Unique Engagement Rings for Modern and Non-Traditional Brides
Published . Updated . 1 minute read.
Editorial review: Style descriptions reflect editorial research; stone notes checked against the hardness figures in our alternative stones page. Last reviewed .
“Non-traditional” does not have to mean impractical. The ideas below change the look of the ring significantly while keeping the stone reasonably safe.
Ideas that change the silhouette
East-west. An oval, emerald or marquise set across the finger. Sits lower, feels modern and snags less.
Toi et moi. Two stones side by side, often different shapes or colors. Symbolic and distinctive; keep the two stones balanced in size.
Geometric bezels. Hexagon, octagon or kite-shaped frames in polished metal. Protective and architectural.
Ideas that change the color
Colored sapphires. Teal, peach, yellow or deep blue, all hard enough for daily wear.
Black stones. Black diamond or black moissanite for a moody, graphic look.
Salt-and-pepper diamonds. Speckled, cloudy and one of a kind.
Ideas that change how it is worn
Stacks. An engagement ring designed to be worn with several thin bands, sometimes in mixed metals. Easier to update over time.
Signet-style rings. A flat-topped ring, sometimes with a small set stone, for people who do not want a raised setting at all.
If you like several of these at once, our checklist for choosing a unique ring can help you pick the one feature to build around.
Frequently asked questions
Are black diamonds good for engagement rings?
Most black diamonds on the market are treated to achieve an even black color, and many contain dense inclusions that make them more prone to chipping than white diamonds. A bezel or low setting helps. Black moissanite is a harder-wearing alternative for the same look.
What is a salt-and-pepper diamond?
A salt-and-pepper diamond has many visible black and white inclusions that give it a speckled, galaxy-like look. It is chosen for character rather than clarity, and each stone is visually one of a kind.