The most unusual engagement rings of 2022
The best alternative engagement rings currently available. Everything but the traditional diamond solitaire.from Ruth Tomlinson to Suzanne Kalan, Cartier to Tiffany
By Kim Parker
When it comes to engagement ring trends, it seems like just about anything goes right now. Except a traditional diamond solitaire. When musician Travis Barker proposed to Kourtney Kardashian, it was with a custom oval-cut diamond by American jeweller, Lorraine Schwartz. Lily Collins, who wed screenwriter Charlie McDowell last September, got engaged during a road trip in 2020 with a beautiful rose-cut diamond in a bezel setting by Irene Neuwirth. Meanwhile, when Brooklyn Beckham proposed to Nicola Peltz in 2020 with an emerald-cut stone, it caused a spike in online searches for the same style. And supermodel Emily Ratajkowski showcased an unusual ‘toi et moi’-style ring on her Instagram following her engagement in 2018. It comprised one pear-cut diamond nestled next to a princess-cut one. So named because it symbolises the coming together of two people in love.
Even diamonds aren’t necessarily de riguer anymore. Both Emma Stone and Ariana Grande received pretty pearl engagement rings when their partners proposed. And let’s not forget that the mere sight of Kate Middleton’s sapphire engagement ring over a decade ago (it had formerly belonged to Princess Diana) created a vogue for coloured gemstone engagement rings which still continues to this day.
In these post-Covid times, bright, unconventional, and boldly bespoke rings feel like the perfect way to celebrate a union that’s totally unique. Modern couples wishing to eschew the classic crowd-pleasers are totally spoilt for choice. Colourful eternity bands, eye-catching cocktail rings and delicate clusters of pavé stones (and other precious gems) all proving brilliant alternatives. The best news? Even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, there are plenty of wonderful jewellers who will happily help design your dream ring. They simply need enough notice – so don’t wait too long to say, ‘I do’.
Here, we round up 18 of the best alternative engagement rings for modern brides:
Jewellery
The origins of platinum
What is platinum, where it was discovered and how it became popular in modern jewellery and what it's best used for
Jewellery
Tiffany's sustainable and responsibly sourced diamonds
Tiffany has made it possible to trace a diamond from every step, from the mine to its iconic blue box. Today’s socially conscious consumers want to know their diamonds were responsibly sourced and manufactured. Tiffany's craftsmanship journey report identifies the origin of each newly sourced diamond
Jewellery
Interview with ethical jeweller Shakti Ellenwood
The ethical designer on how years of wanderlust has inspired her talismanic jewels and why she sings mantras over every piece that she makes
Jewellery
Thelma West jewellery, diamonds and Rihanna
Thelma West jewellery has always been about diamonds. Her Black Rebel ring already counts Rihanna as a fan. Here, she shares her jewellery story and what she has in store next
Jewellery
Who is jeweller Suzanne Kalan?
Striking colour combinations and alternative settings with imaginative cuts
Jewellery
Dior introduces the new Dioramour jewellery collection
A week on from the Paris Haute Couture shows, Dior launches its latest demi-fine jewellery collection, Dioramour, reimagining the house’s signature graphic in sinuous gold thread
Jewellery
Lab grown diamond jeweller Courbet creates high jewellery for Paris Couture
Courbet is the first lab-grown diamond jeweller to present high jewellery at Paris Couture. Here, we discover the maison’s new showstopping duo, the Constellation earrings and necklace
Jewellery
What are the diamond jewellery trends for 2023?
Now 2022 is behind us, what can we expect the major diamond jewellery trends to be this year? Read on as Rachael Taylor of diamond magazine Rappaport gives us her expert opinion
Jewellery
Roundup of the high jewellery collections from Paris Couture
At Paris Haute Couture Week, prestigious jewellery maisons and designers unveil their new high jewellery masterpieces in the showrooms of the Place Vendôme. Here, we round up the most dazzling collections, spanning Cartier and Dior to Gucci and Graff
Jewellery
Repossi debuts its new La Ligne high jewellery collection
Gaia Repossi, the creative director of Italian jeweller Repossi, plays with the brand’s signature pear-cut diamonds in bold, new ways for her latest high jewellery collection, La Ligne. Here, we take a closer look…
