Engagement Rings for Anyone Saying ‘I Do’ to Different

Upholding tradition without being traditional

It was a big weekend for the Siminitz family. My brother-in-law got married in Austin, Texas, and, in turn, I gained a sweet new sister that I couldn’t be prouder to share the name Mrs. Siminitz with. On her finger, a vintage-style aquamarine engagement ring and pavé diamond band that fit perfectly as a pair. It wasn’t the most traditional of weddings, but it wasn’t far from traditional, either, and I’m finding that many others—not just millennials—are opting for an affair veering farther into casual, with the jewelry to match. Some opt for colored gemstones, others just a band, others, even, a cocktail style that wouldn’t necessarily read as an engagement ring to anyone. And that’s just the beauty of it all: This individuality turns a tradition on its head by making it one’s own. There are those who would (and often do) argue that to choose bridal jewelry absent of diamonds is to buck tradition. But isn’t marriage traditional? Doesn’t the choice to represent that union with a ring of any sort abide by some semblance of that tradition? So as far as this industry is concerned, in the highly unlikely event that any other variance of bridal ring overtakes those with diamonds to become the most popular, there will always be a demand for jewelry when it comes to blessed unions. And, trend or no trend (spoiler alert: not a trend!), the presence of demand for a variety of styles—gemstone, diamond, or otherwise—means more fun for all, from the designers to the retailers, the brides, and yes, bloggers, too. And that is a beautiful thing.

Nautical Reef wedding set in sterling silver and 14k gold with 1 ct. princess-cut sapphire, price on request; Alexis Barbeau

Ring in 18k white gold with a 1.7 ct. ruby and 2.7 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Andreoli

Galaxy collection ring in recycled 18k gold with 2.48 ct. lavender moonstone and 0.33 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,330; Arya Esha

Ring in 18k yellow gold with 1.38 ct. pink tourmaline and 0.17 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,600; Audrius Krulis

Bezel rings in 22k yellow gold with 1.52 ct. pink sapphire, $1,650 each; Dorian & Rose

Large Cloud Swing ring in 18k yellow gold with green and blue-green tourmaline, $5,810; Jane Taylor Jewelry

Cocktail ring in 18k white and rose gold with 1.15 ct. diamond pear center, 1.41 cts. t.w. rose-cut, pear-shape diamonds, and 0.13 ct. t.w. round diamonds, $17,600; Jye Luxury Collection

Three-stone ring in 14k Strawberry Gold with 3.9 cts. t.w. Deep Sea Blue Topaz and Ocean Blue Topaz, $2,237; Le Vian Chocolatier

Handcrafted ring in 18k white gold with 6.08 ct. radiant aquamarine, 0.2 ct. t.w. round aquamarines, and 0.93 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Omi Privé

You Complete Me engagement ring in 18k rose gold with 1.05 ct. radiant fancy diamond and 0.13 ct. t.w. diamond accents, price on request; Rhonda Faber Green

Starburst ring in 14k white gold with 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $360; Shy Creation

Three-stone ring in 18k white gold with 3.37 ct. aquamarine, 0.36 ct. t.w. baguette diamonds, and 0.11 ct. t.w. round diamonds, $10,017; Yael Designs