Engagement
Ring Options

Caroline Gutierrez Goddard

Think your engagement ring options are limited to diamonds? Think again. It’s your finger, and you can decorate it any way you please!

In fact, engagement rings until the 1940s -- not much of a long-lived tradition. Let’s explore some different options for your engagement ring.

Colored gemstones

When it came time to choose my own dream ring, I carefully selected a gorgeous round blue sapphire in an antique pave diamond setting. Different? Yes. Non-traditional? Not really. Colored gemstones were the engagement ring of choice for most of the 18th and 19th centuries. In England, The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne and Princess Diana were all presented with sapphire engagement rings. Sapphires symbolize sincerity and faithfulness.

Your birthstone or another favorite rock can make for a beautiful and meaningful bauble, too. Rubies symbolize passionate love, while emeralds mean life, beauty and constant love; pearls a rare and precious love. The stunning purple-blue hue of the tanzanite is a perfect complement to an independent, confident woman.

Remember, good quality colored gemstones are actually more rare than diamonds, making your ring even more precious.

Setting options

A platinum Tiffany setting is beautiful, but not very original. If you’re craving something different, investigate some other unique options.

An anniversary band -- a banded ring set with multiple stones in a row, all the way around or just halfway -- can be set with any stones you prefer and can double as your wedding ring.

A halo setting surrounds a round center stone with a circle of other tiny stones. These can be the same as your center stone or contrasting.

An antique setting will bring a retro, unique look to your wedding set. Settings like these, often in lovely metals such as rose gold, white gold or sterling silver, can be found at estate jewelers, eBay or the jewelry boxes of your mother and grandmother!

Environmentally responsible rings

It’s no secret that mining stones and metal often is extremely destructive to the earth. Want a shiny bauble but are concerned about ? Check out some ethical engagement rings. Such pieces use metals and stones that are mined in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Brilliant Earth and Green Karat are two suppliers of such green beauties. Another option is to use a family heirloom, have a favorite stone reset or use recycled metals.

Stoneless

Sparkly and flashy not your style? Simplicity the word of the day? There’s no rule that says you must have a stone. If you want a ring without the flash, go for a band with intricate engraving, weaving, a braid or twist -- or just smooth, satiny gold. Wear it as both your engagement and wedding ring.

No matter what you choose, your engagement ring should be as special and unique as you are. You will wear it for the rest of your life, so make sure you love it and it speaks to you of who you are and what your relationship means to you.