Distinctive Diamond Options: Unique and Non-Traditional Diamonds for the Alternative Bride

Explore salt and pepper, champagne, rustic, black and lab-grown diamonds in this guide to distinctive diamond options for the non-traditional bride.

Why More Brides Are Choosing Non-Traditional Diamonds

Let’s be real—classic white diamonds are sparkly and lovely, but they’re not everyone’s style. More and more brides are swapping traditional for something with a bit more personality.

Many of today’s modern brides crave a ring that feels meaningful, totally unique (maybe with a bit of edge), and is 100% authentic to her vibe. Whether it’s the allure of sustainability, the symbolism of embracing imperfection, or simply the desire to wear something unlike all the rings she’s seen before; non-traditional diamond engagement rings are having a moment—and we are here for it.

A Guide to Unique Diamond Types for Alternative Engagement Rings

If you’re looking for unique diamond alternatives for engagement rings, we’ve rounded up a little introduction just for you. These beauties are all natural or lab-grown diamonds—either way, they are ethically sourced and bursting with loads of character.

Ready to find your signature stone? Let’s dive in!

 

Salt and Pepper Diamonds: Raw Beauty and One-of-a-Kind Charm

What Are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

What is a salt and pepper diamond, you ask? These stunners are natural diamonds filled with black and white inclusions or “pepper” that creates a dimensional speckled pattern. Each one is totally unique and they can vary quite a bit in shade, from nearly totally white to nearly opaque black. We love the variety of shades because we can’t say no to an ombré diamond ring.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Are salt and pepper diamonds real? Usually by “real” people mean “natural”. These beauties are 100% natural diamonds. They get their unique shades and character from the visible inclusions that come from the earth.

How Durable Are They?

Just like white diamonds, they clock in at a solid 10 on the Mohs scale. So yes, a salt and pepper diamonds hardness is perfect for everyday sparkle.

Why Choose Them?

Artistic, unique, ethical, and more affordable—salt and pepper diamonds cost tends to be lower than traditional white diamonds. Bonus: Just like snowflakes, no two are alike.

Sparkle Factor

Sparkle can very greatly, depending on the color and clarity of each stone. They often have an etherial, low-key flash that is more subdued rather than overly blingy.

Best Ring Styles

At Bohemi, we are huge fans of salt & pepper diamond rings. We think they look amazing in every style, from vintage settings, modern mountings, and nature-inspired bands. Pairing a traditional white diamond engagement ring with a salt & pepper diamond wedding band can give your wedding stack an edgy pop!

Available Cuts

From freeform, shield and kite to pear, oval, round, emerald, rose cut and hexagon—these diamonds come in every cut and shape you could ever want. They are born to stand out.

Are They Popular?

They are popular, but still not super mainstream. Just take a peek at Pinterest or our custom ring gallery. They’re a top choice for the alternative bride.

Meaning/Symbolism

They symbolize authenticity, raw beauty, a reverence for the natural world, and a love that embraces imperfection.

Are They Low Quality?

Not at all! Their inclusions are a feature, not a flaw. They’re structurally strong and visually rich.

 

Galaxy Diamonds: Celestial Sparkle for the Cosmic Bride

What Are Galaxy Diamonds?

“Galaxy” refers to darker salt and pepper diamonds that look like tiny universes. Picture a galaxy diamond ring with flecks of light shining out from the shadows.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Yes, Galaxy diamonds are natural diamond, just a more mystical and mysterious version. Since there’s no demand (therefore supply) of lab grown salt and pepper diamonds, you’ll never have to wonder if it’s an earth-mined diamond.

How Durable Are They?

Still solid at a 10 on the Mohs scale.

Why Choose Them?

Perfect for astrology babes, cosmic dreamers, edgy brides or those drawn to richer hues. Picture a celestial diamond engagement ring.

Sparkle Factor

Like a night sky with stars shining through, Galaxy diamonds can have sparkle and depth.

Best Ring Styles

Any style works with these lovelies. They can add a little personality to even the simplest engagement ring style. With galaxy in the name, people often love them in a themed celestial diamond ring, maybe with some milgrain for a vintage feel?

Available Cuts

Round, pear, hexagon, and oval cuts complement that starry interior, but they are available in all cuts and shapes

Meaning/Symbolism

Uniqueness, a connection to the universe and a love that goes to the moon and back.

Rustic Diamonds: Earthy Elegance with Rugged Appeal

What Are Rustic Diamonds?

Natural diamonds with warm, earthy inclusions—think fiery reds, glowing oranges, and golden undertones. We like to call them "salt and paprika" diamonds.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Yup! Just like regular salt and pepper diamonds, these are one hundred percent natural and not lab created.

How Durable Are They?

Same hardness as other diamonds, 10 on the Mohs, just a different vibe.

Why Choose Them?

They give off organic and natural energy—if you love earth tones and subtle pops of color, you’ll be a rustic diamond engagement ring fan.

Sparkle Factor

They glow more than sparkle, which adds to their old-soul charm.

Best Ring Styles

Textured bands and organic-inspired settings lend themselves to rustic diamond rings.

Available Cuts

Rose cut, cushion, freeform, round, pear and most other cuts.

Meaning/Symbolism

Grounded love, romantic outdoor adventures and natural beauty.

Champagne Diamonds: Warm Tones and Timeless Sophistication

What Are Champagne Diamonds?

What is a champagne diamond? It’s a natural or lab-created diamond with golden hues—ranging from light taupe to rich honey and deeper brown tones. Champagne diamonds are also known as cognac diamonds, brown diamonds and chocolate diamonds.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Absolutely. Whether Earth-mined or lab grown, champagne diamonds are real with stunning golden warmth.

How Durable Are They?

Still a 10 on the Mohs scale—just with a little more warmth.

Why Choose Them?

Champagne diamond engagement rings are timeless, romantic, and often more affordable than colorless diamonds.

Sparkle Factor

High sparkle with a warm glow. Think vintage romance meets modern brilliance.

Best Ring Styles

Halo settings, vintage milgrain or minimal, modern designs help a champagne diamond ring steal the show.

Available Cuts

Round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear, oval are most popular but you can find almost shape.

Meaning/Symbolism

Luxury, celebration, joy—like popping a bottle of bubbly every time you glance at your hand.

🍾 Check out our diamond champagne ring custom for inspo!

Grey Diamonds: Subtle Sophistication for the Modern Minimalist

 

What Are Grey Diamonds?

Understated, smoky diamonds in varying shades of misty gray. They remind us of the sky when it’s getting ready to storm.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Yes. Natural, unusual, quietly brilliant and full of mystery.

How Durable Are They?

You guessed it—still a 10.

Why Choose Them?

They’re a minimalist’s not-too-flashy dream. Soft elegance at its finest.

Sparkle Factor

Understated shimmer with a moody twist.

Best Ring Styles

Sleek, modern designs, yellow gold, platinum and matte metal finishes compliment grey diamonds well, but they are suited to so many styles.

Available Cuts

Pear, rectangle, round, oval, shield, geometric, and so much more! Grey diamonds come in all cuts.

Meaning/Symbolism

Balance, calm, quiet confidence.

Black Diamonds: Bold, Edgy, and Unconventional

What Are Black Diamonds?

Opaque and striking, these bold beauties can turn up the contrast and drama on any ring.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Usually heat treated to enhance the deep black opacity, but sometimes lab created, black diamonds are real diamonds.

How Durable Are They?

Still a 10. They are as strong as they are striking.

Why Choose Them?

All the durability of a diamond without the flash. Black diamonds are perfect for anyone who loves a bold look, gothic romance, or just wants to break the mold. We love black diamonds as an accent stone that adds contrast and in a salt and pepper ombré.

Sparkle Factor

Because light doesn’t go through an opaque stone, black diamonds offer minimal sparkle, but deliver maximum impact.

Best Ring Styles

Claw settings, flush settings and half-bezel settings can drastically change the vibe of these versatile stones.  Men are often drawn to black diamonds for their subtle flash without being too ostentatious.

Available Cuts

Round, emerald, shield, marquis, rose cut. Black diamonds come in all shapes and sizes.

Meaning/Symbolism

Mystery, strength, rebellion, subtle luxury.

 

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Ethical Brilliance for the Eco-Conscious Bride

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

They’re man-made diamonds that are chemically, physically, and visually identical to mined diamonds.

Are They Real Diamonds?

Yes! Identical in every way—just made in a lab instead of the Earth’s crust.

How Durable Are They?

You guessed it! Just like all the diamonds we’ve talked about, lab diamonds are diamonds and therefore a perfect 10 oh the Moh’s scale.

Why Choose Them?

Lab-created diamonds have all the sparkle and durability of natural diamonds. They offer affordability to customers, especially those who want larger carats and fancy colors which are extremely rare (and therefore expensive) when found in nature.

Sparkle Factor

All the razzle as well as the dazzle of traditional diamonds, but without the mining or the price tag.

Best Ring Styles

Classic solitaire, halo, or any custom setting you can dream up.

Available Cuts

All the classics—round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear, and all the not-so-classics— hexagon, marquis, trillion, kite. Lab-grown diamonds come in every shape, cut and size.

Meaning/Symbolism

Innovation, transparency, and love that supports a bright future.

💎 Our lab grown diamond engagement ring with a blue (or any color) diamond is one of our favorites!

Comparison Table of Distinctive Diamond Options

Diamond Type	Appearance	Durability (Mohs)	Aesthetic Vibe	Symbolism/Style	Price Range
Salt & Pepper	Speckled inclusions; gray to dark charcoal hues	10	Unique, edgy, witchy	Individuality, raw beauty	$–$$
Galaxy	Dark with star-like inclusions	10	Moody, celestial	Cosmic mystery, uniqueness	$$
Rustic	Warm tones, earthy inclusions (red/orange)	10	Earthy, vintage	Nature-inspired, grounded love	$–$$
Champagne	Shades of golden brown, warm and sparkling	10	Romantic, classic warmth	Celebration, joy, luxury	$$–$$$
Grey	Smoky, subtle gray hues	10	Minimalist, stormy	Balance, neutrality, etherial	$$
Black	Opaque, bold black	10	Dramatic, masculine, minimal	Strength, mystery, power	$$–$$$
Lab-Grown	Clear, brilliant, lab-created	10	Classic, modern	Ethical innovation, sustainability	$–$$

 

Final Thoughts – Embrace a Diamond as Unique as You Are

At Bohemi, we specialize in non-traditional rings. Our goal is to make every ring remarkable and deeply meaningful. Whether you get swept off your feet for a salt and pepper diamond ring, a moody galaxy diamond engagement ring, or the golden hue of a champagne diamond, we are here to create a perfect match for your personal look and lifestyle.

✨ Ready to find your forever stone?

• Explore our custom engagement rings
• Browse gemstone engagement ring styles
• Read our guide to creating a one-of-a-kind ring
• Check out our guide to choosing the perfect engagement ring

Let’s create a piece that celebrates your love story—flaws, stormy days, sparkling moments, quiet adoration, and all.

Let the sparkles speak for themselves. 💫