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38 of the most dazzling alternative engagement rings that will make a statement

From rainbow-bright stones to new statement designs, we’ve handpicked the most modern rings that celebrate unique style

While the diamond solitaire still has its place in wedding lore, an increasing number of couples are taking a more unconventional approach to the classic engagement ring, opting for edgier, more surprising designs. From sprays of coloured stones and recycled precious metals to unique settings, we edit this season’s best alternative engagement rings that are perfect for saying “I do”.

The solitaire diamond set on a simple platinum band has long been the go-to engagement ring, a universal symbol of romantic partnership and marriage. And yet, tastes have evolved. The millennial couple wants more than the traditional, and jewellers are inviting the newly betrothed to leave conventionality at the door, with designs incorporating mixed metals, kaleidoscopic gemstones and striking cuts.

The engagement ring can be traced as far back as the Ancient Roman Empire, when it was declared by Pope Nicolas that the sanctity of marriage should be honoured with a ring “of faith”. A plain band in silver or gold was given to the wife, which she would wear to show society that she was no longer available to court. 

It was only in the late 15th century that the diamond first made an appearance, sparkling on the finger of Mary of Burgundy when she became engaged to the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Where the gentility led, others followed, and engagement rings became de rigueur for any couple set to walk down the aisle, with a classic round or oval diamond solitaire the stone of choice. 

However, just as weddings are no longer confined to the traditional, neither is the engagement. These days, modern couples-to-be more likely shop for a ring together, looking for something that will make a statement and allow their self-expression and individuality to shine through. From ‘toi et moi rings’, where two gemstones nestle side by side, to sprays of diamonds and vintage-inspired designs, the modern engagement ring is a perfect excuse to say ‘I do’ with a work of art. We handpick the best alternative engagement rings that will make a statement.

The Glossary Edit

alternative engagement rings

38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Messika

Gold & diamond Magnetic Attraction Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Liv Luttrell

Recycled gold, white gold & diamond Bespoke Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Ara Vartanian

White gold & diamond Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Marei New York

Gold, diamond & black enamel Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Fernando Jorge

Gold & Diamond ‘Radiant’ Ring
£8,400
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Boghossian

White gold, diamond, topaz & aquamarine ‘Inlay Shine’ ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Marlo Laz

Gold, tourmaline & diamond Alexandra Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Fawaz Gruosi

White gold & diamond Enlaced Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

David Morris

White gold & diamond ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

De Beers

White gold & diamond Knysna Chameleon Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Dina Kamal

Brushed gold & diamond Serpentine Open Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Dior Joaillerie

White gold & diamond Rose Dior Bagatelle ring
£9,500
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Emma Clarkson Webb

Gold, white gold, sapphire & diamond Target Engagement Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Alicia Jane & Co.

White gold & diamond ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Grace Lee

Gold & diamond Marquise Helix Ring
£8,775
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Boucheron

Gold & diamond ‘Serpent Boheme’ three motifs ring
£11,700
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Graff

Gold, platinum & diamond ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Harlin Jones

White gold, rose gold, tourmaline & diamond ring
£7,225
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Jemma Wynne

Gold & diamond Bespoke Shield Open Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Lily Gabriella

White gold & diamond Spira Ring
£10,200
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Bulgari

White gold & diamond Fiorever ring
£12,300
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Milamore

Gold & diamond ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Mindi Mond

White gold, baroque pearl & diamond ring
£7,185
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Carbon & Hyde

Gold & diamond Royal Throne Ring
£10,040
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Minka

Gold, tourmaline & diamond Mermaid Ring
£8,500
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Niza Huang

White gold & diamond ring
£3,160
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Nour by Jahan

Rose gold & diamond ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Omnéque

Gold & silver Victorian ruby, sapphire & diamond double heart ring
£6,750
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Dale Novick

Rose gold, kunzite & diamond Ring
£4,215
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Patcharavipa

Gold & diamond Topsail Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Piaget

White gold, diamond & ruby Blazing Night Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Pomellato

Rose gold & diamond Nudo Solitaire Ring
£10,780
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Rahaminov Diamonds

Gold, rose gold & diamond Multicolor Branch Ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Repossi

Pink gold & diamond Serti Inversé Ring
£6,130
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Tasaki

White gold, Ayoka pearl & diamond Cove Ring
£10,500
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Thelma West

Gold, black ceramic & diamond Rebel Black ring
POA
38 of the Most Dazzling Alternative Engagement Rings

Vrai

White gold & diamond Duet Emerald Ring
£1,805
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