The custom of a man gifting his bride-to-be a ring when she accepts his proposal is believed to date all the way back to ancient Roman times. Clearly, the tradition has stood the test of time. It is still widely practiced today and looks unlikely to be on the way out anytime in the near future.
The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring, however, is more recent and might well see its popularity decline very soon. This was started in 1477 by an Austrian archduke, and it was originally an aristocratic practice before becoming widely adopted. But in our modern times, when people are more ethically conscious and individuality is celebrated, many people are choosing alternative engagement rings instead.
As many as one in three couples today are choosing engagement rings that do not contain diamonds. This creativity is being driven by their desire to express their uniqueness, concerns about diamond mining practices, and tight budgets. Here is your guide to some of the popular alternatives on the market right now.
- Ruby: Red has long been recognised as the representative colour of romantic love, so it is no surprise that ruby engagement rings have been on the rise. These are bolder and more eye-catching than rings with clear diamonds, so they suit couples who like to make a statement. Another benefit is that, as one of the toughest gemstones, rubies are highly durable.
- Sapphire: The original trend of diamond engagement rings started with European aristocrats, and it is European royalty that has recently helped popularise sapphire engagement rings, namely Princesses Diana and Kate Middleton. Although traditionally an elegant blue, sapphires actually come in a range of colours including pink, yellow, purple, and black.
- Moissanite: This has become the modern go-to for couples looking who love the look of traditional diamonds but do not wish to break the bank. Almost 20% of proposals using diamond-alternative rings in the US used moissanite rings, and moissanite bridal sets have also become popular too.
- Emerald: The beautiful green May birthstone has also been growing in popularity as an engagement ring stone. This is especially true in the US, where JFK famously used one to propose to his wife, Jackie, in 1953. They certainly stand out, but are slightly more vulnerable to chipping or breaking than some other gemstones.
- Pearl: These are very rare, but pearls are an elegant, timeless stone that is popular for just about every other type of jewellery, so why not engagement rings too?
- Lab-grown diamonds: There is a reason that diamond engagement rings have been popular so long. They are an excellent symbol of durability and transparency, qualities that any married couple will want to strive for. For those who would still like to choose something traditional, but are uncomfortable with the ethical implications of diamond mining, lab-grown diamonds are a great option. Not only do they usually cost less, but they have the exact same chemical makeup and appearance as mined diamonds.
There are many beautiful and creative alternatives to the classic diamond engagement ring. Whichever you choose, make sure you also know your rights when you purchase jewellery in NSW and other Australian states.