Engagement Rings: Traditional and Alternative

This week, we say goodbye to another year and another decade. As the anticipation of the new year takes over, there are resolutions being set, goals being envisioned, and dreams coming true. With the start of the new year, you can wrap your future, your heart and your love around her finger with the perfect engagement ring to suit her style. Engagement rings symbolize more than just a price tag or even a diamond. It symbolizes a promise to “do life together”, to cherish each other forever, and to embrace something new together. Engagement rings are a very personal choice, They can be as different as the way a couple decides to spend their New Year’s Eve. Let’s explore some classic staples and alternative engagement ring options.

History of the Engagement Ring

Some say the idea of the engagement or wedding ring started back in Egyptian times. The circle symbolizes eternity. So couples would wrap a circle of braided reed around the ring finger to show their belonging to each other. The ring finger on the left hand is said to have a vein directly to the heart.

In 1477, the first engagement ring was seen. It set a precedent for European nobility to propose with diamonds. Later in history, we see the famous “a diamond is forever” campaign by DeBeers. Diamond engagement jewelry became the leading line of jewelry in department stores. Entering into 2020, the engagement ring market has changed big time. Traditions are being changed up, getting a makeover, and being reinvented.

Traditional Engagement Rings

We are living in the best time for style. Being different and traditional are both accepted outlooks. Let’s explore some traditional styles of engagement rings that still leave future brides speechless.

The Solitaire Ring

The simple solitaire setting or single stone setting is a classic look. With this type of engagement ring design, you leave your options open for either matching wedding bands, stacked wedding bands, or even adding anniversary bands for years to come. The traditional solitaire is any shape of diamond or gemstone set in a simple setting with no other side accents stones to share the spotlight with.

The Three Stone Ring

This style is considered a time-honored design too. The three-stone can also house any shape of stones and the three stones are meant to stand for the “past, present, and future”. This type of setting has a wider look on the finger and more all over sparkle

The Halo Ring

The halo design has been around for decades. It features a stone surrounded by smaller stones. This type of setting gives the illusion of a larger center stone. It also has a vintage or antique vibe to it.

The Bridal Set

A bridal set features a matching engagement ring and wedding band that fit together perfectly. This style has a complete and seamless look. A bridal set can feature any of the above engagement ring styles but has a band that compliments the style.

To see more classic, traditional styles of engagement rings, click here.

Alternative Engagement Rings

This category has the sky as the limit. You can do something completely off the beaten track. You can even update a traditional classic style. Here are a few examples of alternative engagement rings but feel free to use your imagination and get creative. With the right design team behind you, your engagement ring vision can become a sparkling reality.

The Gemstone Ring

Princess Diana’s blue sapphire and diamond halo ring made quite an impact on engagement ring fashion. It resulted in future brides around the globe flocking to the idea of a gemstone engagement ring. Sapphires of all colors are a popular choice due to their durability and the color range. Also seen in this category as rubies, emerald, garnets, and amethysts to name a few.

The Updated Classics

In this category, you can take one of our mentioned “traditional” styles and make it your own with a gemstone accent in a solitaire, three stone, or halo setting. Diamond accents complement gemstones nicely!

The Vintage or Antique Ring

Most antique or vintage engagement rings are considered “classic” but, using a grandmother’s ring and updating it with a larger diamond or gemstone is definitely an alternative to something traditional. Larger antique cocktail or statement ring designs being used as engagement rings are being seen too.

Check out some of these alternative engagement ring styles by clicking here.

An engagement ring on your love’s finger is the perfect way to start a new year and a new decade. Don’t be afraid to go with a time-honored classic, upgrade something antique, or even think outside of the box with an alternative engagement ring style. Be true to you…that the motto for 2020!