Marriage is all well and good, but the most fun part of the whole process might be the proposal. If you’re anything like us, you enjoy scouring the Internet for all kinds of quirky and non-traditional engagement rings. Even when you’re painfully single. Hey, what we can we say, we’re dreamers at heart.
We’ve rounded up beautiful engagement rings that go beyond the classic princess cut diamond, so you can find something that inspires you, no matter what your budget is. If it’s on the lower end but you still want a showy ring, consider vintage rings or lab grown gems or diamonds like moissanite.
If you are madly in love, we hope this list will come in handy when you’re ready to start dropping hints or having a conversation with your partner about what you’d like in a ring.
Between colorful gemstones, interesting settings, and unique bands, the sparkler on your finger can be as special as you. The same cannot be said for Starbucks orders. No matter how much you spice up your order, you’re still basic. Sorry not sorry.
Non-Traditional Engagement Rings with Colorful Gemstones
1. Tiffany Soleste Emerald Engagement Ring, $15,800
We’re starting out with a real stunner in the form of this Tiffany engagement ring featuring diamonds and an emerald centerpiece. The round shape is a classic style, but the pop of green makes it stand out.
Colorful engagement rings have been gaining popularity recently, and the contrast between green and the sparkling clear diamonds is eye-catching. Emeralds are a slightly softer gemstone, so be careful to take care of your ring by avoiding heat and treating it with oil. Or just tell your now-fiancé to do it. That’s what marriage is for!
2. Barbela Design Ruby Stellan Ring, $600
Don’t have 15 grand to splurge on a ring? You’re like the rest of us? Well, thankfully, there are equally pretty options available for a fraction of the price.
Rubies rank just after diamonds at a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, a system that helps identify minerals and gemstones. One of the reasons diamonds are such a popular choice for wedding rings is because of how durable they are. (The other is marketing.)
So, pour one out for our talc ring. (We shall never forget you!) And, consider rubies as a viable alternative to diamonds.
This particular ring is from female-owned jewelry brand Barbela Design. With a simple 14k pink gold band and three small gemstones, this one is still a beauty, it’s not a flashy option. It’s perfect for the bride who isn’t looking forward to the “all eyes on me” element of the wedding day.
3. Zales Cultured Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Ring, $664.30
Technically this pearl ring isn’t colorful, but it is certainly non-traditional. It features a freshwater pearl set within a diamond-encrusted circle on a 14k white gold band. Our mouth is watering and not only because we’re anticipating the oysters we’re getting for dinner tonight.
The choice to go with a pearl engagement ring has its pros and cons. While pearls rank very low on the Mohs scale (between 2.5 and 4.5) and require extra delicate care, they’re also much more rare and have a vintage, yet trendy feel to them.
Case in point: Ariana Grande’s engagement ring includes a pearl.
4. Trumpet & Horn Braswell Sapphire Engagement Ring, $4,900
Way back when, the Ancient Greeks wore sapphires to gain wisdom, and to this day, the september gemstone symbolizes the ability to make good choices. Why yes we will have another tequila shot, thank you.
This Victorian-inspired ring features a blue sapphire surrounded by a ring of diamonds set on an 18k gold band. If durability is a concern, the sapphire is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, so you don’t have to worry too much about scratching or damaging it. Losing it after tequila shot number four is a different problem.
5. Sofia Zakia Opal Wandering Star Ring, $1,340
Witchy types might be drawn to this dainty ring, which features half moons and a celestial feeling thanks to the an opal center stone and 14k yellow gold band. Opals have a romantic vibe thanks to their shifting colors and pearlescent shine, so they’re a gorgeous option for brides to be.
However, keep in mind that opal is a much softer gemstone, with a hardness level of 5 to 6.5. It’ll require much more care, but the heart wants what it wants. Billy, of course. And more shiny things.
6. Aquamarise Skye Kite Green Moss Agate Ring, $85.50
Be still our cottagecore hearts. If your goal in life is to move to the forest with your spouse and live off the land, moss agate is the gemstone of your dreams. This gemstone is a member of the quartz family and has embedded minerals that give it a mossy appearance.
Quartz is a seven out of 10 on the Mohs scale and they’re generally affordable. And for moving to the woods, blending in, and becoming a frog in your next life.
7. Angara Cushion Cut Pink Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Accents, $1,098
If Barbie was a ring, she’d be this one. The centerpiece of this engagement ring is hot pink tourmaline, a complex gemstone that combines iron, magnesium, and a bunch of other metals that also happen to be included in your daily vitamin supplements.
It’s a 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, like moss agate or amethyst, but as long as you take care of it, it should last a lifetime. Or until you’re really sick of pink.
8. Catbird NYC Leo Black Total Lunar Eclipse Citrine Ring, $2,900
This 14k gold band features a 1.6 carat citrine gemstone and is embedded with diamonds, sapphires, and engraved stars. If you’re indecisive, it’s a great choice because you get all the gemstones in one. You might have a harder time with the whole “marrying one person forever” thing, though.
Citrine symbolizes health and happiness, which is an excellent vibe to bring to your marriage. Really, what more could you ask for? A partner who gives you daily foot massages? Actually yeah, that sounds kinda nice.
Important to note, the November birthstone is mid-way down the Mohs scale at a seven out of 10.
9. Vintage Marquise Shape Jade Engagement Ring, $2,180
Into the whole green trend, but not sold on emerald? Meet: jade. It’s emerald’s rarer green sister and also sometimes comes in other colors, like yellow, brown, and lavender. As Taylor Swift said, “I just wanna stay in that lavender jade.” Or at least we think so. We lost our Q-Tips.
While not as durable as trusty old diamond, jade can hold her own at a seven on the scale. This particular ring comes in a marquise shape and is against a gold setting, which really makes the green color pop.
10. Nadine Aysoy Tsarina Sky Blue Topaz Flake Ring, $5,320
Topaz is another one of those gems that comes in a variety of colors. The most common one is blue, but it can be found in green, yellow, and orange. It’s an eight on the Mohs scale but is a much more affordable stone than a diamond, making topaz gems a budget-friendly alternative for your non-traditional ring.
This ring is perfect for winter lovers as it’s in the shape of a snowflake with 0.6 carats of diamonds surrounding the pretty blue centerpiece. If Elsa ever got married, she’d wear this. And hopefully not accidentally let it go off snowy cliff.
11. Marrow Fine Amethyst and Aquamarine Shield Toi et Moi Ring, $1,850
Why choose just one colorful gemstone when you could go for two? This amethyst and aquamarine ring combines the birthstones for February and March, which would be perfect if those are you and your spouse’s birth months. Just ignore the surefire conflict of combining a Pisces and an Aquarius and you’ll be fine! We, uh, promise.
Both of these stones fall between seven and eight on the Mohs scale.
12. Angara Pear-Shaped Morganite Ring with Diamond Halo, $1,017
Morganite is like the Millennial pink version of neon pink tourmaline. A dusty rose color, this stone is a variety of the mineral beryl and has a hardness level between seven and a half and eight.
This pear-shaped pick is surrounded by a halo of diamonds so you can get your non-traditional ring without completely disappointing your grandma. Just don’t let her see the cake.
Non-Traditional Engagement Rings with Unconventional Styles and Settings
13. Bario Neal Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, $18,850
Traditional engagement rings feature a single stone, so bling with a cluster of stones provides an opportunity for some personality and quirk. This one features diamonds, a pink sapphire, and a ruby.
Sure, it ups the bill quite significantly, but if your partner really loved you, they’d pick up extra shifts to afford it. Did we mention that we’re single?
14. Angara South Sea Pearl and Pear-Shaped Sapphire Ring, $4,545
This ring evokes ocean vibes, between the pearl and the blue sapphire. The elegant shape is reminiscent of a pair coming together, giving it a romantic feeling perfect for an engagement.
And with two different accent stones, you have twice the material to twiddle around your finger next time you’re in a boring meeting.
15. Catbird NYC Purple Sapphire Nico Ring, $4,300
Made in Brooklyn from ethically sourced sapphires, this is a ring you’ll feel good about wearing. A series of purple sapphires come together to create one visually jaw-dropping cluster ring set on a yellow gold band.
It’s perfect for those girls make their love of the color purple their entire personality. If you don’t know one, you probably are one. Here’s a flyer to join our club.
16. Mindjewelry Art Deco Emerald Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring, $472.80+
This emerald cut ring has a vintage feel. The large stone resembles a picture within a frame. It’s made from moissanite, which falls above nine on the Mohs hardness scale, so it’s almost as durable as its shiny diamond counterpart.
The primary difference between lab grown diamonds like moissanite and mined diamonds is their environmental effect. While there are some exceptions, mined diamonds often come at the cost of the environment, can involve suspect labor practices, and are big polluters.
Lab grown diamonds have their own drawbacks. They require a large amount of energy to create, but are generally less problematic than mined stones. Anyway, if you proposed with this, we’d say yes. And not only because we’re about to get kicked off our parents’ health insurance.
17. Ashley Zhang Margaret Asscher Cut Engagement Ring, $6,000+
You don’t have to forgo the diamonds to make your ring non-traditional. Inspired by a traditional “toi et moi,” or “you and me” engagement ring, the open wrap style makes this unique. If you want a mined diamond, Ashley Zhang works with antique and recycled diamonds, so it’s a win-win.
Another win? With this design if your spouse complains about having to do the dishes, point to your engagement ring with a reminder that you’re two peas in a pod now. You’re both doing the dishes, you’re just using their hands.
Available at Ashley Zhang Jewelry
18. Alexandrite Floral Engagement Ring, $300
Alexandrite is a color-shifting gemstone that appears green in daylight and reddish-purple by night. This one features lab grown gems, including moissanite side stones to fill in the leaves and supporting flowers.
It’s the perfect romantic choice for a fairy princess, or a person with big ambitions of turning into a fairy princess.
19. Katkim Fine Jewelry Double Band Duét Pear Ring, $7,200
Two bands are better than one! This might be expensive logic when you’re looking at musicians for your wedding day, but for your ring…well, it’s also expensive logic. Also pretty and shiny logic.
This engagement ring includes two pear-shaped diamonds that look like they’re kissing on matching gold bands. It’s the kind of PDA we can really get behind. Oh, sorry, should we move? Are we making this awkward?
Available at Katkim Fine Jewelry
20. Kian Design Bianca & Oro Vintage Mixed Metals Engagement Ring, $6,440
You said you wanted a non-traditional engagement ring, and boy does Kian Design deliver with this vintage ring. The cupped setting encompasses a round cut diamond, while the mixed metals of silver and gold add even more dimension. If you get this ring, you can be sure you’ll be the only one on your feed rocking it.
Plus, it even serves as a makeshift bowl in a pinch for all those times you need an emergency roux.
Non-Traditional Diamond Engagement Rings
21. Catbird NYC Sofia Zakia Paeonia Diamond Ring, $2,890
Bring florals into your engagement ring with this rose cut diamond set in a golden peony band. This is the kind of flower worth spending money on for your big day, because it’ll never die. So long as you don’t accidentally lose it down the drain.
22. Aardvark Jewelry Lab Grown Champagne Sapphire and Diamond Floral Ring, $2,060+
With a lab grown champagne sapphire in the center and diamonds surrounding it, this light pink ring is feminine and fun. Have you started a note in your phone with all the different gemstones that come in pink? Or is that just us?
23. Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Rough Diamond Twig Engagement Ring, $1,512
A rough diamond comes straight from the earth and onto a ring without any polishing or refining. They look more natural as a result and still retain some of their shine. The added element of the twig-inspired band makes this ring the perfect choice for nature lovers.
The downside is that if you drop this while you’re out hiking, you might never find it. But the squirrels will be thrilled.
24. Catbird NYC Sofia Zakia Hecate Ring, $8,680
This ring, named after the Greek goddess of magic, Hecate, features three round, brilliant cut diamonds on a solid 14k gold band. There are some secret stars and moons tucked into the gallery of the ring, so your wedding night and beyond is sure to be enchanted.
Whether that’s a good or bad thing remains to be seen. We’re happy as long as the love potion keeps working.
25. Harry Winston Pear-Shaped Cluster Engagement Ring, $16,100
A cluster of diamonds from Harry Winston won’t come cheap, but this ring almost looks like a butterfly when worn, thanks to seven diamonds of varying sizes set in platinum.
It won’t fly away, but it might join your left Airpod in the land of the unknown if you’re not careful.
26. Catbird NYC Blanca Monrós Gómez Vena Amoris Ring, $3,965
This double band engagement ring is connected by a string of diamonds to create a diamond shape. The double-diamond inception ring can be made with any color gold band.
27. Palisade Diamond Signet Ring, $1,390
More interested in surrounding your finger with gold and having a splash of diamond shimmer? This non-traditional engagement ring features several diamonds nested into a classic round signet.
As Harry Styles once said, you’re so golden. Little did you know, he was proposing. Oops.
When she's not typing away on her laptop, you can find Laura working on her MBA at Boston College, listening to Taylor Swift, or sweating it out at an OrangeTheory class. Follow her on Instagram @LauraKristine21 and LinkedIn.
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