Market research claims that the global wedding ring market, including both engagement rings and wedding bands, will reach a value of US$122.4 billion by 2031. The growth is owing to the rapid growth of new styles, designs, and trends in the market. New and creative options are making waves, but diamonds are still the most popular option when it comes to engagement rings.
However, if you’re looking for something a little less traditional and a lot more exciting, there are plenty of other options available. To help you make your engagement ring stand out, we’ve curated a few creative ideas that will inspire you.
From unusual shapes and sizes to alternative stones, these suggestions will help you create a one-of-a-kind piece that suits your personal style and taste.
Colored Stones Like Sapphires
An increasingly popular alternative to diamonds is colored stones, such as sapphires. Sapphires are known for their deep blue color, but they can also be pink, purple, yellow, and green.
They’re the birthstone for September and have been thought to symbolize faithfulness and purity since ancient times. You should explore some stunning engagement rings made from sapphire. It might just end up becoming the thing you were looking for.
Sapphires were also historically associated with royalty due to their association with the biblical figure King Solomon. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II flaunted a large sapphire on her crown. It’s no wonder that many people choose colored gemstones as an alternative to classic diamonds when they want something different in their engagement ring designs.
Asymmetrical Design
Asymmetrical designs are more modern and trendy. They can also be more unique and personal since asymmetrical diamonds don’t have to conform to the popular shape of a round brilliant-cut diamond.
The downside is that asymmetrical designs can be difficult to create. So they can be more expensive than traditional symmetrical designs. They might also not work with all shapes of engagement rings or wedding bands. So it’s best to consult your jeweler before purchasing an asymmetrical engagement ring if you want it to match perfectly with your wedding band.
Alternative Stones
If you’re not a traditionalist who wants the expected shiny white rock on her finger, you can choose alternative stones that are just as beautiful and unique as diamonds.
If red is more your style, then rubies might be right up your alley. Ruby is another classic precious stone that has been known throughout history as one of the most sought-after gems in existence.
If you’re looking for a more natural, earthy feel in your engagement ring, then consider choosing amethyst or citrine. Amethysts are beautiful purple stones that can add a colorful flair to any engagement ring design. Citrine is another beautiful gemstone that has become increasingly popular over time. It is often used in modern jewelry because of its durability.
A market survey conducted by BriteCo reveals that lab-grown diamonds are also a popular choice among younger customers. They have been witnessing an increasing demand in the market, with a sales rate of 28.4% in 2020.
Unique Shapes
The shape of your ring can be just as important as the metal you choose. A round diamond is the most traditional option, but there are many others that can be just as beautiful and unique.
You can choose from the following shapes:
- Pear: The pear shape is similar to a round diamond except for its pointier corners and bottom, which gives it more of a teardrop look than square or rectangular stones.
- Square: Square-cut diamonds are also very common and often seen on engagement rings because of their classic style. However, squares don’t have quite as much sparkle as other shapes.
- Large Emerald Cut: If you’re looking for something that’s distinct and different, consider an emerald-cut engagement ring. These are some of the most popular shapes because they’re so beautiful. And since they’re such a large size, they really stand out on your finger.
Different Styles of Setting
You want your engagement ring to look different from everyone else’s. You want it to be unique and stand out from the crowd. One way you can do this is by getting a setting that’s different than what most people get.
The style of setting refers to how the diamond is held in place in the ring, and there are many different styles of settings available today. Some of them are more popular than others. But all have their own benefits and disadvantages.
Here are some examples:
- Bezel Setting – A bezel setting puts metal around all sides of the diamond instead of just one side, like most other types of settings do. This makes it easier for light to reflect off every edge rather than just one side or corner. This type is often used on large stones because it helps keep them secure without being too bulky. It also gives them maximum visibility from every angle.
- Prong Set Diamond Ring – A prong set diamond ring uses four small claws on each corner that hold onto four corners at once, forming an “X” shape. So no gaps exist between each claw holding down its corresponding corner point on top.
- Channel Setting – A channel setting holds diamonds into grooves cut into metal bands instead of using prongs or claws. These grooves allow light to enter through windows behind them and reflect off multiple sides simultaneously. This creates an extra sparkle effect which makes these rings appear brighter overall.
Be Creative With Your Ring
Thinking outside the box is a great way to make your ring stand out. So you also need to consider different types of settings. Choosing a setting that is not traditional will allow your wedding band to shine on its own without being overshadowed by the rest of your ring’s bling.
To find the perfect setting for you and your beloved, do some research. Search online for jewelry stores near you or even look at their websites. Ask friends who recently got engaged about their experiences at local stores and what they thought about them. Finally, talk with your partner about what types of rings he/she wants and ask if there’s anything specific he/she would like included in his/her purchase.
Once you’ve narrowed down which stores might have something worth checking out in person, take the time to visit each one individually. Doing so can give you more clarity for your decision.
Conclusion
With the right combination of style and creativity, you can create a ring that’s truly unique. No matter which approach you take, it’s always helpful to talk with a professional jeweler about your options before making any decisions. It is best to have more information about different styles, prices, and options. It will help ensure that you end up with the engagement ring of your dreams.