Typically, when we think engagement rings, we immediately envision thin bands and jaw-dropping diamonds; the very image that has become so synonymous with love, getting down on one knee, forever-lasting vows and the tradition that pulls them all together into an engagement that can only be described as the pinnacle of perfection on every level. This is very much what we have seen portrayed through commercials, billboards and advertisements aplenty since diamond engagement rings were introduced and quickly accepted as one of the only proper and acceptable ways to propose to a woman.

Beginning that fateful search for the perfect engagement ring can often feel overwhelming and at times, downright confusing while you attempt to navigate through cuts, carats, color and clarity. The search may very well be new and uncharted territory for some men, but more women than you may realize have already begun their own search for the engagement ring of their dreams; some before they have even met their future-fiances.

What weighs on the minds of both men and women alike when it comes to choosing an engagement ring is that this one ring will be worn on a woman’s finger throughout the rest of her life. It symbolizes the love and the bond shared between you both and it signifies the relationship that you have cultivated together. This in itself is the exact sentiment behind traditional diamond rings and because this tradition is still going strong with no end in sight, these rings are likely to never go out of style. This can be evidenced by the fact that we are still seeing simple, phenomenal rings being made in the pure essence of vintage design.

When searching for a traditional diamond engagement ring, it is important to keep in mind that even if you’re going traditional, designers have really let their imaginations and creativity flow over the years and have created spin-offs of the traditional diamond ring. This makes it possible to find a traditional ring that also compliments your future-fiance’s personal and unique sense of style and will continue to do so for years to come.

While a diamond may be forever for some women, there are an increasing amount of superbly gorgeous engagement ring options for the woman who craves something different and does not necessarily want the traditional diamond engagement ring. Here are some standout ring options to use for inspiration when choosing the perfect engagement ring for your perfect, off-kilter future-fiance.

Sapphire Rings

Sapphire Engagement Ring

Sapphires are readily available in blue, pink and yellow stones, although they have been known to show up in an assortment of other colors, and they make for some impeccable and sophisticated engagement rings. With countless eyes and incredible attention being given to the Royal Wedding and particularly, the family heirloom piece that was passed down from Lady Diana Spencer to Prince William and now lies on Kate Middleton’s left ring finger, it is greatly anticipated that we will see a rise in blue sapphire rings being used to mark an engagement throughout the coming years.

Sapphires are also a great engagement ring choice if you are on a budget and would like to explore rings that are not as pricey, but still just as high quality and equally as timeless and elegant as traditional diamond rings.

Ruby Rings

Ruby Engagement Ring

Rubies just may be one of the most visually-striking stones out there. They make for great center stones within engagement rings, but are just as eye-catching when used as secondary, side stones that give the entire ring a little pizazz. Ruby rings just may be worth a look, especially if you are planning a Valentine’s Day; the color of the ruby fits in amazingly well with the theme of the holiday and is also the first color that comes to mind when we think of love and hearts. In fact, there are many ruby engagement ring options that feature rubies in the shape of a heart.

Emerald Rings

Emerald Engagement Ring

Emerald rings are not seen as engagement ring material as often as they should be, but that is precisely why they make for some of the best nontraditional, yet astoundingly interesting and beautiful engagement rings out there.

Just like with sapphires and rubies, emerald rings will typically cost less than a diamond engagement ring, making them worth considering if you’re on a budget without compromising beauty and elegance. Emerald engagement rings are also a perfect option if your bride-to-be was born in May since the emerald is her birthstone.

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What’s your take on rubies, sapphires and emeralds for engagement rings? Has your soon-to-be fiancee hinted at these as possibilities. Please share your thoughts in the comments section!

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Alternative Gemstones to Fit the Perfect Ring & Taste

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend. But what about all the other precious gemstones whose striking colors and luster have stolen the hearts of women for many years?

Traditions dictate that a man should spend about three monthly salary on an engagement ring. While this may be affordable for most prospective husbands, other men may choose to regard it as an escapable expense. This is because the majority agrees that the true value of the ring lies in its meaning and the intentions behind the proposal NOT THE COST.

The Meaning of a Marriage Proposal

But the concept of being engaged has changed over the years. In Victorian times, an engagement ring symbolized great partnership. On the man’s part, proposing marriage to a woman meant that he became legally obliged to marry her. If he chose to end their relationship, she was able to sue him for “breach of promise”. In the present day, proposing marriage to a woman, although taken seriously, bears no legal obligation. Women are happy to settle for rings with rocks that make bold statements to their family and friends.

Other Equally Appealing Precious Stones

Although there is nothing plain about a diamond (arguably the most sought after stone for marriage proposals), there certainly are alternatives that can add some character to that special engagement. For those who love beautiful colored gemstones, consider some of the stones below.

Tanzanite – a rare gem only found in the Merelani Hills which was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. This stone is a newcomer to the gemstone market and is referred to as the “Jewel of East Africa.” Tanzanite is typically brown with reddish, orange, yellow, or bronze hues and is a unique variety of the mineral zoisite.

Sapphire – is the ultimate blue gemstone that represents the soul and fidelity. Sapphire is an extremely durable gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, the most common being blue – a color associated with friendship and loyalty as well as harmony. It is known as “The Jewel of the Sky” and is the birthstone for September.

Emerald – an intense green gemstone, its magnificent green color speaks volumes as well as being May’s birthstone. It is known as the “symbol of spring.” In the ancient world this gem was believed to symbolize hope, arrival of spring and rebirth. Emeralds come in various varieties of light and dark shades of green and sometimes having background hues of different colors like yellow, blue, brown of gray. In its finest quality, an emerald is more valuable than a diamond.

Ruby – the birthstone for July is also known as the “King of Gems”. The ruby is considered the ultimate gemstone associated with love and passion and its sometimes referred to as the “blood” gemstone representing courage and bravery. It is rare to find in its top quality which displays all the characteristics of a precious stone: pure brilliance, lasting hardness and stunning color, which is noted as ruby’s most appealing feature.

Modern engagement rings don’t necessarily have to have diamonds on them, but they must fit the wearers taste. Marriage is about commitment and love and the ring only symbolizes the beginning of your journey together.