How do I pick a wedding band that complements a unique engagement ring?

A ring that has a wow-factor to it should be paired with a wedding band that doesn't overshadow the ring but instead enhances it. A plain metal band - in gold or platinum pairs well with just about every engagement ring. If you are still looking for a bit more sparkle consider a simple pavé wedding band. Keep in mind that it might be more challenging to find a wedding band that fits a peculiarly shaped engagement ring, and you may choose to forego one.

Where can I shop for a unique engagement ring?

Unique engagement rings are not usually found at traditional jewelers, although you may come across a few options. The best route to take when searching for this ring style is looking at antique or heirloom rings. Jewelers that don't specialize in engagement rings are also a good option because they tend to have more daring and avant-garde styles.

Can I design my own unique engagement ring?

While it is a bit more costly, there is always the option to design your own ring if you aren't finding anything that fits your vision. Research and find a jeweler whose aesthetic best matches yours and see if they would be willing to help you create a custom piece.

The 30 Best Unique Engagement Ring Settings and Styles

The unconventional bride is perhaps the most exhilarating—her distinctive taste is incomparable to that of a timeless, bohemian, or modern bride, making her the ideal candidate for a spectacular and unique engagement ring that defies tradition. We find this to be one of the most thrilling facets of such a bride, wouldn’t you say? She embraces rare finds that wouldn’t be found in most jewelry cases, making it essential to hone in on a design that’s entirely unexpected. This goes beyond opting for a colored gemstone or considering a one-off setting. It’s about an extreme wow factor, a fantastical creation grounded in innovative design and remarkable artistry.

A trillion-shaped sapphire dyad centered amid a yellow gold frame by Bario Neal could stand up. Perhaps an architectural and disruptive design of oval-cut diamonds and pavé accents by Dauphin would do the trick? Spinelli Kilcollin’s three linked ring design would be a stunning choice, complete with micropavé white diamonds, pavé-set prongs, and a one-carat center white diamond with 18k white gold connectors in 18K yellow and rose gold.

We know, such extraordinary style is a tall order. And seemingly pricey to boot. Truth be told, many rings of this nature are costly, but going for one-of-a-kind doesn’t have equate bespoke or custom—inimitable designs like the above mentioned abound and with the exact type of exceptionality an unconventional bride craves. For those who are more price conscious, going for a gemstone, a cluster silhouette, or contemporary shape comprised of smaller stones will help keep the cost down. Plus, they’re equally impactful, we promise. Wherever you fall on the unconventional spectrum, we culled spectacular and unexpected engagement rings to peruse. From exceptional cuts to ornate settings to entirely avant-garde shapes, these rings are perfect for the bride eschewing tradition.

Ahead, 30 spectacular and unexpected engagement rings to inspire you.

Harry Winston Cluster Large Diamond Ring

This cluster ring from Harry Winston features a combination of pear-shaped and marquise diamonds set in a platinum band.

Bario Neal Trillion Dyad Ring

Bario Neal Trillion Dyad White Sapphire Ring — COURTESY OF BARIO NEAL

The vertically set diamonds on this engagement ring make for an unexpected twist. The two diamonds featured are ethically sourced from Sri Lanka.

Price at time of publish: $2,170

Karma El Kahil Cast of a Withering Light Ring

A solitaire triangular-shaped topaz is set in the center of this ring from Karma El Kahil. The stone is held in a pavé three-prong setting with a pavé 18k gold band.

Anita Ko Three-Stone Claw Ring

Anita Ko Three Stone Claw Diamond Ring — COURTESY OF ANITA KO

This claw ring incorporates three pear-shaped diamonds in a wraparound design set on a pavé band in rose gold.

Price at time of publish: $10,300

Celia Brown "Teeth" Pavé Ring

This nontraditional design features marquise cut diamonds on pavé band set in 18k yellow gold.

Kavant & Sharart "Talay Wave" Ring

Kavant&Sharart Wave Ring — COURTESY OF KAVANT & SHARART

Capturing the essence of the sea, this wave design ring features an array of diamonds set in 18k white gold. The best part? You can twin with Laverne Cox.

Price at time of publish: $6,050

Digby & Iona "Double Kira" Ring

Made from 100 percent recycled yellow gold, this ring features 2 trillion diamonds on a chevron-design band.

Price at time of publish: $4,650

Bliss Lau "Mirage" Ring

This ring was "inspired by the concept of visual entanglement," according to Bliss Lau's website. It features black spinel with diamond pavé flanks, set in recycled white gold.

Price at time of publish: $5,430

Azlee "Glow" Diamond Ring

Baguette- and princess-cut diamonds make up this triangular-shaped engagement ring.

Swati Dhanak "Feature Shards" Ring

For a chic, modern look, consider this Swati Dhanak engagement ring that features shards of diamonds in 18k white gold.

Price at time of publish: $3,230

Kat Kim "Emerald Sunset" Pavé Ring

This emerald-cut sunset is a dainty design for your forever ring. It is available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

Ilana Ariel Diamond Pear Short Ring

Illana Ariel Diamond Circle Short Ring — COURTESY OF ILLANA ARIEL COLLECTIONS

This ring features horizontally placed diamonds in pear- and princess-cut on a 14k gold band.

Price at time of publish: $5,300

Graziela Diamond Affinity Ring

Natural Diamonds Diamond Affinity Ring — COURTESY OF NATURAL DIAMONDS

Moi et Toi style rings are a romantic way to show you and your partners love. This design features two diamonds in a halo setting on a pavé band.

Jane Taylor "Petite Cloud Swing" Ring

Art deco meets boho with this engagement ring from Jane Taylor. The center stone is flanked by square-cut diamonds followed by two small rounded diamonds for continued sparkle.

Price at time of publish: $13,675

Spinelli Kilcollin "Artemis" Ring

Why have one ring when you can have three in one? This ring named after the Greek deity Artemis includes three bands in yellow and rose gold.

Kwiat "Ashoka" Diamond Ring

These Ashoka-cut diamonds meet on a Moi et Toi style ring with a pavé band.

Mark Broumand Yellow Pear Shaped Diamond Ring

This pear-shaped diamond is surrounded by a swirl of baguette and round diamonds, set in platinum.

Après Jewelry "The Nova" Ring

For an avant-garde style ring, try this marquise-cut diamond with pavè band and X-shaped pavè halo.

Blanca Monrós Gómez Vena Amoris Ring

This double band highlights a unique array of diamonds. The center stone is nestled around marquise-cut diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $3,965

Jacquie Aiche Teardrop Diamond Tiara Ring

This engagement ring from Jacquie Aiche feels like something out of a fairy tale. The tiara design holds pear shaped diamonds on a pavé band.

Price at time of publish: $2,565

Sofia Kaman 'Zelda' Ring

The art deco design on this ring truly steals the show. French-cut diamonds surround the center old European–cut diamond. The 18k rose gold band is engraved with milgrain detailing.

Price at time of publish: $7,150

1st Dibs Old Emerald Cut Diamond Ring

If sparkle is the most important aspect of your engagement ring, look no further than this vintage emerald cut flanked by tapering shoulders set with a line of calibre-cut baguette diamonds between rows of single-cut diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $69,668

Kwiat Engagement Ring with an Emerald Cut Diamond and Deco Link Band

This modern ring features a deco chain-link design on a pavé band. The center stone is an emerald-cut diamond.

Ashley Zhang Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

Make a statement with this pink tourmaline and diamond ring from Ashley Zhang. This ring dates back to the 1950s and features a swirl design with tapered baguette diamonds around the pink tourmaline center stone.

Après Jewelry The Beatrix Ring Setting

This T-bar ring features a shield-cut center stone in a halo setting. It's a modern-looking ring that's available in both dot and claw prongs.

Trumpet & Horn Rose Gold Tiara Ring

Consider this elegant vintage-inspired tiara ring. Reminiscent of the Victorian era, this ring features a .71ct pear brilliant-shaped diamond under a foursome of bezel-set round brilliant-cut diamonds. The stones are set on a pavé band with milgrain accents.

Alexis Russell One-of-a-Kind Montana Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring

This cluster ring combines a shield cut Montana sapphire with an array of differently shaped diamonds. It is crafted in 14k rose gold.

Mociun Alchemy Ring

This one-of-a-kind engagement ring from Mociun features two modified shield brilliant-cut diamonds. Between the two stones is a modified bezel setting.

Price at time of publish: $11,950

Nikos Koulis White Gold Ring

For an unexpected modern look, consider this ring from Nikos Koulis. The intricate design is truly like no other.

Anna Sheffield Champagne Diamond Halo Ring

A champagne diamond is a beautiful alternative to a diamond, and this unique design shows just that. The center marquise-cut champagne stone is in a halo setting and flanked by two triangular shaped diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $18,765

What to Look For When Buying an Engagement Ring

Style

When buying a unique engagement ring remember not to get caught up in trends or what is new and trendy in the moment. This is a piece that will be with you for years to come so it's important to find a balance between one-of-a-kind and timeless.

Setting

If you are searching for a uniquely shaped stone, it's important to make sure the setting is secure and high-quality. This is especially important if you are looking for a larger stone that really stands out. For this style of ring, a prong setting is most popular.

Stone

Bigger isn;t always better when it comes to searching for a unique engagement ring. A larger diamond can sometimes mean sacraficing the quality of the diamond. If you are looking for a high-quality diamond that won't break the bank, consider a unique setting or a cluster style ring as the unique element to your ring.

FAQ

How do I pick a wedding band that complements a unique engagement ring?

A ring that has a wow-factor to it should be paired with a wedding band that doesn't overshadow the ring but instead enhances it. A plain metal band - in gold or platinum pairs well with just about every engagement ring. If you are still looking for a bit more sparkle consider a simple pavé wedding band. Keep in mind that it might be more challenging to find a wedding band that fits a peculiarly shaped engagement ring, and you may choose to forego one.
Where can I shop for a unique engagement ring?

Unique engagement rings are not usually found at traditional jewelers, although you may come across a few options. The best route to take when searching for this ring style is looking at antique or heirloom rings. Jewelers that don't specialize in engagement rings are also a good option because they tend to have more daring and avant-garde styles.
Can I design my own unique engagement ring?

While it is a bit more costly, there is always the option to design your own ring if you aren't finding anything that fits your vision. Research and find a jeweler whose aesthetic best matches yours and see if they would be willing to help you create a custom piece.