Uniquely brilliant: Alternative engagement rings for modern brides
Fairytale not her thing? These unusual ring styles are guaranteed to impress non-traditional brides
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While diamonds may be considered a girl’s best friend, and the classic engagement ring typically features a solitaire diamond in a bezel or prong setting, there are no rules when it comes to finding the most important piece of jewellery you’ll ever buy. Except one: she has to love it. Every bride is different and, if alternative engagement rings are more her style, the good news is a roster of jewellers are stepping up to offer plenty of choice.
From simple cigar bands to vintage styles, and colourful gemstones to offbeat shapes, cuts and silhouettes, there are plenty of contemporary ring designers more than happy to step away from the traditional. Whether you’re looking for a way to (not so) subtly hint at some ideas to your loved one, or are preparing to pop the question to a bride-to-be who likes things a little different, we’ve put together an edit of some of the best alternative engagement rings from both legendary jewellery houses who’ve been helping couples tie the knot forever and independent brands bringing a modern approach to proposals.
Blackacre Senna ring
Sustainable jewellery house Blackacre has an exceptional array of engagement rings, from classic solitaires, halos and three-stone styles to bespoke creations to those a little more quirky and less conventional. The Senna offers a one-of-a-kind toi-et-moi – translating to ‘you and me’ – silhouette, featuring a sparkling pear cut white diamond alongside a champagne pear cut diamond sitting on a yellow gold double band. Striking yet elegant, the Senna is perfect for brides wanting something a little different from the status quo – and this ring is as beautiful and romantic as the name suggests.
Bucherer Diamond Twist ring
Bucherer’s new line, named Diamond Twist, brings a dazzling selection of contemporary style rings, earrings, bangles and necklaces to the globally renowned Swiss brand’s portfolio. Cut from 18-karat rose gold in a twisted, flowing silhouette and scattered with brilliant cut and pear cut diamonds, this ring shows off a refined and playful design that is effortlessly graceful and pure perfection for modern brides.
Minka Jewels Berlin Gypsy tourmaline ring
Exceptional cuts and colours in modern designs are the hallmarks of Minka Jewels, and the Berlin Gypsy ring showcases this brilliantly, designed in a contemporary style for timeless beauty. A chunky 18-karat yellow gold band complete with bold teal tourmaline and flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds brings a beautiful pop of colour and vibrancy in an unusual but effective way.
Engelbert The Legacy Knot Ring
A stunning 18-karat white gold ring dusted with twinkling pavé diamonds, Engelbert’s Legacy Knot ring is as symbolically special as it is sparkly. This elegant design from the brand’s signature Knot collection has a distinctive twisted silhouette representing connection, unity and continuity, integral parts of a loving and everlasting relationship. An unconventional but delicate curved shape, it also plays on the expression ‘tie the knot’.
Jessie Thomas Oval diamond cigar band
Each piece of Jessie Thomas’ fine jewellery is handmade in her London workshop using recycled gold, responsibly-sourced stones and the highest quality diamonds from Botswana. A very simple but highly effective design, this contemporary shaped ring with a cigar band style is set with a central oval diamond for a minimalistic but timelessly sharp style.
Anita Ko Domed diamond ring
Look to LA-based fine jewellery brand Anita Ko for a contemporary twist on classic engagement rings, designed with modern women in mind. Feminine and sophisticated, this dome-shaped ring is crafted from 18-karat white gold and encrusted with pavé diamonds which perfectly catch the light for maximum dazzle. Set by hand, the rows of stones form a curved striped silhouette for a hugely special and unusual finish.
De Beers Adonis Rose Eternity Ring
Specialist in the diamond industry since the 1800s, De Beers is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. In fact, it created the very concept of eternity rings in the 1960s, symbolic of never-ending love. Its Adonis Rose eternity ring sees dazzling micropavé diamonds line an undulating platinum band adorned with bezel-set marquise-shaped diamonds to represent leaves along a long-stemmed rose. A truly romantic design, each natural diamond has been ethically sourced and set by hand and offers a different style of engagement ring to the jeweller’s classics.
Chaumet Joséphine Aigrette Ring
Chaumet’s majestic combination of white gold, diamonds and pearls puts this ring in a different league. Named after Empress Joséphine, the first wife of Napoleon I, and inspired by her draw-dropping tiaras, this ring is bold and graceful with an air of regality. The V-shaped 18-karat white gold band is encrusted in brilliant-cut diamonds alongside cultured Akoya pearls for a stunning statement piece, fit for a queen with a quirky edge.
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons Ring
Show your infinite love with Chopard’s ring – a heart shaped design crafted from 18-karat yellow gold. Inside the romantic casing are three floating diamonds which will dance in the light as they move. Playful and perfect for the free-spirited bride, the Happy Diamonds collection was created in 1976 and remains a firm favourite.
Laura Vann Cascading Halo ring
Combining contemporary style with Art Deco and vintage inspirations, female- and family-founded brand Laura Vann creates unique and highly delicate jewellery pieces using precious stones, golds and diamonds. The cascading halo ring is a beautiful example of its skilled craftsmanship, taking 18-karat yellow gold (set with either natural diamonds or lab grown, your choice) and designed into a halo silhouette. The arrangement is set with bright, bold emeralds and calibré-cut stones for a pretty graduated effect.
Read more: Where to buy an engagement ring in London
