NON-TRADITIONAL RINGS FOR THE NON-TRADITIONAL PARTNER 

There's no denying that a classic diamond engagement ring is stunning, but with the current wealth of non-traditional engagement rings available in a variety of styles - we can't help but favor unique engagement rings. Below, we discuss what makes a unique engagement ring and what various gemstones can symbolize in your engagement ring. But first, let's go over what is considered an alternative engagement ring.

FROM TRADITIONAL TO NON-TRADITIONAL: THE EVOLUTION OF THE ENGAGEMENT RING

Interestingly enough, what we consider a non-traditional engagement ring today was considered quite traditional in the past. The origins of the engagement ring stretch as far back as Ancient Egypt and has continued to adapt and change as different cultures and communities have donned the jewelry.

THE ENGAGEMENT RINGS ORIGIN | ANCIENT EGYPT TO ROME

Ancient Egyptians were among the first ancient cultures to wear engagement rings. They saw the round shape of the ring as a symbol of eternity and the open space in the middle as a gateway into the unknown.

After Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, the Greeks adopted and adapted this tradition of gifting rings to beloved lovers and usually featured Cupid or Eros the Greek gods of love, sex, and desire. This practice was further adapted by the Romans after conquering Greece. The Romans utilized iron and copper wedding rings that we often inscribed with a key motif, symbolizing the wife's control over the household golds.

During the 3rd and 4th centuries the engagement ring began to symbolize the wealth of the individual. An intricate yellow gold band often depicted two right hands clasping the other. This became known as a fede ring and represented marriage, friendship, and partnership.

THE MIDDLE AGES

Gemstones were added to wedding rings during the Middle Ages by Medieval Europeans. Often, sapphires, diamonds, and rubies, were set within the ring to represent the heavens, strength, and passion respectively. Additionally, the Roman fede and portrait rings were popular during this time.

THE ORIGIN OF THE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

While the first high-profile diamond engagement ring was gifted by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgandy in 1477 it wasn't until the 1940s that diamonds became the go-to stone of choice for engagement rings.

This is all thanks to diamond industry behemouth, De Beers, that owned most of the diamond mines in the world. In 1947, De Beers released a slogan: "Diamonds are forever." That ad campaign was so successful that diamonds became synonymous with marriage and engagements. And now, 72 years later the diamond engagement ring remains the traditional engagement ring of choice by brides all over the world.

NON-TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT RING GEMSTONE CHOICES AND THEIR MEANINGS

As described above, gemstone engagement rings were the traditional choice for an engagement ring for centuries. If you're looking for a unique and gorgeous engagement ring that is non-traditional in nature - consider replacing a diamond with your preferred stone of choice. Plus, because different stones mean different things you can customize your ring by choosing a stone that aligns with your values and beliefs. Consider the following gemstones for your non-traditional engagement ring:

RUBY ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Ruby is a stone that has been used for centuries to symbolize love, passion and fidelity. Additionally, the stone is said to open the heart chakra and protect the wearer against envy greed or jealousy.

The stunning vermillion hue of the ruby creates an unforgettable engagement ring, especially when it is paired with a warm yellow or rose gold band as in the Demi Naples Solitaire Engagement Ring. This special ring features a yellow, rose, or white gold that has been intricatly crafted from real foraged twigs.A stunning piece of jewelry, the Demi Naples Solitaire, and other non-traditional gemstone engagement rings with a ruby as its center stone is destined to become a cherished family heirloom.

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SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Available in a wide range of colorful hues, sapphire engagement rings are a shining testament to the power and vibrancy of your love. Sapphire is known for its durability, making it a great option for engagement rings because you won't have to worry about damaging it or losing it. It's perfect for everyday wear and tear, so you can wear it every day without worrying about the ring getting damaged or losing it.

Long associated with royalty, this special gem is believed to bring abundance, blessings, and gifts, and protect its wearer from evil. We love the vibrancy of pink sapphire and its ability to attract the eye as above with the Demi Naples Pink Sapphire. Paired with yellow gold, the pink stone shines brightly above the rest.

FIND YOUR SAPPHIRE NON-traditional engagement ring

The Montana sapphire is a subtype of sapphire that is mined exclusively in Montana. These stones are beloved for their deep blues, verdant greens, and bright teals, and make a wonderful option for those who are looking for a non-traditional center stone that is locally mined in America.

The Bluebell Rough Montana sapphire solitaire ring is a stunning option for those looking for an alternative engagement ring that doesn't compromise on bling appeal. Featuring a rough round blue Montana sapphire as its center stone - the yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or platinum band was sculpted from a real blueberry twig and places the natural buded detail and unique texture of the twig in a full stunning display.

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EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Lushly green, emeralds add a bold hue and undeniable glitter to non-traditional engagement rings. Egyptians were the first to mine emeralds and Cleopatra was believed to have loved emeralds so much that she was known to gift foreign dignitaries a large replica of herself carved into emerald.

The emerald has long represented rebirth, fertility, and eternal youth in addition to luck, and business acumen. Today, this stone is still considered a symbol of success, good fortune, and prosperity. The emerald is also said to bring peace and calmness to those who wear it.

Take traditional engagement rings to the next level by subbing in an emerald for diamond as in the Aurora Three-Stone Ring. Here the emerald shines brilliantly from its center and is framed by two rose-cut bezel-set diamonds. Framed in yellow gold, the Aurora is a testament to the beauty of vintage-inspired style when combined with a modern flair.

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MORGANITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Rising in popularity, non-traditional engagement rings are routinely favoring morganite as their primary stone of choice. Morganite is a type of beryl, which is a mineral that is part of the same family as aquamarine and emerald. Beryls get their color from aluminum and silica, which gives them the brilliant blue or pinkish-orange color that you see in morganite.

Morganite is quite durable and is beloved for how light refracts across its surface, creating glimmering flashes of sparkle. Morganite is thought to represent innocence, purity, sweetness, romance, and love - probably thanks to its soft, pinkish hue.

We love pairing morganite with rose gold or yellow gold bands to create an engagement ring that oozes romance from start to finish. Conside the Unity Morganite and Diamond Three-Stone Ring that features a large 5mm morganite center stone that is framed by a glimmering diamond on either side.

With a morganite alternative engagement ring, your partner can't help but feel the soft glow of your devotion.

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SUNSTONE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

If you're looking for an alternative engagement ring that features a center stone mined in the United States that's not a Montana Sapphire, consider the Oregon sunstone! Available in a variety of colors, including reds, greens, and yellows, the Oregon sunstone is a powerful stone for healing and balancing of the chakras. It can be used to help heal physical ailments and emotional trauma. The stone helps bring clarity and understanding to situations that are causing difficulty.

Our Bluebell Solitaire ring places the sunstone in stunning full display with a round brilliant cut and six-sparkling melee diamonds that serve to further accentuate its brilliant shine and sparkle. Whatever settings you find yourself in, an Oregon sunstone ring is sure to impress with its vibrant hue and undeniable shine.

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MOONSTONE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

If the sunny hues of the Oregon Sunstone don't whet your fancy why not consider making a moonstone the piece de resistance in your engagement ring? In centuries past, moonstone has been believed to support fertility, love, protection, and sleep.

The stone was also known as the "travelers' stone" because it was thought to protect people who were traveling at night. The belief system behind that is that this stone offered protection against evil spirits and other mischievous creatures.

Today, the moonstone is viewed as having a strong connection with femininity and emotion. Tap into the deep wells of your feelings by proposing with a moonstone engagement ring. We love the Naples Moonstone Trio ring above for its gorgeous variety of Montana sapphires and luminescent moonstone center stone. Available in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum - a moonstone alternative engagement ring will dazzle on and off the finger.

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MOISSANITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Love the look of traditional engagement rings but not the price tag of diamonds? Moissanite may be the stone for you. Despite looking like a diamond, it's much more affordable than its more precious counterpart.

It is difficult to find large enough pieces of naturally-occurring moissanite in nature as it as most of the moisannite in the world came to be from fragments of meteors. Because of this, it is usually created in a lab.

Moissanite emits bright flashes of rainbow light and offers a higher refractive index rate than diamonds. It is known to bring luck into people's lives, awaken their hidden potential, and help them reach their goals.

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BIRTHSTONE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

If you want to personalize your alternative engagement ring why not consider a birthstone as the center gem instead of a diamond? Incorporating the birthstone of your partner is a stunning opportunity to showcase your affection and devotion. From pear-shaped aquamarine to modern pearls, there is a variety of styles and options to create your own unique ring.

The Juniper Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster ring is a brilliant testimony to this idea. A pear-shaped aquamarine takes center stage and is surrounded by a delicate cluster of melee diamonds. The resulting ring is an inspired take on vintage styles with a modern sensibility.

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FOR ALL OF YOUR NON-TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT RING NEEDS, CONSIDER OLIVA EWING JEWELRY

If you're looking for an engagement ring that is different from the norm, consider Oliva Ewing Jewelry. We offer non-traditional rings that are sure to impress your guests and make you feel like royalty. From beautiful moissanite to moonstone and more - we have a variety of gemstones that can suit your taste and budget.

Looking to create a one-of-a-kind piece? Reach out to us today and we'll help you create a stunning engagement ring that your partner can't help but say yes to. And if you are a fan of diamonds there's no need for fear, we have a large selection of gorgeous diamond rings that have no shortage of bling.

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing