August 12, 2024

The Modern Engagement Ring: From Classics with a Twist to Highly Personalised Designs

Engagement rings have been on quite the journey since they became a symbol of romantic union generations ago. In recent times, the landscape of engagement rings has changed somewhat. The traditional allure of classic diamond solitaires is now complemented by a growing preference for personalised, meaningful designs that tell a unique story. 

It’s all part of a broader, growing trend towards individualism and ethical consumption when it comes to jewellery or gifts. Today’s couples seek rings that not only symbolise their lifelong commitment, but also align with their values and aesthetics. This article explores this fascinating journey, offering insights into choosing the perfect engagement ring that balances tradition, ethics, and individual style, and answers the emerging question: do engagement rings have to be diamond?

The New Era of Engagement Rings: Meaning Over Tradition

The once-dominant solitaire diamond is now sharing the spotlight with a variety of innovative and story-driven designs. Modern couples are increasingly drawn to rings that incorporate personal touches and symbolism, reflecting their unique journey together. Engagement rings are no longer just about the financial investment; although that is itself a symbol of the commitment, what gives it real value lies in the sentiment and story they embody.

Personalisation and Symbolism

Personal touches are becoming more of a standard when choosing an engagement ring. Couples are opting for designs that feature meaningful elements such as birthstones, engravings, and unique settings that tell their love story. For instance, a simple band can be elevated with the addition of an heirloom stone, or a classic setting can be personalised with a hidden inscription. These elements not only make the ring one-of-a-kind but also imbue it with a profound sentimental value.

Classic Diamonds Reimagined for the Modern Couple

While diamonds remain a popular choice, modern couples are reimagining classic natural diamond engagement rings with innovative settings and unique cuts. The classic round brilliant diamond is increasingly accompanied by a variety of other shapes such as Asscher (octagonal), pear, trillion (triangular) and cushion cuts, each offering a distinctive appeal or meaning.

Innovative Settings and Shapes

With each year that passes, innovative settings and takes on classics by creative jewellers are ever transforming the traditional diamond solitaire into something truly special. Bespoke halo settings, for example, surround the central diamond with a circle of smaller stones, enhancing its brilliance and size. Three-stone settings can symbolise the past, present, and future of a relationship, adding depth and meaning to the ring.

Coloured diamonds are another way to add a personal detail to a traditional diamond ring. White diamonds can be complemented by or swapped with colour diamonds in a range of hues. Imagine shimmering shades of yellow, blue, and pink, that offer a vibrant alternative while maintaining the classic appeal of a diamond.

Alternative Stones: Choices and Considerations

As preferences, cultures and tastes shift, many couples are exploring gemstone alternatives to diamond engagement rings. Among them, sapphires, emeralds, and other gemstones are gaining popularity for their beauty, alluring colouration and uniqueness.

Popular Gemstone Alternatives

• Sapphires: Known for their striking blue hue, durable and elegant, a popular choice for many is a ring with a sapphire gemstone. They also come in a variety of other colours, including green, pink and yellow.
• Emeralds: With their rich green colour, and with a sophisticated and timeless look, engagement rings with an emerald gemstone cannot be overlooked.  However, they are softer and more prone to damage than diamonds or sapphires, making them less ideal for daily wear.
• Rubies: Rubies, with their deep red colour, symbolise passion and love. They are durable and almost as hard as sapphires, making ruby engagement rings suitable for everyday wear.
• Coloured Diamonds: Why not combine the classic diamond shine with a standout colour? Yellow or pink-hued diamonds are a classy and distinctive choice that can be complemented easily.
• Tsavorite Garnet: The rarest garnet in the world, Tsavorite garnet has the deep green draw of emeralds but with its own bright character. Being quite hard they are also suitable for everyday wear.

Durability Considerations

When choosing a non-diamond gemstone, it’s important to also think about durability. Stones like sapphires and rubies rank high on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear. Softer stones, such as opals and emeralds, require more care and are better suited for occasional wear. Emeralds in particular, while a 7.5 on the Mohs scale, tend to be more brittle because of the unique way they are formed. While it in no way detracts from its suitability and glamour, it is something to consider when deciding on a ring that will be worn regularly.

Ethical and Sustainable Choices in Engagement Rings

In response to growing and urgent concerns about the environmental and ethical implications of mining, many couples are turning to alternative or more sustainable options for their engagement rings. This includes ethically sourced natural gemstones, recycled metals, and vintage rings.

Responsible Jewellery

Even if sustainability or environmental impact isn’t a main concern for you, it’s vital that you choose providers and jewellers with integrity. At Blackacre, we choose to only work with a limited number of diamond cutters who are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. In a complex, competitive and historied industry like ours, we strive to not only challenge historical stigmas but maintain a balance between personalised luxury and responsible design.

As one of the only B-Corp certified jewellers, we choose to work exclusively with ethically sourced natural diamonds. Natural diamonds reflect the beauty and majesty of our world and are deeply associated with romance and luxury, values we strive to embody in our designs. This means that whichever diamond ring you choose, we can ensure that our natural diamonds are sourced ethically and sustainably.

Sustainable Materials

A fact that may surprise you is that all of the metal in our jewellery is recycled - this means we are still using gold-standard and flawless materials, but the environmental impact is lessened. Often we have couples who wish to repurpose diamonds, antique stones or heirlooms. It allows us to craft new, unique designs built on the story and romance of the antique stones, making for a truly special piece of jewellery.

Personalisation: Bespoke vs. Pre-made Rings

Do you go for something completely new or choose something already suited? The decision between a bespoke engagement ring and a pre-made design really comes down to personal preference and the desire for something truly special.

Benefits of Custom-Designed Rings

Custom-designed rings offer the ultimate in personalisation. From selecting the stone and setting to incorporating unique elements that tell your love story, a bespoke ring ensures that your engagement ring is truly one-of-a-kind. The process of designing a custom ring involves collaboration with a jeweller, allowing couples to create a piece that perfectly reflects their relationship and values.

Personal Elements in Pre-Made Designs

For those who prefer pre-made designs, there are still plenty of ways to add personal touches. Many jewellers offer customisation options such as engravings, choice of metal, and selection of accent stones. These small adjustments can make a significant difference, turning a beautiful ring into a deeply personal symbol of your commitment.

Get Advice From The Experts

The modern engagement ring is a testament to the evolving tastes and values of today’s couples. Whether you opt to get the most classic engagement ring or an alternative gemstone, the most important factor is that the ring reflects your unique love story and personal values. As you embark on the journey of choosing an engagement ring, consider what elements are most meaningful to you and how they can be incorporated into a design that will be cherished for a lifetime.

For further inspiration and guidance, speak to us at Blackacre - where we prioritise your needs, ethical practices and high-quality craftsmanship. Your engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment, deserving of thoughtful consideration and care.