Whose says an engagement ring has to be a diamond?
Weddings are steeped in tradition, and that includes engagement and wedding rings. However, if you consider yourself a non-traditional bride, you may be thinking of alternative engagement rings.
If you’re looking for a true to you, bespoke wedding or engagement ring, you’re in the right place. Here are several alternatives that give a nod to the tradition of engagement rings, while making sure you stay true to your style.
No. 1 - An Ethical Engagement Ring for the ethical bride
An ethically and sustainably sourced piece of jewellery shows your empathy towards the environment. It also shows your compassion to the skilled craftsmen who created your personal design.
An engagement or wedding ring made from environmentally-friendly materials, such as fair trade gold or recycled gold is far more sustainable than sourcing from precious metals illegal mines.
In addition to being considerate towards the environment, wedding rings and engagement rings that are ethically and sustainably sourced give back to the craftsmen who design and create each piece.
Other local craftsmen in London and I create every single Militza Ortiz piece. Each person involved in the process of creating a unique engagement ring is paid fairly for their time, experience, and skill. And all are within a 20 mile radius of our South London workshop.
In today’s climate, we are moving more towards being environmentally conscious. Bespoke engagement and wedding rings are no different. The techniques I use allow me to recycle and reuse sterling silver and gold for 80% of all of my pieces.
If you are interested in fair trade gold I can source that alternative as well as ethically mined gemstones or even lab grown gems if that is your preference.
If you're interested in learning more about ethical and sustainable handmade jewellery, contact me here.
Recycled gold is the way to go, when thinking of the environment.
No. 2 - Redesign a Family Heirloom into an engagement ring for the sentimental bride
Every piece of fine jewellery is infused with emotion, as it marks special moments and occasions throughout our lifetime. Many pieces of jewellery are even passed down as timeless family heirlooms.
A unique ring using heirloom jewellery.
A wonderful alternative engagement ring for brides is a redesigned heirloom. Whether it’s a vintage ring or pendant, I can refashion family heirlooms into a customised, one of a kind piece that fits your personality. The best part is it will still hold ties to your rich family history and traditions.
No. 3 - An Homage to Nature, for the nature loving bride
If you are looking for a unique, nontraditional engagement or wedding ring, consider a ring that pays tribute to nature.
While most traditional diamond rings are all similar in size and shape, a ring that is rooted in nature uses an organic approach to bring you a one of a kind piece.
When you look at my work, you can spot my Venezuelan and Caribbean coastal roots. The underwater world and natural elements around us deeply fascinate me. My pieces of fine jewellery are often influenced and inspired by nature and the organic textures found in the environment around us.
So many of my bespoke engagement and wedding rings include elements of the natural world, which is a beautiful and unique alternative for nontraditional brides.
No. 4 - Alternative Precious and Semi-Precious Stones for the bride looking for something more unique
Diamonds aren’t for everyone. Another option to a traditional engagement ring is the use of alternative stones. Although this is becoming more popular, there are many options for you if you are looking for something that is anything but ordinary.
A few precious and semi-precious stones to consider are rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. All of these can bring a beautiful, colourful expression to your engagement and wedding rings. I love using aquamarines too, their unique blue - green colour is a favourite for brides.
Related: An alternative engagement ring for a sea loving couple.
No. 5 - A Salt and Pepper Diamond, a perfect alternative engagement ring for a modern bride
White diamonds have been a longstanding tradition, but diamonds that have obvious dark marks make for a beautiful alternative. Salt and pepper diamonds are beginning to gain popularity, and for good reason.
A salt and pepper diamond, unlike the traditional white diamond, has lasting dark marks riddled throughout the diamond, giving it a soft grey hue. These plentiful marks give the salt and pepper diamond its name and an incredibly unique appearance.
Just like any stone, no two salt and pepper diamonds are alike. Some have more dark marks throughout than others. This adds to the character and noteworthy appearance of each diamond.
No. 6 - Stacked Engagement Rings for brides who want flexibility
A stack of rings consists of layering multiple rings on one finger.
Stacked rings are extremely customisable. You can add to them or switch them out to mark special occasions or moments in your life.
Another alternative engagement ring for nontraditional brides is to break your ring into two separate pieces. They can nest together neatly on your finger for a unique look.
Choose irregular shaped gemstones for engagement rings like these triangular and hexagonal shaped aquamarines.
No. 7 - Irregular shaped diamonds or gemstones for a indie brides
An irregular shaped might be more of your style if you're looking for an alternative engagement ring as a nontraditional bride. Diamonds don’t just come in round shapes. In fact you can get diamonds in many shapes.
Most of know round and emerald cut, but a marquise or an oval shaped diamond can be a great alternative.
If you want to push the limits even further try complete new and different shapes such as a hexagon diamond or blue aquamarine.
Bezel settings for a more modern looking engagement ring
No. 8 - Bezel Setting Engagement ring for a contemporary look
Finally, an alternative engagement ring for brides is one with a bezel setting. Instead of prongs, metal surrounds the main stone with a bezel setting.
A bezel setting is smooth, and it won’t catch on sleeves or clothing, unlike some prongs on a traditional ring. Not to worry, though, bezel settings today are sleek and refined, as opposed to the bulky settings of the past.
As a bride-to-be, you should not feel boxed in by traditional engagement rings. There are plenty of options that are one of a kind if you want an alternative engagement ring that fits your personality.
Whether you choose a bezel setting ring, an engagement ring that pays homage to nature, or anything in between, I’m sure we can work together to create a design that suits your unique style.
