Why You Should Consider Alternative Engagement Rings

When we think of engagement rings, we automatically think ‘diamond.’ In 2021, the average cost of an engagement ring was $5,500. Yikes! If you and your honey are both in school, saving for your big day or honeymoon, or saving money in general, that isn’t the best news. 

But you don’t have to have a diamond to have an engagement ring that’s both a stunner and a conversation starter. There are many options out there that will fit well within a modest budget and still be a showstopper. Not to mention, there are many popular stones that aren’t diamonds that will still hold up beautifully over time and may be more ethically sourced, bringing you (and your bank account) peace of mind. It’s for these reasons and many more why you should consider alternative engagement rings. 

Let’s Talk Settings and Cuts

For a while there, halo cushion cut stones had a chokehold on the engagement ring industry, or that might just be me. I felt like every ring I saw, from the high-end luxury brands to the low end, all over my social media feeds, only featured this style. But in reality, there are so many more ring settings and stone cuts to shop, and a limitless number of possibilities to choose from if you’re designing your own ring or looking for something a bit different.

First, there’s the timeless and classic. Round, radiant, princess, brilliant, oval cut, emerald cut, or pear-shaped are vintage and elegant. These cuts are still around for good reason. They’ve held up since the tradition of engagement rings began, and are a lasting and ageless kind of cut for your ring.

Then there’s a more modern, individualistic feel. East-west emerald cut stones, in addition to hexagonal or octagonal, trilliant, royal, kite, christian, scissor, and step cuts, may be less common, but are just as eye-catching and unique.