: $3,000
Find out more about the Gold Multicolor Sapphire Eternity Band here.
Understated gold bands are basically the opposite of classic sparkling rings.
A diamond might be forever, but that doesn't mean it has to be the highlight of your ring - instead, focus on finding an attractive band.
Cost: $980
Find out more about the Move Addiction Diamond Bezel Ring here.
A V-shaped engagement ring also works as an unconventional wedding band.
Despite set traditions, there are conflicting opinions on how to wear your wedding band and engagement ring after being married. For brides who choose to go against the grain, a V-shaped engagement band is perfect to wear on its own after the wedding.
Cost: $7,300
Find out more about this Anita Ko White Gold Diamond V Ring ring here.
An encased diamond is the perfect option for those who want some subtle bling.
An engagement ring featuring a bold circular band and floating diamond might be radical for some, but is the perfect choice for someone seeking an alternative style.
Cost: $2,250
Find out more about the Chopard Happy Dreams Ring here.
A dainty engagement ring can put a unconventional twist on a traditional ring.
We might live in a time when brides are receiving giant, $300,000 rings, but there are options for brides who want to choose something smaller and much less expensive.
Cost: $675
Find out more about the Memoire Yellow Gold Pear Diamond Ring here.
Heart diamonds can be overdone, so choose something a little more whimsical.
Engagement rings don't have to be all about glitz and glam - they can be fun, too. A ring like this one from Chopard is quirky but also incorporates a classic diamond.
Cost: $1,630
Find out more about the Chopard Happy Hearts Carnelian & Diamond Ring here.
Heart-shaped rings can also look elegant.
A solid-color band and small diamonds are key to perfecting this distinct style.
Cost: $95
Find out more about the Bing Bang NYC Sparkle Heart Ring with Diamonds here.
A nature-inspired ring would be completely out of the box.
Choosing a butterfly ring can be a playful way to incorporate a colorful gemstone into your engagement ring.
Cost: $2,250
Find out more about the Stephen Webster Fly by Deco Drive ring here.
Use your engagement ring as a symbol of you and your spouse.
You can choose to include your new initials if you're taking your partner's last name, or you can instead choose a letter from both your and your partner's names.
Cost: $695
Find out more about the Diamond Initial Cuff Ring here.
An open ring is a novel concept for an engagement band.
An open, diamond-covered band paired with a bright green emerald stone is incredibly striking.
Cost: $5,100
Find out more about the Double Diamond Pave Open Round Emerald Ring here.
If you want a gemstone on your engagement band, look for an exceptional color.
Engagement rings are highly customizable, so once you've found the perfect band, you can begin searching for the most noteworthy colored gemstone you can find.
Cost: $8,950
Find out more about the De Beers Caress In Rose Gold With Fancy Colored Diamond ring here.
Everyone will want to take a closer look at your intricate band.
A solitaire stone atop a gold band is arguably the most traditional engagement ring on the market, so change things up with a glitzy and detailed band.
Cost: $8,329
Find out more about the Diamond Vintage-Style Engagement Ring here.
Flower-shaped rings are common, so choose one with an irregular shape.
Roses aren't the only flower that represent love, so choose a floral ring that best represents your relationship.
Cost: $8,329
Find out more about the Cushion-Cut Diamond Flower Frame Engagement Ring here.
Flowers give brides the opportunity to add some color to their diamond rings.
If you want classic flowers on your ring but don't want them to be the center of attention, choose a ring that uses them as accents rather than focal points.
Cost: $549
Find out more about the Diamond Frame Flower Promise Ring here.
Petite diamonds make for a surprising engagement ring choice.
Large, square-shaped diamonds are popular, so a ring with a flat, square setting and small embedded diamonds can be astonishing.
Cost: $249
Find out more about the Diamond Square Cluster Engagement Ring here.
Swap out a diamond-encrusted band for something more sleek.
Mixed-metal bands are uncommon, so you'll undoubtedly break tradition with a swirl-design engagement ring.
Cost: $349
Find out more about the Diamond Accent Swirl Engagement Ring here.
You can swap out diamonds and colorful gems for elegant pearls.
A pearl engagement ring is an unusual choice on it's own, but can be even more bold when cased in a square-shaped ring.
Cost: $150
Find out more about the Honora Geodescent Mother of Pearl Square Station Ring here.
Understated rings can be rather striking.
If you want to put a nontraditional spin on the classic pear-shape diamond, make sure your ring shape is irregular and jagged.
Cost: $1,480
White gold looks more sleek than traditionally flashy rings.
With it's silver tone, diamond shape, and minimal diamonds, this ring will particularly suit edgy brides.
Cost: $410
Find out more about the White Gold Diamond Geometric Ring here.
Choose a ring that isn't crystal clear.
While the center gem is uniquely patterned, the surrounding halo of diamonds incorporates a more traditional element.
Cost: $1,200
Find out more about the Anna Sheffield Pave Amulet Ring here.
Depending on your personal style, dark engagement rings might be a better match for your everyday wardrobe.
If you're someone who wears a bunch of dark neutrals, like black and gray, a subdued ring will not only reflect your personality, but will also match your style.
Cost: $1,275
Find out more about the Anne Sheffield Bea Arrow Ring here.
By minimizing the number of diamonds on your ring, you'll be able to attract more attention to the band.
Most engagement ring bands are made from a solid metal, but this one stands out for its spherical shapes.
Cost: $850
Find out more about the Lagos ring here.
A 3D style will make your ring pop.
Geometric shapes are always a unique addition to engagement rings, but raising the design will make it stand out even more.
Cost: $395
Find out more about the Lagos Caviar ring here.
Knots will add some texture to your chosen style.
The addition of a sphere-encrusted band adds even more dimension to the ring.
Cost: $1,500
Find out more about the Lagos Love Knot here >
Varying gem sizes will enhance your ring.
Though it's full of colorful stones, this ring is much more dainty than standard engagement rings.
Cost: $64
Find out more about the Shami Rainbow Row Dainty Ring here.
Mix alternative and classic styles together to create a one-of-a-kind look.
Black diamonds might not align with every bride's taste, but the standout gems are perfect for those looking for a different style.
Cost: $70
Find out more about the Bing Bang NYC Jet Black Crystal ring here.
Rectangles are a rarely seen ring shape.
Not only will a rectangle shape ring be unexpected, but it strays far from the idea of a classic, solitaire-stone ring.
Cost: $625
Find out more about this ring here.
Visit INSIDER's homepage for more.
- Read more:
- The 4 mistakes you're most likely to make when choosing an engagement ring
- A bespoke jeweler says there's a good reason you shouldn't choose a white gold engagement ring
- A male model proposed to his girlfriend with 6 different rings and let her choose which one she wanted
- A man dropped his fiancée's ring down a NYC grate after proposing and they walked away, but using social media, police tracked them down