Individuality and the strive to be unique continues to push the popularity of non-traditional engagement rings. You’ll find a variety of creative designs beyond the conventional diamond solitaire rings or even lab grown diamond engagement rings. Creative designs and the lure of non-traditional settings have expanded the category of engagement ring possibilities – you’ll see all sorts of options.
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Historical Context
Diamonds are traditionally used for engagement rings, and have for hundreds of years. It’s an incredibly durable stone that can withstand a lifetime of wear and tear. They are the hardest natural material on Earth, so they’re designed to last a lifetime. They’re rare, durable, and symbolize everlasting love, which why natural and lab diamond engagement rings are equally popular.
But more couples want to express their unique personalities and rebel against societal norms. They want an engagement ring that expresses their individuality and reflects their personal preferences. Today, non-traditional rings are not only acceptable but are growing in popularity.
What Are Non-Traditional Engagement Rings?
Non-traditional can mean a lot of things, and it doesn’t stop at just choosing a lab grown diamond ring, because it still looks exactly like natural diamond. You’ll see more of alternative gemstones, unconventional settings, or distinctive designs that deviate from traditional designs. Popular gemstones for rings like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and colored diamonds captivate with vibrant colors and unique combinations. Selecting non-traditional rings allow couples to select stones that hold personal meaning, reflect individual tastes, or simply like the look of the design. Unique rings can also include alternative cuts of stones, two-center stones, or vintage settings. You have access to many diverse ring options these days, so browse and see what designs catch your eye.
Reasons for Choosing Non-Traditional Rings
Some couples prefer to have a unique ring rather than a traditional natural or traditional lab grown diamond engagement ring that they’ve seen before. You can select stones with meaning, such as birthstones, that add a pop of color to a typically colorless ring. Another benefit of choosing a non-traditional ring is it could be more affordable than a traditional ring, depending on what you choose. Diamonds can be very expensive, so selecting a different center stone can save money and get you a ring like no one else.
Celebrity Influences
Celebrities have helped make unique engagement rings popular. Kate Middleton’s 12-carat oval blue sapphire with a diamond halo is a notable example. Another stunning example of a personalized design is Megan Fox’s custom engagement ring. It’s actually two white gold rings that come together as one and features two pear-shaped stones of 6 carats (total weight) – an emerald and a diamond. The connected diamond and emerald form an obscure heart.
Scarlett Johansson’s unique engagement ring is an 11 carat champagne-colored diamond set on a brown band. Another ring that’s a good example is Katy Perry’s ring that looks like a flower. The center stone appears to be a deep pink, oval-shaped stone surrounded by eight diamonds. The pink stone could be a pink diamond, ruby, or a pink sapphire.
Design and Gemstone Choices
If you’d like to choose a stone based on its meaning, here are more details about sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganite.
- Sapphire: This September birthstone represents love, romance, and devotion.
- Emerald: This gem symbolizes truth and love, and is May’s birthstone.
- Ruby: It’s July’s birthstone and represents passion, protection, and wealth.
- Morganite: It can be colorless or have a soft pink hue. This gem symbolizes innocence, sweetness, romance, and love.
Customization and Personalization
As a couple, you can create a completely custom ring that you feel represents you and your personal preferences. Every couple is unique, and an engagement ring should feel like it’s part of you. Selecting the stones, metal, and design of the ring can make it even more special. You can even add an engraving to the inside of the band to make it your own.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
A more recent reason for choosing non-traditional engagement rings is because they want one that aligns with their ethical and sustainable values. For example, you can select lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds because they’re ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. You can also select conflict-free gemstones. They’re precious or semi-precious gemstones that aren’t mined in war zones to perpetuate war or to fund warlords and insurgents. Not only can you create custom designs, but you can select stone’s that you feel comfortable with ethically.
Parting Thoughts
These days, you’ll see engagement rings of all types–some are more traditional while others are non-traditional. More couples feel the need to have engagement rings that reflect their individuality and personal tastes. You’ll see custom designs that the couple visualizes and then creates with a jeweler’s help. You’ll see rings made with colored gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, moissanite, and fancy diamonds. Some also choose lab-made diamonds or conflict-free gemstones because wearing an ethical and environmentally friendly stone is important. Have fun with the engagement ring selection process, and don’t be afraid to get creative and choose a ring that reflects you.
