Breaking Tradition: The Rise of Alternative Engagement Rings
- Josanne Mark
- May 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
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Once upon a time, the diamond solitaire was the universal symbol of engagement. But times have changed, and so have the couples. More and more, modern love stories are being told through alternative engagement rings that prioritise meaning over tradition.
These are not rings chosen from a case; they're custom designed with intention. Rings that reflect personal style, individual stories, and emotional significance.
What Makes an Engagement Ring ‘Alternative’?
An alternative engagement ring is not defined by what it isn’t; it’s defined by what it is. Meaningful, personal, and often non-traditional!
This could mean:
Choosing non-diamond stones like sapphires, rubies, tourmaline (the possibilities are vast)
Incorporating birthstones or anniversary stones
Designing around shared symbols or personal motifs
Opting for gender-neutral or androgynous styles
Adding hidden elements only the couple knows about
These design choices are as much statements of identity as they are expressions of love!
Choosing Meaning Over Convention:
In this bespoke engagement ring, a teal moissanite, chosen to reflect the bride’s vibrant spirit and distinct beauty, takes centre stage. She lovingly calls her groom ‘Bee,’ so we echoed that intimacy in sculpted honeybee motifs with diamond accents that gather around the stone. A deeply anecdotal design, rich with meaning only the couple truly understands.
Beyond Personal Preference, Could a Coloured Gem also Be the Smarter Choice?
When it comes to value, coloured gemstones can be more precious than diamonds; specifically high-quality, rare, natural stones. Gems like Paraíba tourmaline, with its electric blues and greens, or Tanzanite, which is 1,000 times rarer than diamond and admired for its vivid violet-blue hues, are highly coveted by collectors. Hence, they retain more resale value than diamonds and can even appreciate over time. Then there are the classics: Top grade Rubies and blue sapphires, especially those from regions like Burma or Kashmir, which can command exceptional value when untreated. Even rarer varieties, like the peachy-pink Padparadscha sapphire, continue to rise in desirability. So choosing colour can also mean investing in rarity!
We crafted this androgynous alternative engagement band ring for a client:
This design was crafted to embody both strength and softness, balancing masculine structure with feminine delicacy. Its industrial-inspired form reflects the wearer’s personal style, while the intricate dragonfly detailing nods to a deeply personal symbol. At its centre, a baguette-cut Indicolite Tourmaline evokes the depth and mystery of the ocean. And hidden beneath the surface, the most intimate detail of all: the fingerprint of the one they love, etched in secret.
Designing with Symbolism
In bespoke design, symbolism adds conceptual depth. As seen in these rings, a meaningful symbol, (like the honeybee, the dragonfly and the hue of the ocean) can serve as visual shorthand for personal values, life transitions, or shared memories, enriching the piece beyond its aesthetic.
For one couple celebrating 21 years of marriage, we created this morganite anniversary ring. Morganite is a soft pink gem associated with love and compassion. The ring also featured white sapphires and 21 diamonds, with three tucked discreetly inside the band to represent the couple’s children. A quiet yet powerful symbol of the life they built together.
A New Era of Engagement Rings
Alternative doesn’t mean less; it means more. More personal, more intentional, and more aligned with who you truly are. Whether it’s a coloured gemstone, a hidden symbol, or a design that breaks the mould, today’s engagement rings are rewriting tradition in the most beautiful ways!
If you're considering a ring that tells your story, we’d be honoured to help you bring it to life.
Enjoyed this! I particularly love love the dragon fly ring
I always thought that diamond rings were just too cliched. I agree that color is more