Your engagement ring is an expression of your personal style. And while a single solitaire is a classic choice, not every bride-to-be dreams of a traditional engagement ring. And that's ok. There are plenty of fish in the sea — or, in this case, fabulous rings. If you're looking something a little less conventional, we've got you covered.
We enlisted acclaimed jewelry and bridal designer, Molly Guy, Creative Director at Stone Fox Bride to get the scoop on alternative styles. "Personally, I'd say that a diamond solitaire or a diamond halo ring is as traditional as it gets these days." Whereas nontraditional rings tend to incorporate asymmetry, multiple stones, different types of metals, gemstones and diamonds — raw, black, champagne and grey. "I'm seeing a lot of brides opt for a somewhat classic setting but with a unique center stone, like sapphires, emeralds, tourmaline and aquamarine. And so many couples are working on the ring together, which is definitely not the traditional route our parents went back in the day."
When it comes to finding (or creating) the perfect engagement ring, there's no precise formula and the options are so endless. In need of some inspo? Keep scrolling for 16 alternative styles that are so striking, you'll wonder if it's appropriate to wear one on every finger.
Inspired by the sun and stars, this handcrafted ring has an almost heavenly glow. The sparkling center stone is accented by an ornate rose gold, diamond and black onyx halo setting. ("Plume" rose gold diamond ring, $19,000, Golkonda)
Calling all boho brides! The raw grey diamond adds an earthiness to this elegant rose gold ring. Diamond pavé accentuates the natural beauty of the stone. (Raw grey diamond engagement ring, $6,500, Stone Fox Bride)
Dreaming of a fairytale ring? Nature and eternal love are beautifully manifested in this whimsical design. Sapphire and tsavorite garnet flower petals adorn the sides for an ethereal effect. ("Thalia" engagement ring, $15,950, Claire Pettibone Fine Jewelry Collection available at Trumpet & Horn)
Princess Kate eat your heart out! This sapphire stunner is finished with delicate milgrain detail and pavé diamonds — for just a hint of sparkle. (Sapphire loop ring, $1,277, Jennie Kwon Designs)
For a more contemporary choice, try a chic ring stack. The best part? It can be personalized and added to over the years. This is aso a great choice from brides who tend to change their mind frequently. ("Bea Suite No. 06" engagement ring, $7,100, Anna Sheffield)
Do you believe in magic? This v-shaped solitaire band — adorned with champagne and white diamonds — draws influence from the Victorian and Georgian eras as well as modern day mystics, poets and musicians. ("Ritual" solitaire ring, $7,200, ManiaMania)
This deeply romantic design combines rose gold and ruby-accented wings. The ring itself exudes warmth and passion — fitting for a symbol of your everlasting devotion. (Ruby Wings" 18K rose gold engagement ring, $12,900, Erstwhile)
This asymmetrical design is perfect for beachy brides! An oceanic combination of stones — seafoam and green-blue sapphires, aquamarine and a single champagne diamond — is giving us major mermaid vibes. (Hex sapphire cluster ring, $2,837, Bario Neal)
This vintage-inspired, rose gold navette style ring is truly a show-stopper. A brilliant cut white diamond is framed in a marquise halo, decorated with a fleur-de-lis motif. ("Moulin Rouge" engagement ring, $4,950, Trumpet & Horn)
For brides who think outside the box, err solitaire. Shard-like baguettes — in lieu of a single center stone — give a nod to tradition, while staying totally au courant. (Shard split halo ring with blue sapphires, $10,650, Polly Wales)
If you're anything like us, you're more than a little obsessed with opal. This radiant ring features a rose cut diamond, nestled above a tiny opal stone. (Large nestled diamond and opal ring, $9,600, Wwake)
Elegantly modern yet with a vintage spirit, this handmade ring features a rose cut black diamond, flanked by two brilliant cut, pear-shaped diamonds in romantic, rose gold setting. ("Mathilde the Swan" black diamond engagement ring, $3,200, Catbird)
If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate your love, this is it. The seemingly scattered baguette diamond setting is totally eye-catching. (18K rose gold diamond ring, $11,000, Suzanne Kalan)
While the pear-shaped center stone may feel traditional, the rose cut salt and pepper diamonds are anything but. This cluster-style ring shimmers from every angle, so don't be surprised if you find yourself distracted by your own hand. (Mine-cut nico ring, $3,650, Digby & Iona)
This stunning double band nesting solitaire pays homage to vintage design — with a mix of brilliant and marquise cut diamonds, surrounded by an intricate reclaimed gold motif. It's lovely on its own, but really shines when paired with other bands. ("Vena Amoris" nesting ring, $2,950, Blanca Monrós Gómez)
Two uniquely cut diamonds — pear-shaped natural black and triangle-shaped speckled grey — are joined together with a delicate pavé band. Symbolic of the union between bride and groom, this ravishing ring embodies the spirit of true romance. (Double pear rose-cut pavé ring, $3,955, Rebecca Overmann)
