9 Alternative Engagement Ring Ideas From Abby Sparks

Clearly alternative engagement ring is a term that’s causing a lot of buzz in the industry, and for good reason: More people are electing to go the nontraditional route, and more power to them. For retailers, this is a good thing. You have at your disposal a versatile product that can be marketed two different ways, and it’s up to you how you’d like to do that. Depending on your location, if you feel that your customer base is more likely to be drawn to alternative options, you can sprinkle them right in with your traditional selection. If you’ve never had a customer purchase anything but a diamond engagement ring before—but hey, you’re one for being prepared—you can still keep them in stock. Just pass them off as everyday “right hand” or “fashion” rings (or whatever you choose to call them—I’ve heard many different terms). One jeweler that offers a gorgeous selection is Abby Sparks, a Denver-based custom designer that hand makes one-of-a-kind pieces. There are those creations that you’d immediately declare, without hesitation, engagement rings, but there are also pieces that are more fluid: Vintage-style pieces with colored gemstones or diamonds (or both), in varying shapes and sizes. Any of these pieces could easily pass for an engagement ring—depending on your customer’s personal tastes, of course—and the selection offers the perfect lead to follow when looking to spiff up your stock. Here are the ones I’d consider expanding my own personal collection for.