As the old saying goes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But what about colored stones? Or a stone that isn’t a diamond all together?
Are these as well-received as diamonds? Engagement ring trends are a-changing and there are so many different variations of the traditional diamond. From stone type, to color, to shape, to ring style, engagement rings have taken a unique turn.
If you’re in the market to propose in 2020, here are 10 unique engagement ring ideas to consider for your future fiancé.
1. Non-Traditional Setting
Forget the traditional pronged setting engagement ring! Jewelers are starting to offer more and more options for engagement ring settings.
The traditional prong style sets the diamond up a bit, held in by a set of prongs. This shows off the diamond, but it also makes it more likely that that stone could get damaged, scratch you, or catch on your hair or clothing.
A non-traditional setting, like a bezel setting, completely encases the stone in whichever metal you choose (gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum, etc.). Not only it is a unique setting, but it also protects your center stone from damage or getting lost.
A bar setting is another option. This setting has a stone or stones sitting between two metal bars. It’s a sleek setting, great for someone who wants a low-profile ring.
2. Colored Stone
Colored stones are making a huge statement in rings. Whether you want something more subtle, like an aquamarine engagement ring, or a bolder stone, like an emerald or a ruby, colored stones are more popular than ever.
Colored stones are not only unique, they are often less expensive than traditional diamonds, meaning you can get a larger center stone or spend more on the ring metal or setting.
3. Minimalist Look
More and more people are going with the minimalist look when it comes to engagement rings. Whether your future spouse works a job that doesn’t allow a large piece of jewelry and necessitates something low profile or they just prefer more simple styles, minimalist rings are an option.
4. Conflict-Free Diamond
If you really want to buy your partner a traditional diamond, but both of you are uncomfortable with some of the practices used to mine and sell diamonds, a conflict-free diamond is an option. Conflict diamonds are used to finance terror activities and civil wars against existing governments.
If a diamond is truly conflict-free, it means that it was mined and shipped in a humane manner. A truly conflict-free diamond comes with a Kimberley Process Certification. This was developed in conjunction with the UN to provide diamond-buyers with the peace of mind that they are getting a conflict-free diamond.
5. Vintage Ring
Instead of going with a brand-new engagement ring, you might consider a vintage ring from a family member or one that is found at an antique jewelry store or estate sale.
Vintage rings have unique settings, stones, and styles often unlike anything available in jewelry stores today.
6. Pearl or Opal Stone
A pearl or an opal can be a showstopping stone, albeit a nontraditional one. Emma Stone sports a pearl stone set in beige gold and surrounded by a diamond halo setting.
Pearls or opals are another stone where you can get quite a bang for your buck with a large stone that doesn’t come with a large price tag.
7. Uncut Diamonds
Uncut diamonds are literally that–they are uncut and unpolished, so their shape is unique and not in a traditional princess, solitaire, emerald, oval, round, etc. shape. Uncut, or rough, diamonds often appear white or gray and are truly one of a kind, as their unique shape and color mean they can’t be replicated.
You’ll never find someone else with the same ring.
8. Unique Shape
Sure, most future brides know the standard stone shapes: princess cut, marquise, emerald cut, solitaire, etc. but what about something that’s not typical at all?
Teardrops, octagonal stones, triangles, or even a cluster of stones in different shapes have been spotted among celebrities and unique brides alike.
Like the uncut diamonds, a unique shape will ensure your fiancé will have a ring unlike many others.
9. Band
If a large stone ring isn’t your style, you can still make a statement with a gorgeous band. Whether you want something in solid gold or inlaid with stones, a band is a classy way to change things up.
The neat thing about bands is that you can stack them (think more than one engagement ring!) and combine them with a wedding band for a really unique look.
10. Claddagh Ring
A Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that represents love, loyalty, and friendship. There are three components to the ring: hands, a heart, and a crown. There are two hands around a heart, the represents friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty or fidelity.
When you get engaged, you wear the ring on your left hand with the heart pointed outwards and once married, the ring is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inwards.
Unique Engagement Ring Ideas Your Fiancé Will Love
Whether these unique engagement ring ideas inspire you or you want to go with a traditional diamond in a traditional setting, the most important thing is to choose something you like (or give your partner direction on what you like!). You’ll hopefully wear this ring for the rest of your life, so it’s important to love it!
If you liked the ideas here, check out some of our other posts for more unique and innovative ideas for your life!
