Uniquely brilliant: Alternative engagement rings for modern brides
Fairytale not her thing? These unusual ring styles are guaranteed to impress non-traditional brides
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.
Minka Jewels Toi et Moi ring
Exceptional cuts and colours in modern designs are the signatures of Minka Jewels and the Toi et Moi ring showcases this brilliantly. Translating to ‘You and Me’, this ring is as elegant and romantic as the name, designed in a contemporary style for timeless beauty. A chunky 18-karat gold band complete with geometrically cut sapphire and tourmaline gemstones brings beautiful pops of colour and vibrancy in an unusual but effective way.
Engelbert The Legacy Knot Ring
A stunning 18-karat rose 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’.
Boodles A Family Journey Prague ring
Go beautifully bold with Boodles’ vibrant Prague ring, intricately crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, purple Malaya Madagascan garnet, teal enamel and brilliant-cut diamonds. Part of the jeweller’s Family Journey collection, the design is inspired by house president Nicholas Wainwright’s journey across Europe to source fine diamonds and gemstones, incorporated with Art Nouveau influences. An ornamental cushion shape, sparkling with colour, it‘s the perfect piece for a bride whose tastes are anything but plain.
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 very special 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 18-karat white gold band is topped with a V-shaped motif encrusted in pavé 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 rose 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.
V by Laura Vann Cascading Halo ring
Combining contemporary style with Art Deco and vintage inspirations, female- and family-founded brand V by 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
