Non Diamond Engagement Rings are on trend in 2022

This may come as news to you but in 2022 non diamond engagement rings are on trend.

Yes, we know!  Marilyn Monroe is famous for crooning “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, making some of us crazy for flashy engagement rings. 

And the James Bond soundtrack taught us “diamonds are forever”, highlighting their durability and timeless style.

But fast-forward to today.  In 2022 non diamond engagement rings are the newest trend.  In this blog we will detail what non traditional engagement ring options exist and reasons why diamond alternative rings are growing in popularity.

Are you ready?  Let’s get started.

First, What Is a Non Diamond Engagement Ring? 

 “Non diamond” is a broad term regarding engagement rings featuring diamond alternatives. Couples are becoming interested in adding other gemstones into their engagement rings and wedding bands.

An alternative engagement ring is ranged in its style. It can evoke a retro look or a unique design. For example, placing a non diamond center stone on a rose-gold ring, instead of being conservative with white or yellow gold.

PHOTO:  The best non diamond engagement rings are sometimes those that simply mimic real diamond. Diamond alternative rings using cubic zirconia or moissanite are affordable and can look great. Seen above is a 2 carat princess cut diamond simulant ring from Luxuria®. [Source: Luxuria Diamonds] 

Sometimes non diamond engagement rings use diamond simulant in place of natural diamond.   Examples of popular created diamond simulants include cubic zirconia, moissanite, rhinestone or crystal.    Some diamond simulants used in Non traditional engagement rings occur in nature.   These simulants include sapphire, white topaz and quartz.

In essence though, non diamond engagement rings are simply wedding rings that are not diamond.

Why Are Non Diamond Engagement Rings Getting More Popular?

Another reason couples are opting for the non traditional engagement ring is the generational shift.  Some millennials come to the decision of not wanting a diamond from a humanitarian or philosophical standpoint.

Millennials are big believers in climate change and saving the planet from the impacts that Governments and commercial entities have on it.  The diamond market leaves a lot to be desired when you examine its environmental impact; labour conditions and carbon emissions.  Furthermore, sometimes proceeds from diamonds fund conflicts and wars.

PHOTO:  Approximately 250 tonnes of ore must be dug from the ground to produce a one carat (200 milligram) polished diamond of gem quality.  Diamond mines are open-cut or underground.  The ore is blasted with explosives then loaded onto trucks for transport to a processing plant where it is cleaned and sorted.  Millennials ask whether one ring is worth the destruction? [Photo credit: Alamy]

Millennials are also paying way less for engagement rings.  According to a recent survey from TD Ameritrade, two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials think an engagement ring should cost less than $2,500 or less than half the national average.

Normally, the average engagement ring goes for $5,680 thanks to its diamond centrepiece. Research shows 4 in 10 Millennials plan to pay for their own weddings so it makes sense they don’t want to splash out on a diamond engagement ring.  

Popular Non Diamond Engagement Rings

Breaking away from the traditional diamond ring isn’t for everyone.  It does however create new opportunities to find a style that suits your needs and tastes perfectly. Once you’re open to the idea of engagement rings without diamonds, the options are seemingly endless!

If you’re so over diamonds, here’s a list of  diamond alternative rings which look great.  Many of these non traditional engagement rings are significantly cheaper than diamond engagement rings.

Emeralds

Queen Cleopatra was fanatical about emeralds and JFK proposed to Jackie with an emerald ring. They’re considered a precious stone and are mesmerizing with their rich green color.

It’s a great option if your partner is born in May as emerald is its birthstone. But note that emeralds are softer than diamonds, rubies, and other stones.  Therefore if emerald is an option please be careful in choosing a setting.

PHOTO ABOVE.   Diamond engagement rings are not for everyone.  Emerald, a precious gemstone and birthstone for the month of May is an alternative.  The emerald gemstone has long been the symbol of hope.  The hope for a beautiful future filled with passion and love. The hope that your relationship is sustained throughout life and when that has run its course, that you will be reunited in the ever after.  [Source:  Luxuria Diamonds]

Sapphires

If you type “Princess Diana” into Google, the first searches are “ring” and “engagement ring”.

Sapphires had their moment when Princess Di selected a 12-carat sapphire engagement ring. Now it’s the most well-known engagement ring ever especially now that Kate Middleton is wearing it. 

PHOTO:  Until the twentieth century, sapphires were more popular than diamonds for engagement rings. It was clever marketing from De Beers in the 1940’s that convinced people that no marriage is complete without a diamond ring.

This precious stone (sapphire) is believed to promote tranquillity and symbolize faithfulness.  What a fitting representation for the marriage you’re about to commit to! 

Sapphires are famous for their deep blue but it’s possible to get them in green, white, pink, and yellow. They’re also durable which is reassuring when you’re wearing it daily. 

Rubies

These colored gemstones symbolize romance, wealth, and success, perfect for any engagement.

Red is the color of passion—so what better way to represent your love than with a ruby engagement ring?   The ruby is the birthstone for July, making this gem an ideal choice for brides born during that month,

Rubies turn fluorescent under ultraviolet and sunlight, causing the stone to glow. This is the perfect accompaniment to any outfit and to enhance their beauty.

They’re also renowned for their durability so your partner is worry-free if they’re working out or doing chores. 

Moissanite

Moissanite is born from the stars. Yes, you read that correctly!

In 1893, Henri Moissan discovered microscopic particles of this gem in a crater created by a meteorite that fell to Earth. He first thought they were diamonds but later realized they were composed of silicon carbide.

Natural moissanite is rare.  Nowadays moissanite is laboratory-created, to create the most sparkling gemstone. You’ll notice a similarity in the appearance to diamonds but it moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond.   This means Moissanite exhibits higher levels of brilliance and fire than natural diamond. 

PHOTO ABOVE:  Cubic zirconia and moissanite are widely used in non-diamond engagement rings. Seen above is the Luxuria® ACCAREZZARE cushion cut halo engagement ring.

Claddagh Ring

Perhaps you have Irish blood or are proposing in Ireland, but there’s no better way to celebrate your relationship than by a Claddagh ring. 

The tradition dates back to the middle Ages and the ring shows two hands holding a heart that wears a crown. The symbolism is explained in “Let Love and Friendship Reign”, which describes how important this ring is to Irish culture.  

Heirlooms

If you’re strapped for cash, this is the easiest and least expensive way to acquire a stunning engagement ring.

An heirloom is a family jewel with a sentimental value which is far more romantic than another store-bought diamond ring. Your partner will understand the significance and sacrifice symbolized in the ring, making the engagement far more special. 

No Stone

I know, I know!

But what if your partner prefers simplicity over diamonds and flashy gems?

If you do want to add a unique flair, consider the metal. Knot rings are the perfect choice for a minimal bride as it has a dainty knot in the band, symbolizing “tying the knot”.    With thicker bands it’s possible to inscribe a personalised message or symbol inside – to ramp up the impact.

Alternatively you can choose an infinity design engagement ring to solidify your everlasting love. 

PHOTO ABOVE:   The Luxuria® DECORERE diamond simulant engagement ring.  These non diamond engagement rings feature a weaving infinity band to symbolize never-ending love.

Pearl

Pearls have distinctive experience.  When considering non diamond engagement rings you don’t have to go overboard.

When it comes to precious gemstones, pearls are as classic as they come. Lovers of vintage and modern brides alike will fall hard for the timeless and old  world elegance of a pearl engagement ring. 

There are two different types. Some are straightforward like a white-gold setting with a pearl set in it like a solitaire ring. If you’re stuck, ask the jeweller to create a minimal, contemporary design so your partner has an engagement ring they love. 

Morganite 

This semi-precious stone is a pale-pink or orange-pink color and is gaining popularity thanks to the color light it casts. Morganite looks best paired with rose-gold settings as it accentuates its pinkish hues.

Or, if you want a contrast, choose silver-colored metals as it enhances the delicate shades of the stone.  Morganite is also a practical option for diamond alternative rings as it’s easy-to-clean, durable, and perfect for daily wear.    

Which Non Diamond Engagement Rings Will You Choose?

Not everyone wants – or can afford – diamonds so it’s great there are non diamond engagement rings available. It gives you a chance to design a unique ring to commemorate the relationship you have with your partner.

Whether you incorporate their birthstone or find a gem in their favourite color, you have the creative freedom to design an unforgettable engagement ring, one you can’t buy in a store. Good luck!

Are you finding the dream engagement ring for your partner? Look no further, browse our latest collection.

Learn more about Non Diamond Engagement Rings

Check out our article on Diamond substitute engagement rings.   In recent years non traditional engagement rings have become increasingly sought after.   These inexpensive engagement rings still use precious metals but frequently use diamond alternatives.

Other non diamond engagement rings alternatives include Cubic Zirconia.  CZ engagement rings offer many benefits.  They are perfect for a surprise proposal and make an exceptionally good substitute for diamond.    To learn more about choosing fake engagement rings that look real [CLICK HERE]

Want to know what our most popular non diamond engagement rings are? [CLICK HERE]