Engagement rings are more than just sparkling stones and precious metals—they are symbols of love, commitment, and personal expression. Traditional diamond solitaires might seem to dominate the mainstream narrative, but as a designer, maker and jewellery lover, I am always drawn to a much more more unique, edgier style of fine jewellery, and I meet many couples who are seeking rings that break free from convention. For those drawn to raw textures, unique gemstones, ancient-inspired designs, and deeply personal symbolism, alternative engagement rings offer a meaningful way to celebrate love beyond tradition.
Who Invented the Engagement Ring?
It’s a common myth that De Beers, the famous British diamond company, invented the diamond engagement ring in the 1940s. In reality, rings have been given, exchanged, and worn as symbols of betrothal, engagement, and marriage since the earliest days of civilization. Engagement rings are rich with symbolism and history, each one more than just a decorative circlet for the finger, but a timeless marker of love, belief, magic, power, hope, secrets, and more.
While it’s true that De Beers' slogan "A Diamond is Forever" (the iconic tagline written by trailblazing female copywriter Frances Gerety in 1947) popularised the use of diamonds in engagement rings—even elevating them to the ultimate must-have accessory for couples in love—the engagement ring, diamond or otherwise, has a long and rich history that predates this marketing strategy by millennia.
The Ancient History of Engagement Rings
The practice of giving, receiving, and wearing rings as tokens of love and fidelity dates back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians viewed the ring as a symbol of eternity, representing an unbroken, endless bond—a circle with no beginning or end, the void in the centre seen as a portal to the unknown. Many ancient Egyptian jewellery customs spread to the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman worlds, influencing traditions we still observe today.
The concept of the "ring finger" originates from ancient Rome, where it was believed that the "vena amoris," or "vein of love," ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This belief laid the foundation for the custom of wearing wedding and engagement rings on the left hand's ring finger.
Romans popularised the custom of betrothal and wedding rings between couples. However, at the time, these rings often carried more patriarchal connotations, symbolising contracts and indicators of ownership rather than purely romantic gestures.
Gothic Romance: Symbols of Love from Medieval Times to the Present
By the 15th century, engagement rings began to embody the romantic symbolism of love and eternity that we associate with them today. Posy rings—gold bands inscribed with poems, promises, wishes, or the name of a lover—became popular tokens exchanged between lovers, and the medieval fede ring, featuring two hands clasped together, symbolised trust, unity, and partnership.
Another beautifully symbolic design was the gimmel ring: a set of two interlocking rings, one worn by each partner during the engagement period. On the wedding day, the rings were combined into a single band worn by the bride.
In 1477, the Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned what is thought to be the first diamond engagement ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This gesture sparked a trend among European nobility at the time, and while it took a while to evolve into the unmistakable symbol we know today, the roots of the modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to this medieval alternative engagement ring.
What Is an Alternative Engagement Ring?
The ritual of exchanging wedding and engagement rings is a deeply personal and meaningful act. While exploring the history of engagement rings can offer inspiration, the ring you choose to get engaged with can and should be as unique and personal as your own love story.
If you wouldn't usually wear mass-produced, mainstream jewellery and prefer something that reflects your individuality and the essence of your relationship, an alternative engagement ring might be perfect for you. Alternative engagement rings celebrate uniqueness, personal identity, and authentic love stories.
How to Choose an Alternative Engagement Ring
Choosing an alternative or non-traditional engagement ring can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Start by considering what feels meaningful to you and your partner:
An Engagement Ring to Reflect Your Personal Style
- What jewellery do you or your partner usually wear? Do you prefer bold, raw textures, delicate minimalism, or ancient-inspired designs?
Materials
- Think beyond traditional diamonds. Unique gemstones like salt-and-pepper diamonds, sapphires, or a scattering of star-set stones can make a ring truly one-of-a-kind.
The Symbolism of Love
- Incorporate symbols, motifs, or elements that hold special meaning for your relationship.
Bespoke and Custom Alternative Engagement Rings
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Want a piece of jewellery tailored especially for you? I can help you create an alternative engagement ring for yourself or your love that is truely unique.
Individually hand carved in jewellers wax and cast in gold or silver using the ancient art of lost wax casting, before being refined, polished and finished, each ring is truly one-of-a-kind.
Promise Rings, Placeholder Rings and Commitment Rings
If you'd like to express your love and commitment without the formalities of engagement, or if you prefer to propose with something simpler before choosing an alternative engagement ring, a pre-engagement ring might be perfect. Often referred to as promise rings, placeholder rings, or commitment rings, these pieces symbolise devotion, connection, and intention without the traditional expectations of engagement.
Promise or commitment rings can be a beautiful way to mark a meaningful moment with your partner. Tryst is a beautifully proportioned gold band ring for lovers and dreamers - it can be worn as a wedding/commitment/promise ring for any gender, can be worn as part of a wedding stack, and its classic shape and evocative texture also make it a gorgeous choice for an everyday band ring whatever the reason or significance. It bears my signature antique-inspired surface texture around the outside, while the inside is silky smooth for a comfortable fit.
Celebrating Love Beyond Tradition
Engagement rings are more than just jewellery; they are powerful symbols of connection, love, and personal expression. Whether inspired by ancient traditions, gothic romance, or your own unique journey, the ring you choose should reflect the love story it represents. So, embrace the freedom to create something extraordinary—a ring as timeless and distinctive as your love.
The Ceremonial Collection: Honouring the Ritual of Exchanging Rings, for Love of all Kinds
View the Ceremonial collection here, a selection of unique and alternative wedding rings, promise rings and non-traditional engagement rings, handcrafted in recycled gold and unique diamonds, for vows, commitments, milestones and celebrations.
If you're intrigued by the idea of an alternative engagement ring and would like to know more, you can reach out to me by email or via the contact page, I would love to help you explore the possibilities.