Top 10 Alternative Engagement Ring Trends For 2024
We all know by now that diamonds are not the end-all-be-all when it comes to engagement rings. Many people dislike diamonds because mining is harmful to the environment and the working conditions in those mines are inhumane, so for example, lab-grown moissanite is a better alternative. Another excellent option for customers who care about ethical sourcing is diamonds grown in a lab.
Of course, nowadays you can easily find conflict-free diamonds if you wish for them and you are not sure if they were ethically sourced. Even with all that in mind, following the most obvious choice is not for everyone (regardless of what other people say). With that being said, let’s take a deep dive into our ‘’Top 10 alternative engagement ring trends for 2024’’.
Top 10 Alternative Engagement Ring Trends For 2024:
1. SALT AND PEPPER DIAMONDS
Salt and pepper diamond is a diamond that has natural black, white, and gray marble-like inclusions. In contrast to the traditional diamond, salt, and pepper, the diamond’s clarity and color are not graded. But that doesn’t mean they are anything less valuable. Inclusions are more than welcome. Each is super unique and the best thing about them all is that they are as durable as a regular white diamond.
2. MOSS AGATE
Incredible how mother nature can create something like this, right? This ‘’moss effect’’ gemstone is truly something special. Moss agate rings are fairly new to the jewelry market and are not as well known to the general public, but they have gained some attention in the past year or two. They are durable but not as durable as other gemstones (rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness), but you get value for your money.
3. MORGANITE
A perfect alternative for those brides that are hopeless romantics and love the color pink, but don’t want to compromise their wardrobe. The morganite ring looks especially good as a princess-cut cluster ring in conjunction with diamonds. Besides, they are way more affordable than pink diamonds, which makes them even more appealing.
4. ALEXANDRITE
Alexandrite is also known as ‘’emerald by day and ruby by night’’ due to its changing color depending on the light. Perfect for those searching for a blue gemstone engagement ring, but with a little twist. Looks best in a cushion cut.
5. AQUAMARINE
Ever since Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex wore an aquamarine ring to her wedding reception people can’t stop talking about it. Aquamarine engagement rings are not new to the jewelry market. They were extremely popular during the Art Deco era. An era where jewelers were exploring different gemstones and jewelry designs defined this rich art period.
6. RUBY
This is probably my top favorite alternative engagement ring. Speaking of bright and bold-colored gemstones in the color of love and passion – red. They probably don’t come first to your mind when thinking about engagement rings.
But, that doesn’t mean they are not good enough to put in a ring. On the contrary, they are considered one of the hardest and most valuable gemstones on the market.
7. TANZANITE
You are probably hearing about this gemstone for the first time, but don’t worry. They are extremely rare because there are only a few tanzanite mines globally, and the biggest one is in Tanzania. This is also how this gorgeous blue-purple gemstone got its name. Despite all that, tanzanite engagement rings are still quite inexpensive in comparison to other blue gemstones. Increasingly popular as a fashionable choice for engagement rings, proposing with stunning tanzanite rings displays bright violet-blue tones that represent love and uniqueness, giving a compelling and modern declaration of devotion.
8. AMETHYST
If you aren’t afraid of boldness and are known for not being easily influenced by trends, an Amethyst engagement ring is the perfect choice for you. Of course, amethysts can come in light to more dark and opaque purple so if you want to play safe there are plenty of options on the market.
9. SAPPHIRE
This is one of the most versatile gemstones. They come in almost every color of the rainbow and they are almost as durable as diamonds (9 on the Mohs scale of hardness). They have never really gone out of style and are considered evergreen.
Sapphire’s popularity was at an all-time high when Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana with the gorgeous blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring that she picked in the 80s and then again in the 2010s when Prince William proposed Catherine (later Catherine Duchess of Cambridge) with that same ring.
10. TOURMALINE
Have you ever heard of the watermelon tourmaline ring? Their unique hues of green and red are really something special. Tourmaline’s brilliance and clarity enhance this emerald cut cluster ring so perfectly. But beware of the man-treated tourmalines by heating.
In conclusion, there’s no need to settle for the most obvious choice just because other people do it. At the end of the day, YOU are going to be the one wearing the ring for the rest of your life. You might as well choose something that you are going to truly like. Still, sometimes that’s not always enough. That’s why you should choose that unique piece of art just the way you imagine it in your dreams.