Millennials began the trend of moving away from diamond engagement rings, and it doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon, as Gen Z seems to be following the alternative path as well.
Whether you’re looking for a ring that is friendlier on your wallet, one that is eco-conscious, or simply looking to make your personality shine through, check out a few ideas and tips to make it yours.
- Choosing an unusual gemstone or colored stone can be a really great alternative. Utilize your birthstone or a gem from an ancestor that isn’t a typical diamond.
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal
- November: Topaz
- December: Turquoise
- Upcycling is chic: Opting for an antique, family or vintage-style ring is a really special way to create your own look, as it’s great for the environment and your wallet. Try to find antique jewelers you like and begin to follow for the perfect fit or even ask your family if there are any pieces that are up for grabs. Prince Harry famously proposed to Meghan Markle with a three-stone engagement ring featuring a center diamond from Botswana and two diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection!
- Customizing the setting to fit your personality can be a great way to set your ring apart from everyone else’s too! Selecting a unique metal like rose gold or black titanium, or adding personal touches like engravings can be a super custom flare. Switch up the band, add gemstones, or include a three stone setting with a colored gemstone to mix it up. Get crazy with a cluster or a twist band!
- The pear diamond is a classic yet not utilized as much in recent times as the other traditional shapes. We love versatility and with pears, you get that! The elongated silhouette of a pear-shaped diamond means it will make your fingers look long and elegant. And it’s a mood ring because it can be worn two ways: with the point facing up or the point facing down. Some of our favorite celeb engagement rings on Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Taylor, Victoria Beckham and Cardi B are pears.
- Raw cut! A raw cut engagement ring is a ring that is crafted from a rough, uncut diamond. This ring is perfect for someone who appreciates a more natural, bohemian-style. The diamond remains totally untouched and unpolished to its natural state. By reducing the amount of energy and resources used in the production of the raw cut diamond, you are helping to reduce the environmental impact of the jewelry industry as well. Not only is it better for the environment, but it can be more affordable as well, and a super unique engagement ring.
- Rose cut: Who doesn’t love roses? In this case, it is a type of antique diamond cut with a flat base and a domed top which features triangular or kite-shaped facets. A bonus is that it has romantic historical ties, dating all the way back to the 1500s in the Georgian and Victorian eras. How chic?!