When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, you want to pick something unique and special. If you’re not fond of traditional and timeless styles, you might want to consider looking for something out of the ordinary and unique.
The most popular style of engagement ring is a round-cut diamond in a solitaire setting with a platinum band. There’s a reason that popular jewellers like Tiffany & Co have made this their signature style.
But if you’re looking for something a little more unusual and eye-catching, then you’re going to have to do a little digging. Read on to learn 4 ways you can find unique engagement rings and diamond rings.
Design your own ring
Want something completely unique and one-of-a-kind? You’re going to have to create something from scratch. Many jewellery designers will allow you to decide the features you’d like to include in your ring, including the setting, band type, and the stone shape. You may also be able to personalise your jewellery with an engraving. Take complete control over the finished design and make it something unique and memorable.
It’s a common misconception that designing your own ring will be much more expensive. This isn’t the case, as you can often save money by making it exactly as you like. You can pick and choose which parts to skimp on and which parts to save on.
For example, if you love a big rock, you might choose to prioritise this in your budget and choose a cheaper band setting such as sterling silver instead of platinum. You can also be more flexible with the stones. Choosing lab-grown diamonds and gemstones is another great way to save money or invest in a bigger stone.
Choose vintage or antique styles
Although these may have been mass-produced one day, now that they are antique or vintage, they will be less commonplace. Choosing a vintage or antique engagement ring is an excellent way to tap into the past and enjoy styles from iconic periods. This could include Art Deco, Victorian or Edwardian styles.
Bear in mind that many vintage and antique styles will have been around for a while, so they might have more wear and tear than a new engagement ring. To avoid losing stones, make sure you have the piece of jewellery checked by a jeweller frequently so they can repair any weak points in the jewellery.
Look for independent jewellery makers
If you want something out of the ordinary and unique to give to your partner, you should explore local independent jewellery makers. These will often have one-of-a-kind rings available that are as far from mass-produced as possible.
You’ll also feel better knowing that you’re supporting a local maker. Just be sure to make sure the stones in the ring are genuine, as some will replace diamonds with cheaper stones like moissanite but still charge diamond prices. Never make any assumptions about the stones in your jewellery and request the IGI or GIA certificate with every stone above 0.3 carats.
Turn to lab-grown gemstones
If you’re looking for a unique stone, you might have to pay a lot of money to find exactly what you’re looking for. Coloured stones, very large stones and unique shapes all come with a hefty price tag when you choose mined diamonds. But the same stones will be readily available and much cheaper if you opt for lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are structurally identical to their mined counterparts but often have far better characteristics, including better clarity and fewer inclusions. They are also available in a wide range of colours, which makes coloured diamonds more accessible. Choosing a coloured diamond for your engagement ring is one of the simplest ways to make it more unique.
