Discover Unique Engagement Ring Stones, Alternative Diamond Cuts, and Rare Colored Gemstones for Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

More and more couples are ditching the traditional diamond solitaire in favor of alternative engagement rings. Why? Because engagement rings should be as unique as the love they symbolize! From colorful gemstones to distinctive cuts, alternative stone engagement rings offer endless ways to express your personal style. Plus, many of these options can be more budget friendly, ethical and sustainable, giving them extra appeal.

If you're searching for non-traditional engagement ring ideas, let’s dive into some of the most captivating alternative engagement ring stones and custom cuts available today!

Why Choose an Alternative Engagement Ring?

Stand Out with Something Unique

Forget cookie-cutter rings—alternative stones let you showcase your individuality. Whether it’s a bold color, an artistic cut, a one-of-a-kind gem or a truly unique and custom designed piece (or all four!), these rings are anything but ordinary.

Sustainability Matters

Choosing ethical and sustainable gemstones means your ring is not only beautiful but also responsibly sourced. All of our rings, whether alternative stone engagement rings or more traditional styles, feature recycled metals, conflict-free stones and ethically-sourced natural or lab-grown diamonds.

Personalization is Key

With custom gemstone jewelry, you can design a ring that’s specifically yours. From selecting the perfect stone to crafting a setting that complements its brilliance, the process is all about creating a piece that tells your love story.

Unique Stone Options for Engagement Rings

Colored Gemstones for Engagement Rings

If you're looking for unique engagement rings with colored stones, there’s a nearly endless rainbow of possibilities!

• Sapphires – Not just blue! Sapphires come in every color. You can even get parti sapphires which have more than one color in the same stone. Sapphires are a durable stone that is suitable for everyday wear.
• Spinel – A stunning alternative that comes in unique hues from pinks and violets to red and black. A bonus is they are generally not treated, making them totally natural.
• Garnet – From minty green to orangey red, we’ve fallen in love all over again with garnet. Just like Spinel, Garnet is generally not treated and comes by its color naturally. 
• Aquamarine – Perfect for ocean lovers, this pale blue gem is dreamy and serene. For all you locals, Aquamarine is one of the gemstones found in Colorado. The Mt.Antero mine outside of Buena Vista still produces aquamarine. 
• Alexandrite – A magical, color-changing gemstone that shifts from green in sunlight to reddish purple in lamplight. Alexandrite is very rare, originally found in the Ural mountains of Russia. Luckily, lab-grown Alexandrite is available and much more affordable.

Salt and Pepper Diamonds: The Perfect Diamond Alternative

If you love the sparkle and durability of diamonds but want something a little different, salt and pepper diamond rings are the way to go. These diamonds feature natural inclusions, giving them a moody, galactic aesthetic. Each salt and pepper diamond is totally unique, so even if you go for a more traditional design, yours will still be unlike anything else. We like to call them mother nature's fingerprints.

• Salt and pepper diamond engagement ring options range from bold and edgy to soft and ethereal.
• Looking for a statement piece? Try a salt and pepper kite diamond ring or oval salt and pepper diamond engagement ring.
• For those who love vintage charm with a little je ne sais quoi, a salt and pepper diamond wedding ring is a perfect choice.
• If you want something bespoke, a custom salt and pepper diamond ring is a stunning, one-of-a-kind option.

Ethical & Sustainable Gemstone Choices

• Unique Montana sapphire engagement rings are a fantastic choice for those looking for domestic gems.
• Both clear and salt and pepper diamonds can be sourced from Canada.
• Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite offer a more ethical alternative to mined diamonds.
• Many diamond alternative engagement rings feature responsibly sourced gems that minimize environmental impact.

Unique Cuts for Alternative Engagement Rings

Starbrite™ Cut Gemstones

A Starbrite™ cut gemstone is always a showstopper! This unique faceting style enhances brilliance and adds some extra magic to a stone, making your ring stand out like no other. It is most commonly seen with sapphires, but can be done with other stones like Aquamarine, sxTourmaline, Garnet and Sunstone. The Starbrite™ cut is a proprietary cut and unless it is purchased through licensed dealers it is copyright infringement. We get all our Starbrite™ cuts from 2 out of the 3 cutters that have the right to cut this style. Which means they are the highest quality and cut. 

Geometric & Unconventional Cuts

Love a bold look? Try these unconventional cuts:

• Hexagon, kite, coffin, and shield cuts can make for an edgier look.
• Elongated ovals, marquis and pears for a sleek, sophisticated style.
• Rose cuts and antique-inspired stone cuts for a touch of vintage romance.

Custom Cut Engagement Rings

Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Custom gemstone jewelry allows you to create a ring with a one-of-a-kind cut, adding sentimental value and artistic beauty to your engagement ring.

Finding the Right Alternative Engagement Ring for You

Things to Consider:

• Durability: Hardness matters! Sapphires, diamonds and moissanite are the most suitable for daily wear, especially if you can be rough with your jewelry.
• Color: Choose a hue that resonates with you—whether it’s deep blue, fiery red, or soft pastel.
• Budget: Best diamond alternative for engagement rings include lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, sapphire, and spinel. Check out our guide on How to Budget for an Engagement Ring here for a deeper dive.
• Setting: Choose which metal looks best on your skin and enhances the color of your stone. Gold can be yellow, white or rose and 14k or 18k. Platinum comes in one color but can look very different depending on the finish you choose. Check out more information on metal choices here.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to engagement rings. Whether you’re drawn to unique engagement ring stones, looking for the best alternative stones for engagement rings, or you want unique 3 stone engagement rings, Bohemi is here to help you create the perfect engagement ring that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Explore our collection of custom gemstone jewelry and design your dream alternative engagement ring today!