Welcome to Aisle Style, a series that features the most untraditional engagement ring trends, coolest bridal designers to know, and brides who walk to the beat of their own “Canon In D.” Buck the tradition and say I do to personal style — the aisle is yours.
While diamonds can be forever — specifically the sparkly white kind that instantly has you humming the first movement of “Palladio” — they’re not the only option for a ring on that finger. If your taste leans toward avant-garde, understated, or you simply don’t want a ring that looks like everyone else’s, turn to the best non-traditional engagement rings instead.
From colored gemstones to unusual orientations and settings that look like genuine works of art, tons of unique engagement rings abound from brands ranging from indie to world-famous. Unique stone cuts make for a reinvigorated approach to white diamonds if you’re on the fence between something timeless and distinctive. Meanwhile, geometric shapes like shields, hexagons, and kites ensure your ring is stand-out. On the more affordable end of the engagement ring spectrum, there are portrait cuts, which are flat and transparent, and alternatives like moissanite, lab-grown, or trendy salt-and-pepper diamonds.
There’s even the option to rock a fanciful band instead of a stone ring, which is not only more understated but also practical and durable for everyday wear. Even more, a band is super versatile for stacking and interchangeable on other fingers, should you choose to upgrade your ring for an anniversary down the road.
Then there are the non-traditional settings to consider: East-West, off-kilter, and suspended or floating settings will give even the most classic cuts like emerald, round brilliant, pear, and oval shapes a uniquely modern look. At the same time, knife-edge bands, bolder prongs, and flush-mount settings appear decidedly edgier, whether you embrace a minimalist or elaborate design. Finally, mixed-metal choices always equates to cool.
Of course, antique and vintage rings are the most sustainable and instantly gratifiable way to obtain a one-of-kind ring that no one else will have.
Ahead, discover 29 non-traditional engagement rings guaranteed to make you forget all about diamond solitaires.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bucherer Fine Jewellery Joy solitaire (price upon request), $, available at Bucherer
Mociun Alchemy Ring, $, available at Mociun
KatKim Emerald Trace Pavé Ring, $, available at KatKim
Eva Fehren White Diamond Trillion Queen Ring, $, available at 1st Dibs
Vrai The Signature V Solitaire Ring, $, available at Vrai
Ashley Zhang Margaret Asscher Cut Engagement Ring, $, available at Ashley Zhang
Azlee Empress Diamond Staircase Ring, $, available at Azlee
Marrow Fine Turquoise & White Diamond Navette Ring, $, available at Marrow Fine
Ring Concierge Toi et Moi Engagement Ring, $, available at Ring Concierge
Aaryah Nyoka Ring, $, available at Aaryah
Kinn The Eloise, $, available at Kinn
Catbird Odile, The Swan Supreme, $, available at Catbird
Graff Promise Heart Shape Diamond Engagement Ring baguette cut side stones, platinum, $, available at Graff
Marei Octavian Brilliant-Cut Cornflower Blue Sapphire Engagem, $, available at Marei
Mejuri Toi et Moi Diamond Ring, $, available at Mejuri
Jemma Wynne Prive Pink Sapphire and Asscher Cut Diamond Ring, $, available at Jemma Wynne
Grace Lee Demi Demi Plus Oval, Marquise, Pear Ring, $, available at Grace Lee
A.M. Thorne Salt + Pepper Pear Diamond Ring, $, available at A.M. Thorne
Shahla Zaha Brilliant Wrap Ring, $, available at Shahla
ILA Spectrum Ring, $, available at Catbird
Lizzie Mandler Knife Edge Diamond & 18kt Gold Ring, $, available at MatchesFashion
Anna Sheffield Hazeline Solitaire Ring, $, available at Anna Sheffield
Mateo Point of Focus 14-karat gold, topaz and diamond ring, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Jade Trau Sadie Diamond & 18kt Gold Solitaire Ring, $, available at MatchesFashion
Valerie Madison Bezel Half-Moon Salt and Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring, $, available at Valerie Madison
The Clear Cut Triple Threat Trillion Ring, $, available at The Clear Cut
Harwell Godfrey Rosa Pave Knife Edge Band, $, available at Harwell Godfrey
Stone and Strand The Ava Ring in Yellow Gold, $, available at Stone and Strand
Erstwhile Ruby Wings Ring, $, available at Catbird
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