What’s Your Style - Traditional or Non-Traditional Engagement Rings?
Diamond engagement rings have long been a powerful symbol of love and commitment. Engagement rings represent a promise and a significant milestone in a couple’s relationship, signifying love, loyalty, and a shared future.
What type of engagement ring best suits you? How will you choose that perfect ring? There are so many engagement ring designs and engagement ring styles available to choose from today!
Will you go with the traditional solitaire or a three-stone? Traditional engagement rings have timeless designs and classic appeal and have long been favored for their enduring elegance and symbolism.
On the other hand, non-traditional engagement rings offer a unique opportunity to break away from convention. They allow for a more personalized expression of love through the use of alternative gemstones, unique settings, and sustainable options.
Over time, trends have influenced engagement ring styles and demand. Let’s take a look at both traditional and non-traditional engagement rings.
Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
There are a variety of styles to consider when choosing a non-traditional engagement ring. Your unique engagement ring could have an alternative gemstone, use unique designs and settings, and add personalized and meaningful elements.
Stackable and modular rings allow for a versatile and customizable look. Some couples even add bands over time to mark significant milestones in their relationship (like anniversaries).
Alternative Gemstones
Many couples are opting for colored gemstones other than the traditional diamond, such as birthstones, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and even semi-precious stones like morganite, moonstone, and opal.
A diverse selection of alternative gemstone engagement rings is pictured below: an emerald and trillion cut aquamarine ring, a white gold moonstone and diamond ring, an opal and diamond ring, a white gold Burmese ruby and pave diamond, a lab grown pear cut diamond, and a morganite and diamond ring.
Unique Designs and Settings
For your engagement, you may choose rings with unique designs, including vintage-inspired settings like Art Deco or Victorian, asymmetrical shapes and stone arrangements, and mixed precious metals. Custom design rings are also popular for a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
This emerald and diamond ring has an unusual look with a vertical stack. Also displayed is a white gold vintage diamond flower ring, an emerald and rose cut diamond dual ring (toi et moi), a tri-tone diamond band, a blue sapphire and diamond ring, and a CZ and heart-cut sapphire 3-stone which are all examples of unique designs or settings.
Bypass, Rolling, Stackable, and Modular Rings
Stackable engagement and wedding bands give you a ring set that is unique with a customizable look. Bypass rings have bands that curve around the finger and do not meet at a single point which creates an open and fluid look. Cross rolling rings feature bands that intersect or overlap in a “cross” pattern to create a unique and modern look.
Featured is a rose gold diamond stackable ring, a multi-row yellow gold four row baguette ring, a white gold five row rolling ring, a round brilliant crossover ring, and a four row diamond bypass ring.
Minimalist and Modern Styles
Simple, minimalistic designs with clean lines and understated elegance are becoming increasingly popular. These rings often feature smaller stones or solitaire settings and focus on sleek, modern aesthetics.
Below is a white gold brilliant cut diamond engagement ring and a fancy purplish pink oval cut diamond engagement ring.
Eternity Bands
A popular choice for non-traditional engagement rings are the eternity wedding bands which have stones set all around the band. Eternity rings symbolize eternal love, and they can be customized with different gemstones and precious metals to match a non traditional engagement ring.
Featured are a pink sapphire and diamond band, a rainbow sapphire and diamond band, and a diamond emerald eternity band.
The uniqueness of gemstones, designs, and settings are influential and have collectively given popularity to non-traditional engagement rings. They allow couples to choose rings that truly resonate with their values and personal style. Plus, non-traditional engagement rings can sometimes be more affordable than traditional diamond rings.
Traditional Engagement Rings
Traditional diamond engagement rings will always be popular due to their lasting appeal. A traditional diamond engagement ring embodies a blend of cultural tradition, timeless beauty, and deep personal and emotional significance. Below are some of the most popular traditional designs.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
If you prefer a single stone, the solitaire style features a solitaire diamond or gemstone set on a plain band. The solitaire can come in numerous diamond shapes like a round brilliant cut which has 58 facets designed to maximize sparkle and brilliance, an emerald cut which is a rectangular shape with stepped facets to emphasize clarity and elegance.
Below are a platinum princess cut solitaire, a radiant cut solitaire, and a Tiffany round cut diamond solitaire.
Halo Ring
A central diamond or colored gemstone is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds. This design enhances the size and sparkle of the center stone. Some engagement rings also feature a hidden halo.
Below are a platinum oval ruby and diamond halo, a platinum cushion cut halo ring, and a fancy yellow halo diamond engagement ring.
Three-Stone Ring
Three-stone rings feature three prominent gemstones set in a row to represent the past, present, and future of the relationship. Typically the center stone is the largest and the two opposing side gemstones are of equal size..
Shown below are a platinum princess cut three-stone ring, a round brilliant cut three-stone engagement ring, and a princess cut three-stone ring.
Pave Ring/Band and Channel Set Ring
The ring band is encrusted with small diamonds which creates a continuous sparkling surface. The central stone can be any shape or size. The pave or channel band is often chosen as a wedding band to accompany the engagement ring.
Below is a pave diamond engagement ring and a round brilliant cut center stone with a channel set diamond band, and a round brilliant cut diamond eternity band.
Princess-Cut Ring, Marquise Cut, and Pear-Shaped Ring
The look of your diamond engagement ring can really be impacted by the shape of the diamond cut. Below are some examples of different diamond cuts.
In the first picture, the central diamond is cut into a square or rectangular shape. It is a modern princess cut with a yellow gold band that offers a unique alternative to the traditional round brilliant cut.
The marquise cut can appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight due to its elongated shape with pointed ends secured with prongs. With the white gold pear shaped ring, the central stone is cut into a teardrop shape which combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise cut.
Bezel Setting
The central stone is surrounded by a metal rim that holds it in place. This setting provides a modern look and extra security for the stone.
Here is a platinum round brilliant cut diamond engagement ring, and a white gold diamond cluster with a mirror halo ring.
Split-Shank Ring
The band splits into two or more strands as it approaches the central stone, adding a decorative and intricate element to the design as seen in this radiant cut ring, asscher cut diamond ring, and round brilliant cut diamond ring.
Summary
Whether you are opting for the timeless elegance of a traditional engagement ring or for a personalized flair with a non-traditional design, choosing the perfect ring is a deeply personal decision made to reflect your own unique story. Traditional engagement rings have their classic cuts and enduring symbolism which offer a sense of continuity and connection to the past.
Choosing a non-traditional engagement ring allows for creative expression and can include unique elements that speak to contemporary values and individual tastes.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of an engagement ring is its significance to the couple, symbolizing their commitment and shared future. Whether traditional or nontraditional, the ideal ring is one that resonates with both partners and becomes a cherished emblem of their love and partnership.
We would love for you to check us out online or stop in at our jewelry store to check out our fine jewelry selection of engagement rings. At The Estate Watch and Jewelry Company, we would be happy to assist you in choosing your perfect engagement ring! You can even talk to one of our jewelers if you wish to create your own special engagement ring. We look forward to seeing you soon!