8 Engagement Ring Alternatives

Buying a diamond engagement ring will forever be the traditional method with which to symbolise an engagement. The shine and gleam of the diamond wows most recipients, but it isn’t for everyone. Perhaps you’re in a position where you can’t afford an engagement ring just yet and are looking for ideas on how to propose without a ring. Fortunately, there are various alternatives to engagement rings some of which you can find listed below. 

1.Eternity Rings

Usually worn alongside engagement and wedding rings, eternity rings offer an opulent alternative to engagement rings. Instead of a large centre stone, an eternity band has a whole loop of diamonds and/or gemstones around it. You can choose to have diamonds, coloured gemstones or a combination of both and are available in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum.

2.Lab Grown Diamond Rings

If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly engagement ring alternative, lab grown diamonds offer consumers that opportunity. Most of us are now aware of the carbon emissions created by the creation of many of the things we use and eat every single day. The diamond industry has had to react as the traditional methods for mining diamonds are doing too much damage to the planet.

Synthetic diamonds are created to the same colour, clarity, cut and carat you’d expect from a mined diamond. In a lab, it can be created to a precise design based on your specification, allowing more flexibility on price. With very little emissions made in the lab-grown diamond process, you can pop the question with an engagement ring that has done its bit for the planet.

3.Gemstone Rings

If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring, having one with a diamond can seem like you’re buying a ring that everybody else has. If you want to capture the uniqueness of your special someone, a gemstone engagement ring is perfect. Gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies are considered rare and hold a strong value for that reason. The deep hues of coloured gemstones helps set a huge statement on your relationship, giving the wearer a ring that will truly stand out from the crowd.

You will have to take different steps to care for a gemstone ring than you would for a diamond engagement ring, but there is lots of help and support available online to make that easy for you.

4.Ring on a Necklace

A popular engagement ring alternative is a ring on a necklace. Not everybody likes to wear a ring everyday, even an engagement ring. For some people, their job requires heavy use of their hands which could lead to rings being damaged. A diamond ring on a necklace gives the wearer a chance to show off the beautiful piece, but around their neck rather than on their finger. 

This option also gives you the chance to customise the piece to feature gemstones, engraving and more, to create a really unique and personal engagement item.

5.Charm Bracelet

In the 1950s, charm bracelets were a popular accessory. As girls came of age, they would add new charms to their bracelet at different points in their life. Why not take this concept to commemorate your impending engagement? After this, you can buy your loved one more charms as you get married, celebrate anniversaries, buy your first home, have your first child together and many more milestones. A charm bracelet is a gift that keeps evolving long past your engagement.

6.A Tattoo

Buying an engagement ring is a permanent symbol of love and commitment, much like the wedding rings and eternity rings that traditionally follow. However, there’s nothing more permanent than a tattoo which makes a great alternative for someone who doesn’t like wearing jewellery. It could feature the name of your significant other, initials or even your wedding date. For a sweet and special way to express your love and commitment, a tattoo offers a great option for couples.

7.Lockets

Returning to jewellery pieces, lockets have a special place in history. Traditionally, they have been worn to remember loved ones or even signify the beginning of a new relationship. Using a locket as an engagement gift provides a chance for you to be creative, especially as you can place something inside of the piece. Perfume, pictures and even a lock of hair have been placed inside before, so get thinking about what you’d put in there for your special someone.

8.Metal Bands

While tradition says one person should give an engagement ring to another when popping the question, there are many couples who celebrate their union with a set of matching bands. These rings can include smaller diamonds, birthstones and metal carvings, adding a greater personal touch to proceedings.

If you’re looking for advice on how to propose without a ring with other romantic alternatives, the team at Diamond Heaven are here to help you out. Book an appointment with us today by phone, online or in-store where we can help you find the perfect way to propose without an engagement ring.