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Updated Mar 06, 202515 Alternative Engagement Rings, From Whimsical to Vintage-Inspired
Your engagement ring should reflect your personal style.
Photos, from left to right: Brilliant Earth, Sarah O.
If you're reading this, chances are you march to the beat of your own drum when it comes to style, and that includes your dream engagement ring. There are countless alternative engagement rings out there beyond the traditional solitaire diamond ring. If you've never considered yourself a traditionalist, your engagement ring should reflect that. After all, you're going to be wearing your ring every day, so you want it to reflect your personal style.
We spoke to Michelle Berlinger, designer and founder of Berlinger Jewelry, for her expert insight for those seeking alternative engagement ring styles. "There is something very special about having something that is one of one that can't be replicated—it's unique to you, your love story, your personality and your style," she shares.
"I think people also conflate the idea of traditional and timeless," Berlinger explains. "You can have an alternative engagement ring that is timeless—even if it's not traditional—it can be something you'll love forever—especially if it's inspired by a vintage design ethos that is tried and true and has been around for generations."
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From unique and vintage-inspired settings to colorful gemstones, there are countless ways to inject some personality into your engagement ring. Whether you are starting engagement ring shopping or plan to design your engagement ring, we've narrowed down our top 15 favorite alternative engagement rings on the market to give you some inspiration.
In this article:
Where to Buy Alternative Engagement Rings
Knowing where to shop can often be the hardest part of looking for engagement rings. Below, we've highlighted some of our favorite editor-approved places to buy alternative-style engagement rings. You can also browse The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find local jewelers near you and read reviews.
Berlinger: Based in Los Angeles, Berlinger is a woman-owned and operated jewelry company best known for their "art deco-inspired rings and diamond mosaic collection, which combine a vintage aesthetic (so think more decorative, floral motifs, a lot of smaller diamonds in a unique pattern rather than a traditional single stone) with a ring made for modern women," Berlinger tells us. Brides seeking a modern engagement ring with elements of vintage design will love their selection of unique rings. In addition to the rings available on the website, you can also schedule a consultation to create a bespoke ring.
Sarah O. Jewelry: Sarah O. Jewelry is a woman and Latina-owned jewelry brand that is best known for its unique diamond, gemstone and custom fine jewelry. Owner Sarah Ortega grew up working alongside her mother, who owns a jewelry boutique in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she sparked a passion for jewelry design. After opening a Denver location of her mother's store, Ortega eventually morphed the business into Sarah O. Jewelry. Today, Ortega works with clients around the globe and loves getting to be a part of their special life milestones. Ortega values inclusion and strives to make her brand a welcoming space for everyone.
Staghead Designs: Brad Eaves and his wife Liz started Staghead Designs in 2012 after finding inspiration in an antler shed they discovered near their home. They were underwhelmed with the engagement ring selection available on the market and decided to use this antler to craft something completely unique. They spent countless hours refining their skills to create beautiful artisan jewelry out of the antler. Today, they still create unique designs with the intention of them becoming the next set of family heirlooms to be passed down for generations.
Diana Rafael: Owner Daniel Dahan started Diana Rafael after working in the diamond industry for five years. The first engagement ring he created—a personalized and custom pearl and diamond ring—was at the request of a longtime close friend. Today, he and his team use specialized tools and advanced software to create a seamless experience for the customer. Their team values quality and emphasizes the 4 C's when sourcing diamonds. A third-generation jewelry and diamond manufacturer, Dahan designs engagement rings to cater to a wide variety of styles, including their Black Ice collection of black diamonds.
Etsy: Etsy is a great place to discover unique engagement rings from a variety of brands and vendors. Whether you're looking for something moody and whimsical or vintage-inspired, Etsy carries a wide range of engagement ring styles at every budget. Shopping for Etsy engagement rings is also a great way to support small businesses.
The Best Alternative Engagement Rings to Shop
Just like every couple is different, every engagement ring is different. Our editor-approved picks are perfect for those seeking alternative engagement ring styles that are just as unique as they are.
Berlinger Oval Shape Ballerina Round Diamond Mosaic Ring
Photo: Berlinger
This art deco-inspired engagement ring is a work of art! One natural center diamond is surrounded by baguette diamonds and round brilliant cut diamonds to create a modern ring with vintage flair.
Sarah O. The Jenna Emerald Cut Golden Blue Sapphire Bezel Ring
Photo: Sarah O.
Consider making your engagement ring your something blue with this stunning sapphire ring. The cushion cut and pavé band keep the ring simple while the blue-green hue makes a statement.
Staghead Designs North Star Oval Lab-Grown Alexandrite Engagement Ring
Photo: Staghead Designs
This alexandrite ring is reminiscent of a starry night sky. It features a diamond halo and black diamond accents for extra sparkle.
Berlinger Pear Shaped Ruby and Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Photo: Berlinger
A romantic toi et moi—which translates to "you and me"—ring is a great way to bring a pop of color into your engagement ring. This one features a dazzling pear-shaped ruby and diamond combination.
Felicegals Geometric Hexagon Moss Agate Marquise Engagement Ring
Photo: Felicegals
A moody moss agate center stone makes for a whimsical twist on your classic engagement ring. The marquis hexagon shape is perfect for those seeking a unique engagement ring cut.
Shane Co. Arabesque Halo Engagement Ring
Photo: Shane Co.
A sunburst-shaped halo composed of baguette and round natural diamonds makes for an ornate engagement ring style. Customize your center stone with a wide variety of gemstones ranging from classic diamonds to morganite, amethyst, ruby and more.
Sarah O. The Vivien Oval Montana Sapphire Ring
Photo: Sarah O.
Ortega took a trip to Montana's Rock Creek Mine to source beautiful and sustainable Montana sapphires like the one used in this engagement ring. This one-of-a-kind ring features an oval Montana sapphire center stone framed by diamond clusters for a unique, vintage-inspired ring.
Jared Black Diamond Engagement Ring
Photo: Jared
For the girl who always wears black, a black diamond engagement ring is a fitting choice. A round-cut black diamond center stone is set in a halo of brilliant round diamonds for maximum shine. Black diamond rings are perfect as gothic engagement rings.
Berlinger Mini Kite Shape Round Rose Cut Diamond Mosaic Ring
Photo: Berlinger
A fashion-forward kite-shaped ring is given a vintage spin with art deco detailing. Berlinger calls unique shapes like this one an "amazing way to get something traditional, simple and timeless, but with a little alternative flair."
Brilliant Earth Soiree London Blue Topaz and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Photo: Brilliant Earth
A London blue topaz and diamond accents add megawatt sparkle to this decadent ring. While marketed as a cocktail ring, we believe this would make an amazing alternative engagement ring for non-traditional couples. After all, you get to make the rules for your wedding, and that goes for engagement rings too!
Blacktree Lab Amethyst Yellow Gold Engagement Women's Ring
Photo: Black Tree Lab
A round amethyst stone set in a floral motif gold band lends an otherworldly charm to this engagement ring. You can also opt for personalized engraving for an added sentimental touch.
Sarah O. The Maya Emerald Cut Cigar Band Solitaire
Photo: Sarah O.
Cigar band engagement rings have been gaining traction on social media, and this one from Sarah O. is a perfect choice for an alternative and stylish engagement ring. The name "cigar band" comes from the resemblance of this ring cut to high-end cigar wrappings of a similar shape. The emerald cut stone adds just enough sparkle while the gold cigar band keeps things minimalistic.
Eidel Precious Moonlight Sapphire Ring
Photo: Eidel Precious
This dreamy sapphire engagement ring changes from light mauve to ice blue depending on how the light hits it. The 14K rose gold band is set with six natural round-cut white diamonds to add even more shimmer.
Staghead Designs Sidra Toi Et Moi Round Moonstone Engagement Ring
Photo: Staghead Designs
For a non-traditional take on the engagement ring, this celestial-inspired style from Staghead Designs fits the bill. A round moonstone and crescent-shaped salt and pepper diamond create a moon-shaped toi et moi ring. Layer it with their celestial-inspired tracer dotted in natural sapphires for a wedding ring stack that's out of this world.
Diana Rafael Cocoon Double Halo Natural Black Diamond Oval Engagement Ring
Photo: Diana Rafael
An oval-cut black diamond is set in a double halo of round black diamonds on this gorgeous engagement ring from Diana Rafael's Black Ice collection. The collection focuses on sourcing the highest quality black diamonds for maximum brilliance.
