We've entered that time of year. No, we're not talking about the holidays. We're referring to the start of engagement season. Statistically speaking, we see the largest number of proposals between November and February. And for those who are planning a proposal (or awaiting one), it can be overwhelming. Perhaps the most trying aspect of all is finding the engagement ring.
First of all, you have to address a learning curve when it comes to shopping for diamond rings, from understanding the four Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) to researching what constitutes a conflict-free and ethically made piece. Once you know what to look for, you still have to consider your budget, the brand name, and your partner's personal preferences. All of this is to say that shopping for an engagement ring is not an easy task, and it can become even more challenging if you're shopping for someone picky. We all know that any ultra-stylish soon-to-be-engaged person won't settle for a basic cookie-cutter ring.
Unless they sent you precisely what they want or you already know what you want, we can guess that you clicked on this article because you're stressed about looking for a ring. In order to make the process easier, we've done some research to find 39 unique engagement rings on the market right now. Whether you're hoping to find the perfect engagement ring for your partner, helping someone pick one for a loved one, or trying to drop hints that they need to hurry up and put a ring on it, there's something ahead for everyone.
Mateo is a Black-owned fine-jewelry brand that offers everything from reworked pearls to nontraditional engagement rings.
It doesn't get more special than a Harry Winston engagement ring.
Searching for an option that's as sustainable as it is stylish? Look no further than Kat Kim. The woman-founded fine-jewelry brand makes every piece in Los Angeles and uses conflict-free diamonds that adhere to the Kimberley Process.
You don't have to spend a fortune on a diamond ring to impress them. Don't be afraid to opt for lab-grown options (like the Pandora ring above), as they're not only more financially accessible but also a guarantee that the stones are conflict-free.
Not every engagement ring has to come from a bridal line. Case in point: the one above. Shopping from fine-jewelry brands like Sauer ensures you give them something truly unique.
It can be hard to find an engagement ring that feels both unique and timeless at the same time. Our tip is to look for one with a nontraditional setting—e.g., the one above with a slanted center stone.
Want to propose to them with a ring that's outside the box? Look no further than the Black-owned fine-jewelry brand Harwell Godfrey. The brand has become beloved in the industry for its playful use of geometric shapes and precious gemstones.
You can't ever go wrong with an engagement ring from Tiffany Co. But should you need some guidance, we recommend opting for colored diamonds because they're as rare as your love.
For dainty-jewelry lovers, giving them an oversize diamond isn't going to have them giddily saying yes. But Jennie Kwon's minimalist bridal collection is sure to do the trick.
Diamonds and pearls are a forever thing, which makes the combination of them even more tantalizing. While there are so many great pearl engagement rings available, you can find some of the very best from Mikimoto.
We can guarantee they'll want to stare at this marquise-cut solitaire 0.7-carat diamond for the rest of their life. And if they don't, then there are plenty of other pretty ring options to be found in Jade Trau's bridal line.
If you're looking to branch out from the classic solitaire setting, then Spinelli Kilcollin's interlocking rings are a great alternative. Drawing inspiration from architecture, each piece features stacked rings made from ethically sourced materials.
While this ring may appear simple, up close, the details make this Octavia Elizabeth piece special. It's made from hammered 18-karat gold and has 0.42-carat round-cut flush-set diamonds.
What better way to make everyone green with envy over your love than with an aquamarine and emerald engagement ring from Yi Collection?
Everything about this Jemma Wynne engagement ring is impeccable—from its curved setting to the 1.4-carat pear-shaped diamonds to the 18-karat white gold.
If your partner loves vintage shopping, then Kinn Studio's bridal collection is a must-shop. Taking inspiration from heirlooms, each piece is meant to last a lifetime.
What better way to summarize a whirlwind romance than with an engagement ring from Mimi So? This AAPI-owned fine-jewelry brand offers an array of whimsical engagement rings that draw inspiration from nature.
Engagement rings should surprise and delight, and none do it like Anna Sheffield's pieces do. The fine-jewelry brand pairs classic settings and cuts with unconventional gemstones to create truly one-of-a-kind works.
You may know Sarah Chloe for its customizable demi-fine jewelry pieces, but did you know the brand has a bespoke bridal line too? It allows you to customize each engagement ring's carat sizes, cuts, and metal finish.
Their ring should be a work of art, and if you buy it from Azlee, you'll be sure of that. Not only does the fine-jewelry brand draw inspiration from art-deco design for each style, but it's also handmade in Los Angeles, ensuring the best possible quality.
While this ring may seem simple at first sight, De Beers's diamonds are far from that. The fine-jewelry brand is meticulous about how it sources its diamonds, its selection process, and its cutting process to ensure that it's creating some of the best rings out there.
Another bridal line you should know about? Aaryah. The AAPI-owned brand draws inspiration from the diaspora to inspire unique ring settings and pairs them with rare gemstones to create pieces that can make even the pickiest person's jaw drop.
When in doubt, David Yurman is always a good idea. You can opt for one of its more traditional engagement ring settings or go the minimalist route and give them a diamond crossover band like the one above.
It's rather mind-blowing to know that you found your person in this expansive universe—it's rare, in fact. We can't think of a better way to honor that than with this Wwake ring that's meant to look like a night's stars.
Bigger diamonds aren't always better. Sometimes, it really all boils down to the band and cut. Just look to this ring from The Clear Cut as proof. Sure, the diamonds are only 0.24 carats, but the pear-shaped cut and open wraparound band make them feel all the more outstanding.
Searching for a classic engagement ring with a twist? You'll want to look into Sophie Bille Brahe's offering, as each piece has an unexpected element (e.g., curved bands and floating diamonds) that makes it exquisite.
Chopard's slim white-gold diamond ring is ideal for the devout minimalist in your life.
Leave it to Yvonne Léon to create a ring that can make any editor mouth "yes, yes, yes" to themselves.
If the staggered bezel setting on this wraparound ring from Eriness can't stun them, then we're not sure what will.
Why pick one diamond cut when you can have two? This Vrai ring with its baguette and trillion-cut lab-grown diamonds gives you the best of both worlds.
Oh, you thought this was already sparkly? Think again. This Anita Ko ring features diamonds cut to shine at every angle.
Choosing the right setting can make any carat of diamond look larger. Case in point: the Ashley Zhang ring above. While the oval diamond is only 1.01 carats, the open-culet setting and shallow depth make it look larger.
When it comes to engagement rings, you do get what you pay for. And there's no better example of that than the family-owned fine-jewelry brand Gismondi 1754. It's been based out of Italy for seven generations, with a focus on handcrafting every single piece it makes.
PSA: You don't always have to shop from indie labels to find an unusual engagement ring. The key is to focus on the stone. Opting for precious gemstones and colorful diamonds on simple bands is a surefire way to make sure this ring stands out.
No one wants a cookie-cutter engagement ring. And one way to ensure you don't have one is to shop from the rising fine-jewelry brand Milamore. While its offering isn't technically in the bridal space, it's made waves in the industry for its androgynous pieces that champion eclectic bands and unexpected gem cuts.
Why not show the fashion fanatic in your life you understand them by giving them a diamond ring from Dior?
From the spiral band made from 18-karat gold to the 0.89-carat heart-cut diamond, there's so much to love about this Shay engagement ring.
The true mark of a special engagement ring is if it incorporates unique gemstones—like this ruby-and-diamond ring from Delfina Delettrez.
We've said it before, and we'll say it again. Gemstones make any engagement ring so much more special. All you have to do is look at the Suzanne Kalan ring above with round-cut diamonds and baguette-cut colorful gems as further proof.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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