If you’re anything like me, the classic engagement rings you see on display in the glass cases at the jeweler just aren’t “you” enough — clear, solitaire diamonds or halos accented by studded bands.
Instead, you’re drawn toward the more unique pieces, those that seem to have their own personality.
So if you’re planning for day he’ll finally pop the question, or even hoping to commemorate your 10th anniversary in a big way, you’re trying to track down the best designers in all things alternative jewelry.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the same thing. From colored stones, to asymmetrical styles, here’s a list of our favorite brands for non-traditional rings.
ANNA SHEFFIELD
With locations in LA and New York, Anna Sheffield offers unconventional stones in unexpected combinations. Ethically sourced and conflict-free, these bands are designed to interlock and stack. Anna Sheffield offers one-of-a-kind custom creations. You can visit their site here.
GEM BREAKFAST
Gem Breakfast is an online retailer, specializing in hand-crafted designs. All jewels are hand-picked for the shop, and can be purchased as loose diamonds. Consultations for custom bands can be conducted via phone or at their San Francisco location. You can visit their site here.
GREW & CO.
An Australian based jeweler, Grew & Co. provides elegance with an edge. All bands are hand-made, offering classic designs with a distinctive feel. Work closely with an experienced consultant to create a bespoke piece, you’ll pass down for generations. You can visit their site here.
KASIA JEWELRY
Kasia designs each piece with a feminine approach, displaying a minimal and refined aesthetic. Pulling inspiration from Europe, America and Africa, each band is distinctly unique. Based in Solana Beach, California, custom jewelry starts with a consultation. You can visit their site here.
MARROW FINE
Inspired by the custom works they design for their clients, Marrow Fine looks to meaningful stories to create brand new designs. Their love for all things old, unusual or overlooked allows for distinct pieces and provides that every stone gets its chance to shine. You can visit their site here.
MIDWINTER CO.
The small team with Midwinter Co. promises a memorable and heart-warming buying experience. On top of their “white glove service,” the company continues to place philanthropic practices at the heart of their brand. Their experience is only rivalled by their designs. You can visit their site here.
OLIVE AVE
First established in 1981, this online retail shop specializes in timeless, vintage inspired jewelry. Olive Avenue believes ring shopping should be a stress-free experience. Along with precious stones, the brand offers Moissanite alternatives to suit any budget. You can visit their site here.
POINT NO POINT
Inspired by the natural beauty of Washington, Point No Point incorporates classic designs with modern interpretations. Each band highlights the unique characteristics of a diamond, often overlooked by other designers. You can visit their site here.
SARAH O.
Based in Denver, all pieces from Sarah O. Jewelry are created locally with an artistic approach to the relationship between stone and precious metal. The in-house team works with you to develop re-imagined heirlooms to custom engagement rings. You can visit their site here.
VALE JEWELRY
These glamorous and versatile bands provide a modern yet approachable appeal. Using recycled gold and responsibly mined stones, Vale focuses on an uncommon mix of gemstones. Shop online or book a consultation with their New York studio. You can visit their site here.
