#7 – The Non Traditional Engagement Ring Style
A non-traditional engagement ring makes a singular statement: I’m not your average kinda gal. It’s not what you would picture on a typical newly engaged bride… nope, it’s something else entirely. Whether the ring has no center diamond, or a center gemstone of a different kind altogether, this style is reserved for the fashion-forward trailblazers out there. I think women forget that you’re not required to get an engagement ring that has one center diamond, and the wedding ring to match. The sky really is the limit as far as what you can wear on your fourth finger. (There are a few caveats to that statement, but we’ll get to those in a minute.) Check out the bling!
1. Dana Rebecca Designs 2. Yayoi Forest 3. Kwiat 4. Omi Gems 5. Boucheron 6. Solange Azagury-Partridge 7. Irene Neuwirth 8. Finn 9. Tiffany & Co. 10. Anna Sheffield 11. Anna Sheffield 12. Kwiat
Characteristics:The traditional rules of bridal jewelry don’t apply to this style. The ring has something other than a diamond in the center, or no center gemstone at all.
Pros: This engagement ring style is least likely to be chosen… or even thought of. Believe it or not, most brides are pretty traditional. Which of course means that no one will have a ring remotely similar to yours, and everyone will think you’re the trendiest gal on the block.
Cons: Because some of these rings are so stylized, twenty years from now, you may come to regret choosing it… but if that time comes, it’s completely changeable. (Unlike that eighty-tiered wedding dress with pink ruffles your mom chose way back when… Those photos last forever.)
If you choose a colored stone, such as an emerald, ruby or sapphire (the only gems I would recommend if you want color) – the gemstone will abrade over time just from normal wear and tear. Meaning it will appear scuffed or scratched. Thankfully most gemstones can be recut and polished to look like new. There is a reason why diamonds are used in engagement rings. They are the hardest mineral on earth. Impossible to scratch, other than with another diamond. (You can, however, chip one.) I’ve seen numerous blogs featuring colored stone engagement rings with something other than emeralds , rubies or sapphires, and it makes me cringe. If you want color, and can’t afford a colored diamond – get a sapphire. Sapphires can be found in almost every color of the rainbow, and they are the closest gem to a diamond in terms of durability. You will have to have it recut and polished at some point, but a gemstone like sapphire will require less upkeep than any other colored gem. Just be aware that should you choose something like a Tanzanite or a moonstone, or even a pearl… you probably won’t like how it looks in a couple years’ time.
Check out the Moh’s scale to learn more about the hardness of precious gems.
High Polish Favorite: I’m obsessed with #5 – Boucheron’s Quatre band. Black and white diamonds, rose and yellow gold… plus texture. It’s like it was made just for me!
So.. what do you think… Could you wear a style like this?
