Few traditions carry the same emotion as the giving of an engagement ring. Yet the idea of what that ring should look like has changed beyond recognition. While the classic single diamond still has its admirers, many people now prefer something that feels unmistakably their own a ring that tells a story. Some choose to design theirs from scratch creating a bespoke engagement ring, others search out an antique treasure, and a growing number breathe new life into a family heirloom.
The fascination with unusual designs isn’t new. In fact, the history of engagement rings shows a real creativity to how people declared and still declare their love. When Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477, he gave her a gold band set with thin diamond splinters arranged into the letter “M”. That spark of imagination set a precedent that jewellers have followed ever since.
The Georgians and Victorians filled their pieces with secret meanings: gemstones spelling words such as love or dearest, or twin stone toi et moi settings symbolising two lives joined together.
In the 1920s, bold geometry and coloured gems defined the optimism of the Art Deco period, while the 1950s favoured restrained glamour think Grace Kelly’s emerald-cut diamond or Audrey Hepburn’s interchangeable bands. Every era has reinvented the engagement ring in its own image, blending emotion with artistry.
What unusual engagement ring designs are we seeing today?
There’s never been more variety. Modern rings mix innovation with sentiment, moving beyond the expected.
Unusual cut gemstones
Designers are experimenting again. Couples are choosing marquise, pear, heart or Asscher cuts Gemstones that play with proportion and light. Some combine several shapes in one setting, creating movement and texture. Others opt for asymmetric clusters that feel almost sculptural. These pieces don’t shout for attention; they simply stand apart.
Coloured and Ethical Gemstones
Colour is back in a big way. Deep blue sapphires, lush green emeralds and soft pink morganites have all found their moment. Even fancy coloured diamonds champagne, yellow and blush tones are gaining fans.
Alongside beauty, there’s conscience: recycled gold, Fairtrade metals and lab-grown diamonds are now widely chosen by couples who want their jewellery to reflect both taste and values.
Heritage and Vintage Inspired
Many buyers are drawn to the romance of the past. Edwardian filigree, Victorian engraving and Art Deco symmetry have a depth that modern minimalism sometimes lacks. Some seek genuine antiques; others commission new designs that echo older styles. The appeal lies in craftsmanship and the quiet idea that something so well made might outlast generations.
Thick Bands
There’s a move towards boldness. Wider bands give a sense of strength and permanence, offering room for subtle detail such as a hidden inscription, a line of pavé stones, or a brushed texture. They’re striking without being showy, modern yet timeless, perfect for anyone who prefers confidence over delicacy.
East West Settings
This design turns convention on its side. Instead of running vertically, the gemstone lies horizontally across the finger. The change feels simple but fresh, especially with elongated cuts such as emerald, oval or marquise. It’s quietly daring the sort of engagement ring that makes people look twice.
Bezel Set Rings
For practicality with polish, the bezel setting has become a favourite. The metal surrounds the stone completely, offering protection as well as a contemporary outline. It’s ideal for people who use their hands a lot or simply like clean design. With its smooth edges and subtle shine, it feels modern but reassuringly solid.
Why are people choosing unusual engagement ring designs?
What people want from a ring has shifted. Tradition still matters, but individuality comes first. Instead of following the standard pattern, couples are choosing something that reflects them their style, values and shared story.
Ethical sourcing plays a part too. Lab grown diamonds have made luxury more accessible and sustainable and have soared in popularity in recent years. Recycled metals and recrafted heirlooms mean a piece can carry family history while still feeling new. Bespoke design adds another layer: the process itself becomes part of the memory, from sketch to finished ring.
Popular Alternatives to Engagement Rings
Not every couple marks their engagement with a ring at all. Some prefer alternative engagement rings, whether for comfort, practicality or originality. For example;
- Tattooed rings make a strong statement personal, permanent and impossible to lose.
- Silicone rings are popular with people who are active or have a hands-on job or lifestyle. Lightweight and flexible, they’re ideal for everyday wear and are great where practicality matters.
- Necklaces and pendants offer a subtler option, carrying initials, birthstones or meaningful symbols close to the heart.
- Bracelets can be engraved or adorned with charms.
- Luxury watches combine sentiment with function, especially when engraved with a date or message that marks the occasion.
These choices prove that commitment doesn’t need a fixed formula. What matters is the meaning behind it.
Jewellery insurance and unusual engagement ring designs
A distinctive ring deserves more than admiration; it deserves protection. Bespoke pieces, coloured gemstones and handcrafted settings can be costly to replace or repair, and their values may change over time. Having dedicated engagement ring insurance cover ensures that your investment, and its emotional worth, are properly safeguarded.
Choosing an unusual engagement ring design makes your piece very much one of a kind. Insurance can help keep it that way. At Assetsure, we specialise in jewellery insurance for all types of precious items, including unique, high-value pieces. Our policies protect against loss, theft and accidental damage, both at home and abroad*.
To find out how we can protect your engagement ring and other valuables, you can get a no-obligation jewellery insurance quote online or please call us on 0208 0033 190 to speak to a member of our friendly team. We’ll be delighted to help!
Further reading:The History of Tiffany Jewellery.
*Terms & conditions and limits apply. Please read your policy wording to ensure you understand what your cover entails.
