15 Unique Engagement Rings With Diamond Alternatives For Modern Brides

You've found yourself here, so I'm going to hazard a guess that you're not the generic type, and typical engagement and wedding rings feel way too obvious for your liking.

You wouldn't wear traditional jewellery in general, so why would you want a standard diamond solitaire and halo ring to represent your unique love story?

I'm with you. So much so, that I've made it my business (quite literally) to create a collection of unique engagement rings to inspire the modern, unconventional bride.

I believe your jewellery should reflect your individuality and feel personal to you. And so, I love exploring alternative gemstones and different precious metals to help you find the ultimate ring to seal the deal.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most stunning and unconventional alternatives to traditional diamond rings, designed for the new romantics. 

Why ditch the diamond?

Dating back as far as the 1400s, and crystallised in the famous 1940s De Beers 'A Diamond Is Forever' advertising campaign, diamonds have been the age-old choice of gem for engagement rings.

But you're not one to follow convention, right?

It doesn't matter whether you're an all-out rule breaker, or simply prefer contemporary classics to outdated options, there are plenty of reasons to ditch the diamond engagement ring;

• Self-expression – a diamond just might not feel very you, so you're naturally searching for a unique ring that reflects your style and personality.

• Ethical and sustainable choices – while all of the diamonds we use at Kate Smith Jewellery are ethically sourced, you may prefer to explore alternatives without the negative associations diamonds have come to have.

• Budget factors – stunning gemstones like moissanite or sapphire can offer incredible sparkle at a fraction of the cost.

• Birthstones - many modern brides love to embrace their birthstone in choosing an engagement ring, so it feels like a more personal choice (what's yours?).

• One-of-a-kind – lots of brides and couples I work with simply want a ring that no one else has, and who can blame them? 

Modern design choices

Jewellery design has come a long way, and there are so many different techniques and styles to choose from.

Some of the modern design choices we love to use to create more unusual engagement rings include:

Modern techniques

• Acid etching: this process is used to create delicate, nature-inspired patterns on metal surfaces. 

• Textured finishes: we love to apply unique finishes like frosted or satin textures to our pieces, giving them an organic, eroded appearance. 

Contemporary styles

• Nature-inspired designs: drawing from natural elements, we create rings that echo forms such as windswept sand dunes, cherry blossoms, and seed pods.

• Organic forms: we love to incorporate nibbled edges and asymmetrical shapes, lending an organic, handcrafted feel to our pieces. 

• Modern collections: all of our collections feature modern designs with clean lines and organic patterns. 

Stunning gemstone alternatives to replace the traditional diamond engagement ring

Sapphire

Timeless yet more unconventional than diamonds, sapphires come in a variety of colours beyond the classic blue you might associate with them, including pink, green, yellow, purple, and orange. So, a sapphire engagement ring can be a really vibrant and durable alternative.

Emerald

A favourite of none other than Cleopatra, emerald's rich green colouring exudes elegance and individuality - a perfect choice if you like a vintage aesthetic with a modern touch.  

Moissanite

Moissanite has a brilliance that rivals diamonds but comes at a lower price and without the associated ethical concerns, making a moissanite engagement ring an ideal option if you love classic sparkle but crave a fresh twist.

Morganite 

This soft pink gemstone has a romantic, delicate vibe - a lovely choice if you enjoy pastel hues and all things pink. 

Ruby

A symbol of passion and devotion, ruby makes a really strong statement as an engagement ring. That classic red colouring is beautifully offset by modern design techniques - plus, it's durable enough for everyday wear.

Alexandrite 

Known for its captivating colour change from green to purplish-red, alexandrite is a rare choice for those who love a ring with a magical feel. 

Did you know it was mistaken for emerald when it was first discovered in 1800s Russia?

Garnet

With its deep red and sometimes earthy tones, garnet is an affordable yet striking option that suits those looking for a vintage-inspired or bohemian engagement ring made using contemporary techniques.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a modern and eye-catching choice for those who love something distinctive. It comes in everything from deep greens to vibrant pinks and even striking bi-colour variations, which have a gradient of colours.

Spinel 

Often mistaken for ruby or sapphire, spinel is another beautiful gem which comes in lots of different colours, including deep red, pink, blue, and even grey tones, making it a fantastic choice for a non-traditional ring.

Topaz

With shades ranging from cool London Blue to warm peachy Imperial Topaz, this gemstone is both affordable and striking, perfect for someone who wants a pop of colour to brighten up their jewellery box.

Tanzanite

A rare gem that shifts between deep blue and violet hues, tanzanite is ideal for those who love rich, bold colours with a touch of exclusivity.

Alternative precious metals for a unique engagement ring

Yellow gold, white gold, and platinum may still be the most popular precious metals for engagement rings.

But why not break with convention by opting for an alternative like silver or rose gold?

This dreamy rose gold engagement ring with morganite gemstone makes a real statement.

Meanwhile, this Dune silver engagement ring with an aquamarine gemstone from our bespoke collection is simply stunning. 

One-of-a-kind, handmade rings for a one-of-a-kind bride

Speaking of our custom ring making service, this is a highly popular choice for brides and grooms who know only a one-off will do.

It allows you to let your imagination run free, and combine creativity with good old fashioned craftsmanship.

We've made thousands of custom handmade engagement rings, giving proposals a deeply personal touch. 

Explore some of our favourite bespoke rings (with guide prices) and second marriage ring inspiration - and of course, please do drop us a line if you have ideas you'd like to discuss.

Old jewellery, new classics

Another way to create a truly unique handmade engagement ring is to transform old jewellery into a new classic.

It could be a family heirloom, an antique piece, or simply old rings you never wear and want to breathe new life into.

A quick note on my bespoke and remodelling services! It's really important to me to honour the individuality of my style as a jewellery designer, so I'll only create pieces that reflect my unique designs. 

A ring as unique as you

Your engagement ring will be a piece of jewellery you reach for every day. So, you want to find a ring that feels like part of your personality - one that people will admire and say "oh wow - that's SO you!"

It's truly an honour for me and my team to play a small part in that process for you, guiding and advising you about what's possible and helping you find the perfect, non-traditional ring to cherish.

All of our jewellery is made by hand in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, where we combine contemporary style and custom designs with classic British craftsmanship.

If you like what you see, shop engagement rings online or contact me about bespoke engagement rings or remodelled rings if you'd prefer a unique ring handmade to order.