Traditionally, jewellers will stick to popular gems in engagement rings, such as diamonds, sapphires, morganite and cubic zirconia (a synthetic but still gorgeous stone). However, couples are calling for more personalised and unique engagement rings. And what the customer wants, the customer gets!
If you want to personalise your wedding from the ‘will you’ to ‘I do’, we have some stunning, unique engagement rings your future partner will absolutely love to give you inspiration.
What You Need to Know About Engagement Rings
How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
You’ve probably heard in movies or through the grapevine that the recommended amount to spend on an engagement ring is the equivalence of your salary for three months. However, in today’s day and age, this is complete hogwash.
How much you spend on the engagement ring should come down to your budget and the style you’re after. Although, if you’re looking for some stats about what to spend, according to the Australian Wedding Industry Report 2019, Australians spend an average of $5,134 on engagement rings.
Do engagement rings have to be diamond?
While diamonds are the classic engagement ring stone, it’s not a necessary ingredient in making a stunning setting. Known for their brilliant sparkle, diamonds are one of the more expensive stone choices and can vary in clarity, colour, cut and carat-otherwise known as the 4 Cs.
Popular alternate stones at the moment include:
- Sapphire.
- Pearl.
- Garnet.
- Emerald.
- Turquoise.
- Amethyst.
What are the different parts of an engagement ring called?
Centre Stone
An engagement ring’s centre stone is the focal point of the ring, normally based, you guessed it, in the centre.
Prong
The metal parts of the ring that join the stone to the ring are called prongs.
Bridge
Also referred to as the under-gallery, this is the underside of the ring where the centre stone sits.
Side Stones
If you have stones running alongside the centre stone, they are called the side stones.
Halo
Becoming a more popular choice, the halo is a ring of smaller stone running around the center stone.
Head
Also known as the basket, this is the part in which the centre stone sits.
Gallery
The side view of the ring. Some may choose to add intricate designs or more stones here.
What types of metals are used to make an engagement ring?
Yellow, white or rose gold
Yellow gold is composed of pure gold mixed with metals such as silver, zinc and copper and is one of the easier jewellery metals to care for.
White gold is made up of pure gold and white alloy metals such as silver and nickel. Often it can have a rhodium plating, which creates a gorgeous finish but also means the ring must be regularly polished and the coating may need to be replaced every few years.
Rose Gold is becoming a more popular option for engagement rings, and like yellow and white gold, it is a mix of pure gold and metals such as copper, giving it a red or pink tint.
While the most obvious difference between these three choices is their colouring, the mixture of metal alloys can also impact their price, which skin tones they complement best and if they are hypoallergenic.
Platinum
While this metal may look identical to white gold, it is a more durable option. With that, a higher price can be attached. This metal will also require replating every few years to keep it looking new.
Two-tone
This refers to a mix of two metals being used, such as two types of gold, with a mix of yellow and white gold being the most popular option.
13 Unique Engagement Ring Designs
1. Black or Smoky stones
For the person who always wears black, why not extend this to their engagement ring? We love the elegant feel of a pure black ring, while a smoky black stone is absolutely stunning.
2. Birthstones
We all know someone who swears by their star sign and birthstone. So, if this is your partner, why not incorporate their birthstone into the setting? Even if it’s not the centre stone, using it as some of the side stones can be beautiful too.
Birthstones
January: Garnet.
February: Amethyst.
March: Aquamarine, bloodstone.
April: Diamond.
May: Emerald.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite.
July: Ruby.
August: Peridot.
September: Sapphire.
October: Opal, Tourmaline.
November: Citrine, Topaz.
December: Tanzanite, turquoise, Blue Zircon.
3. Crown Ring
No need to stick to the classic pear or princess cuts when you can try the gorgeous crown ring. One of the best parts is that it can be stacked with other rings or left on its own for two completely different looks.
4. Ring stack
Speaking of stacked rings, you don’t have to have just one band. People will often buy the engagement and wedding rings together, so they stack right and look seamless. Plus, they often come at a reduced price as a package.
5. Raw gemstones & crystals
For something truly unique, why not look at raw and uncut crystals or other stones? Quartz is a gorgeous crystal, traditionally used to symbolise power and energy, while Jade symbolises love and fidelity.
6. Moonstone
How ethereal is this stunning moonstone ring? This pearly looking stone symbolises fertility and sensuality, which gives the gift of intuition. It’s also known as a healing stone, which can help align your goals and dreams. Such a perfect gift to give as an engagement ring.
7. Twigs & flowers
For the nature lover, help them always be connected with the outdoor with a floral-inspired ring. Even if you don’t think a flower setting will be their style, the twig-look of this band could be a possible option.
8. Go Vintage
If you want your ring to look like its straight from the set of Downton Abbey, why not choose a vintage or vintage-inspired setting? A vintage ring is considered to be at least 50 years old and is often made during or before the early 1900s, while a vintage-inspire ring is a modern ring designed to reflect this time period.
9. Engraved rings
Even a simple ring can be personalised. Choose a word or phrase that means a lot to you and your partner and have it engraved on the ring. Then, they’ll carry it with them wherever they go, even if they can’t see it.
10. Mix colours
There’s no need to stick to just one stone colour. An assortment of rings with different types and colours of stones is absolutely striking. These could be your partner’s favourite colour or a mix of both your birth stones.
11. Play with non-traditional shapes
Designing an engagement ring is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Play with different orders of stones, shapes and patterns, even experimenting with a geometric shape, like the examples below.
12. Wrap rings
Also known as twist rings, this design simply wraps around the fingers with the two ends leaving space. Add a small stone on each end for a gorgeous finish.
13. Ditch the stone for a symbol
Tying the knot has been part of wedding tradition in many cultures since the days of the Pagans and Romans. If you love the concept of any of the traditions, why not incorporate it into the engagement ring?
Feature photo by Izabelle Acheson on Unsplash
Ready to find the perfect engagement ring?
Use Localsearch to find a local jeweller.
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