19 Salt-and-Pepper Diamond Engagement Rings for the Alternative Bride

Different and one of a kind!

Updated 01/22/19

It’s been ingrained in our brains that a sparkling (and sizable!) white diamond makes the ultimate engagement ring. But, as many modern brides will attest, a white diamond isn’t the be-all and end-all. If you lean toward an alternative aesthetic or you’re simply interested in an engagement ring that’s less expected, then a salt-and-pepper diamond is a fantastic choice.

What Is a Salt-and-Pepper Diamond?

A salt-and-pepper diamond is a diamond with inclusions that appear black and white. Some will have more inclusions than others, and no two diamonds are alike—some will be dark and moody, others come light and bright with just a few tiny blemishes, while still others can look almost gray.

Salt-and-pepper diamonds are still diamonds, which means they’re still incredibly rare and valuable. The difference is that they come with a smidge more character than a highly sought flawless white diamond and make for a distinctive engagement ring that veers slightly left of center without teetering too far into avant-garde territory.

While salt-and-pepper diamonds are inherently alternative, you can opt for the speckled stone in a timeless setting to prevent it from feeling overly modern—a solitaire stone will read super clean, especially in a classic cut like cushion, round, oval, or pear. Or, if you are feeling something especially unique, modern stone shapes and settings abound. You can even go for a raw or rough cut salt-and-pepper diamond or a rose-gold setting if you’re coveting an engagement ring with loads of character.

If you think a salt-and-pepper diamond is right for your engagement ring, ahead, scroll our edit of 19 options for every style and budget.

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