So you’ve found that one-and-only human being you want to spend the rest of your life with and you’re ready to make it official. Engagement ring shopping though can be tricky.

Regardless of who’s doing the scouting for that one ring, this purchase is one that is filled with utmost significance and sentimentality; one that is meant to be as unique and meaningful as the love that the two of you share.

Luckily there are some great ideas that can set the engagement ring apart, make it a little more special in a way that it’s personalized, memorable, and preciously unique.

 

1. Look beyond the classic diamond

When trying to settle on the kind of engagement ring you’ll be proffering at that singular proposal moment, the choice seems obvious: a big shiny diamond, of course.
However, although diamonds are still the most beloved gemstone for engagement rings around the world, they might not be for everyone.

Have you considered an alternative gemstone that may perfectly reflect your beloved’s style, taste, and personality?

Not every gemstone will perform well on jewelry meant to outlast time and survive daily wear, but there are three stunning and durable alternatives to diamonds that you should definitely consider.

Here are a few examples of how adding a different gemstone to the mix can really make a difference.


Delicate in pink, with a morganite center stone

An engagement ring on rose gold that is boasting a unique design, this option features an impressive pear-shaped morganite center, sitting on a heart-shaped row of diamonds for added sparkle. A ring that is sure to get people talking!



A royal blue sapphire center stone

This unique white gold diamond engagement ring features a prong set round blue sapphire center. The center is flanked on each side by a spray of marquise cut diamonds with round diamond melee adorning the dainty shank.



Intricate diamond ring with pink sapphire flares

This unique modern engagement ring features a round prong set moissanite center embellished on the shoulders with gold vines and marquise cut pink sapphires. A ridge of shared prong set diamonds frame the artful shoulders for an elegant touch of glamour.



Brilliant moissanite center stone with contrasting black diamonds

An engagement ring on rose gold that is boasting a unique design, this option features an impressive pear-shaped morganite center, sitting on a heart-shaped row of diamonds for added sparkle. A ring that is sure to get people talking!


 

2. Add a Peekaboo birthstone

The term ‘Peekaboo’ is used for stones that cannot be seen when looking head-on at the engagement ring, but only when you look at it from a particular angle (typically on the sides).

Birthstones are the perfect peekaboo gem if you’re looking to personalize an engagement ring.
Adding a secret birthstone is a lovely romantic gesture hidden in plain sight.

Here is a list of birthstones according to each month of the year, that will help you pick the one fit for your significant other:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl or Alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Tourmaline or Opal
November: Topaz or Citrine
December: Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise

 

3. Engrave the ring’s inner shank

Typically, most couples engrave their wedding bands, but engraving something special on the actual engagement ring is a seemingly simple small touch yet so deeply meaningful. Whether it is a favorite quote you share, the date you met or an intimate message, the engraving will make the engagement ring uniquely yours, without affecting the design or cost in any considerable way.

 

4. Incorporate an heirloom gem

What better way to add meaning to a piece of jewelry meant to symbolize an eternal promise, than merging past and future. Incorporating an heirloom diamond or other precious stone will fuse it with meaning, representing lasting love, romance, and family history.

 

5. A Diamond Inscription

It is a little known fact that for a small fee you can have a short sentence, quote, date, or name inscribed on a GIA diamond. The inscription won’t be visible to the naked eye, but it can be seen only by those you wish to share it with, under a 10x magnifying glass.
This secret message will make the diamond itself truly unique, without affecting the design in any way whatsoever.