10 Oct Ideas for Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
Seen Above: An emerald and Asscher Cut diamond engagement ring, designed by Carl Blackburn in a non-traditional minimalist Art Deco influenced style, following ideas presented by the client.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that stands out, C. Blackburn Jewelers is one San Diego’s most recognized custom jewelers. Owner Carl Blackburn is a La Jolla jewelry designer who will help you skip the traditional diamond solitaire in favor of unique options that speak to your individuality.
Whether it’s an unexpected gemstone, an unconventional setting, or a one-of-a-kind design, non-traditional engagement rings offer endless ways to create something special that reveals your love story.
While classic engagement ring designs are a great choice for women who adore the vintage look, you don’t have to follow the rules. Your ring is a reflection of who you are as a couple. For some that means celebrating time-honored traditions, and for others it means breaking from the norms to create a non-traditional engagement ring.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers we will help you explore gemstones and designs that are rare and distinctive, as well as budget friendly. Lab-grown diamonds, for example, offer a more affordable option to natural diamonds (especially if you would like a large 3+ carat stone).
Another growing trend is upcycling family heirloom jewelry — transforming something old into something new that holds great sentimental value. This is one area of jewelry design that Carl Blackburn specializes in, as he is both an estate jeweler with a deep understanding of vintage and antique jewelry, as well as highly experienced and trained jewelry designer who can work in any style of ring design.
Carl would love the opportunity to have a chat with you about the engagement ring you would like made. Leave him a voicemail at 858-251-3006 or send him a text message at 619-723-8589.
Choosing Alternative Gemstones
If you want a ring that feels truly personal, swapping out the traditional diamond for a vibrant gemstone is a great way to go. Sapphires, for instance, are not only available in classic blue but also come in pink, yellow, and even white.
These variations give you flexibility in matching your ring to your personality or even your favorite color. Sapphires also are known for their durability, second only to diamonds, which makes them practical for everyday wear.
Emeralds, with their deep green hue, symbolize renewal, hope, and fertility, and have been prized for centuries. Their unique, slightly softer nature does require a bit more care, but with the right setting, they can be a perfect choice for your ring.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, we recently created a non-traditional emerald engagement ring that was paired with a diamond. We met with a new client, Graham, whose girlfriend had given him a Pinterest board with some ideas. A lot of the rings looked like men’s rings, so the challenge was how to create a more feminine ring.
His girlfriend was an artist who wanted to be completely out of the picture when it came to the design of the ring (as she wanted to be surprised). Working closely together, Carl and Graham decided to use inspiration from the sleek Art Deco period, which features geometric designs with clean lines. They selected an emerald because of personal significance to the lady, while also still using the traditional diamond found in many engagement rings.
Carl suggested using a non-traditional Asscher cut diamond, because it is basically a square Emerald cut in the way it’s faceted. And since it was going to be set next to an Emerald cut emerald, it made aesthetic sense for them to have the same facet pattern. The diamond and emerald also had to be just the right size to complement the ring design without overshadowing it.
The completed engagement ring was unlike anything Carl Blackburn has every created in his 30+ years as a jewelry designer. And Graham’s fiancée loved this one-of-kind engagement ring — with its tapered shank, minimalist Art Deco sensibilities, edgy sophistication, and unique gemstones.
There are, of course, other gemstone options too. For example, if you love the idea of something bold and modern, you might consider a rare stone like alexandrite, which changes color under different lighting conditions. Or a black diamond, which creates a bold, attractive contrast when set in a white gold or platinum ring, especially when the ring has handcrafted accents like milgrain and engraving.
Other non-traditional gemstone choices include morganite, garnet, and opal which can add a soft, romantic, or vintage touch. Morganite’s blush pink tones are perfect for those looking for something subtle and elegant. Garnet, often associated with deep red, can also come in green and orange, offering even more variety. Opals offer a mesmerizing play of colors; however, they are also prone to scratching and chipping. Thus they require much greater care than harder gemstones, as well as a bezel setting to help better protect the opal.
Exploring Unique Ring Settings
Once you’ve chosen your gemstone, the next big decision is the setting. Traditional solitaire settings focus all the attention on a single stone, but non-traditional rings often play with more creative settings. One exciting option is the halo setting, where smaller diamonds or gemstones surround the central stone, amplifying its size and sparkle. This not only enhances the look but also adds layers of texture and complexity to the design.
For something with a modern twist, geometric settings use clean lines and bold angles. Asymmetry, where the stone might be set slightly off-center or the band itself is irregular in shape, offers a fresh take on engagement rings that’s both artistic and eye-catching. Nature-inspired settings, with leaves, flowers, or even vines worked into the design, can create a whimsical, romantic feel.
You can also mix multiple stones in a cluster design for a truly unique ring. By incorporating different colored gemstones, you create a dynamic, vibrant piece that tells a personal story. Some couples choose birthstones or stones that represent special memories, such as the month they met or a favorite place they’ve visited together.
Benefits of Non-Traditional Rings
The best part of choosing a non-traditional engagement ring is that it allows you to express your individuality. You’re not bound by conventional standards, so you can create something truly reflective of your personality and relationship. If you’re not a fan of the typical engagement ring options, a non-traditional ring opens up a world of possibilities where you can mix and match styles, stones, and settings to create something one-of-a-kind.
For example, at C. Blackburn Jewelers we once created a diamond engagement ring with two twisting, interlocking bands, representing the union of a lady biologist and gentleman engineer. The lady’s band had a smooth, rounded, organic feel, while the man’s was more rigid, with milgrained edges and pavé set diamonds.
A non-traditional ring also carries a deeper meaning. By choosing something different, you’re symbolizing that your love story is unique and that you’re not afraid to forge your own path. This can feel especially empowering for couples who value independence, creativity, or the importance of symbolism over societal expectations.
Popular Trends in Non-Traditional Rings
In San Diego and Southern California, colored gemstones are definitely having a moment. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds offer a vibrant alternative to the traditional diamond, but other stones are becoming popular, too. Morganite’s pale pink tones are both romantic and modern, while aquamarine offers a soft, serene blue that’s perfect for anyone looking for a calming, ocean-inspired ring. Tanzanite, with its deep purple-blue hue, is another option that’s striking and unique.
As to precious metals, couples increasingly are opting for warmer tones like rose gold or yellow gold. Rose gold, in particular, adds a vintage, almost antique feel, while still feeling fresh and modern. Yellow gold, on the other hand, brings a timeless elegance that pairs beautifully with a range of gemstones, especially those with rich, warm tones like garnet.
Vintage-inspired designs also are growing in popularity. Whether it’s a ring with intricate lace-like metalwork or one that features an unusual stone cut, vintage rings evoke a sense of history and timelessness. Rings with pear-shaped, marquise, or cushion-cut stones can offer a unique silhouette that feels both classic and modern.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
One misconception about non-traditional engagement rings is that they are more expensive than the classic diamond ring, since it usually involves working with a San Diego custom jeweler (versus buying a ring directly from a showcase or online).
However, the diamond is the most expensive part of an engagement ring. So, choosing an alternative gemstone can often be an affordable option that helps to offset the custom design fee.
In addition to lab grown diamonds and the gemstones we already mentioned (like morganite and aquamarine), other affordable options include amethyst, citrine, and blue beryl, which are beautiful, durable, and far less expensive than diamonds. You also can consider colored gemstones in smaller carat sizes, which offer more budget flexibility while still creating a unique look.
Vintage and pre-owned rings are another great way to save money without sacrificing style. Many vintage rings come with intricate, one-of-a-kind designs that would cost much more if custom-made today. By purchasing a vintage or antique ring, you’re not only getting something unique but also something with history and character.
C. Blackburn Jewelers can assist you in the purchase of such a ring, as we are a well-known San Diego jewelry buyer, who frequently buys and sells vintage and antique diamond rings, as well as other estate jewelry.
Customizing Your Engagement Ring
If you have a specific vision for your engagement ring, working with a San Diego private jeweler like Carl Blackburn is one of the best ways to bring it to life. A private jeweler is a small, independent custom jeweler who offers superior levels of custom care and “white-glove” service.
These local jewelers can help you design something from scratch, incorporating your favorite gemstones, metals, and design elements (and at a surprisingly affordable price). Whether you’re repurposing an heirloom stone or creating something entirely new, the possibilities are endless when you go custom.
When choosing the right custom jeweler to design your engagement ring, look for someone who has experience with non-traditional designs and materials, as this ensures they understand how to handle alternative gemstones and metals.
Be clear about your budget upfront, as custom designs can vary greatly in cost depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used. A good San Diego jeweler will work with you to find creative solutions that match your financial constraints while still delivering a beautiful, personalized ring.
Lastly, remember that custom engagement rings also offer more opportunities for personalization. You can engrave special dates, phrases, or even symbols on the inside of the band, adding an intimate touch that’s meaningful to both of you.
Ready to talk about your unique engagement ring? Meet with Carl Blackburn at his boutique jewelry store in La Jolla, CA. Call C. Blackburn Jewelers at 858-251-3006 or send us a text message at 619-723-8589. You may also send us an email by using the contact form below.
