A New Perspective on Engagement Rings
Traditionally, engagement rings feature solitaire diamonds. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was commissioned in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria for Mary of Burgundy. This marked the beginning of a fashionable trend among the elite.
In 1886, Tiffany & Co. introduced the solitaire diamond engagement ring as we know it today. Decades later, the famous De Beers slogan “Diamonds are forever” was launched in 1948, further cementing diamonds as the go-to choice. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that engagement rings became widely commercialised.
Since the 2006 release of the film Blood Diamond, although only one percent of our industry, consumers have increasingly sought alternative engagement rings that align with their values. More people began seeking alternative engagement rings that align with their ethics. Over the years, I’ve witnessed an increasing demand for rings with ethical sourcing and unique designs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, provenance has become even more important to my clients. They want to know not just where their rings come from, but also the stories behind them.
I have had the privilege of creating bespoke alternative engagement rings throughout my career. Although, even more so, since 2016, when I became Fairtrade registered in Belgium. Two years later, I earned my Fairmined certification. Here are some of the most special engagement rings I’ve created and the heartwarming stories behind them.
The Off-Centre Sapphire & Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring
One of my recent alternative engagement rings, in 2024, was the featured ring above. Created in Fairmined eco 14ct white gold. The couple chose a striking petrol blue, step-cut sapphire as the centre stone, flanked by 0.25ct salt and pepper diamonds.
What made this ring truly unique was its asymmetry. The gemstones were offset to one side of the band. The couple, both entering their second marriage, explained their vision to me: “In life, nothing is centred or straight.” This deeply resonated with me. They wanted a ring that symbolised their journey—imperfect, unexpected, yet beautiful.
Provenance was also crucial to them. They wanted to ensure that every part of their ring, from the gold to the gemstones, was responsibly sourced. The Fairmined eco gold came from the Oro Puno mine in Peru, which I visited personally. The salt and pepper diamonds were mined responsibly in Botswana, and the sapphire came from ethical mining operations in Malawi.
A Lord of the Rings-Inspired Two-Tone Sapphire Ring
In 2021, I created a Fairmined eco 18ct white gold engagement ring featuring two mesmerising two-tone sapphires in blue and yellow. Where the colours intertwined, shades of green appeared, giving the ring a magical quality.
These sapphires were completely natural, with no heat treatment, sourced from responsible mines in Australia. The bride-to-be was a devoted Lord of the Rings fan. The ring was designed with subtle nods to the jewellery in Tolkien’s legendary stories. It was a joy to create something so meaningful.
The Lucky Dip Rhinestone Ring
Years ago, a young couple approached me with a rather unusual request. They had won a colourful rhinestone in a fairground lucky dip, and he had proposed to her on the spot. That little gemstone represented their love story, and they wanted it set in a bespoke engagement ring.
At first, they hesitated to show me the stone, worried I wouldn’t take them seriously. Given that I usually work with precious gemstones, they feared I might not agree to set a rhinestone. But I absolutely adored their idea. Love isn’t about price tags—it’s about sentiment.
The bride-to-be had inherited a gold ring from her grandmother, which I repurposed to create their dream engagement ring. The result was a stunning emerald-cut rhinestone ring, rich with emotion and meaning.
The Sea Glass Triple Loop Ring
Another alternative engagement ring I created in 2017. A Fairtrade 18ct gold triple-loop ring. The couple had discovered a tiny piece of sea-tumbled green glass on a beach during a memorable holiday. To them, it was more than just a piece of glass—it symbolised their love and the special moment they had shared.
They wanted their engagement ring to be unconventional, so we designed a setting that complemented the organic nature of the sea glass. The final piece was a stunning, one-of-a-kind triple loop ring that perfectly captured their story.
A Ring That Intertwines Heritage and Love
At the end of 2021, I had the honour of creating a Fairmined 18ct white gold engagement ring that intertwined history, provenance, and love. The groom-to-be came to me with a deeply personal request—he wanted to incorporate diamonds from his late grandmother’s ring.
To add a personal touch for his fiancée, who had Irish heritage, we chose peridots sourced from Arizona. We choose the peridots from Arizona because he wanted something from the US where he was from. The two small additional diamonds in the ring came from Australia’s Argyle mine before it closed. The result was a piece that told a story of family, culture, and devotion.
Why Alternative Engagement Rings Matter
The beauty of bespoke, handmade jewellery is the depth of the story behind it, making custom engagement rings and ethical jewellery deeply personal choices. Unlike mass-produced rings, each alternative engagement ring I create begins with an idea that reflects the couple’s love and journey.
Alternative engagement rings offer a creative, sustainable, and ethical choice for couples seeking unique designs. More people are moving away from conventional diamonds, choosing gemstones that hold personal meaning. Whether it’s a sea-tumbled glass, an inherited diamond, or a fairground rhinestone, each stone carries a unique story.
I consider it a privilege to craft engagement rings that become lifelong symbols of love. Over the years, I have been given brief yet intimate glimpses into the lives of my customers. Their stories inspire me, and I am honoured to translate them into jewellery that will be cherished for generations.
If you’re looking for alternative engagement rings that reflect your values, love story, and individuality, consider a bespoke design.
