We’ve entered that time of year. No, I’m not talking about the holidays; I’m referring to the start of engagement season. Statistically speaking, we see the largest number of proposals from November until February. And while everyone won’t be getting engaged or even want to get married, that doesn’t make the season any less overwhelming. There’s the stress surrounding planning a proposal (or awaiting one), and then there’s the most trying aspect of all: finding the engagement ring. You not only have to address a learning curb when it comes to shopping for diamond rings—from having to learn the four c’s to researching what constitutes a conflict-free and ethically made piece. But once you do learn, you still have to consider your budget, the brand name, and your partner’s personal preferences. All of this is to say that the work that goes into shopping for an engagement ring is not an easy task, and it can become even more challenging if you’re shopping for someone picky. Because while it may be engagement season, we all know that any ultra-stylish soon-to-be fiancées won’t settle for a basic cookie-cutter ring. And unless they sent you precisely what they wanted (or you already know what you want), we can guess that you clicked on this article because you’re stressed looking for a ring. In order to make the process easier, we’ve done some research to find the 40 most unique engagement rings on the market right now. Whether you’re hoping to find the perfect engagement ring for your partner, helping someone pick one for a loved one, or trying to drop hints that they need to hurry up and put a ring on it, there’s something ahead for everyone.
Mateo is a Black-owned fine jewelry brand that offers everything from reworked pearls to non-traditional engagement rings.
It doesn’t get more special than a Harry Winston engagement ring.
Searching for an option that’s as sustainable as it is stylish? Look no further than Kat Kim. The female-founded fine jewelry brand makes every piece in Los Angeles and uses conflict-free diamonds that adhere to The Kimberly Process.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a diamond ring to impress them. Don’t be afraid to opt for lab-grown options (like the Pandora ring above), as they’re not only more financially accessible but are a guaranteed assurance that the stones are conflict-free.
Not every engagement ring has to come from a bridal line—case in point: the one above. Shopping from fine jewelry brands like Sauer, ensures you gift them something truly unique.
It can be hard to find an engagement ring that feels both unique and timeless at the same time. Our tip is to look for one with a non-traditional setting—i.e., the one above with a slanted center stone.
Want to propose to them with a ring that’s outside the box? Look no further than the Black-owned fine jewelry brand Harwell Godfrey. The brand has become beloved in the industry for its playful use of geometric shapes and precious gemstones.
You can’t ever go wrong with an engagement ring from Tiffany & Co. But, should you need some guidance, we recommend opting for colored diamonds because they’re as rare as your love.
For dainty jewelry lovers, gifting them an oversized diamond isn’t going to have them giddily saying “yes.” But, Jennie Kwon’s minimal bridal collection is sure to do the trick.
Diamonds and pearls are a forever thing, which makes the combination of them evermore tantalizing. While there are so many great pearl engagement rings available, you can find some of the very best from Mikimoto.
We can guarantee they’ll want to stare at this marquise-cut solitaire 0.7ct diamond for the rest of their lives. And if they don’t then there are plenty of other pretty ring options to be found in Jade Trau’s bridal line.
If you’re looking to branch outside of the classic solitaire engagement setting, then Spinelli Kilcollin’s interlocking rings are a great alternative. Drawing inspiration from architecture, each piece features stacked rings made from ethically sourced materials.
While this ring may appear simple, up close, the details make this Octavia Elizabeth piece special. It’s made from hammered 18kt gold and has 0.42ct round-cut flush-set diamonds.
What better way to make everyone green with envy over your love than with a tourmaline engagement ring from Yi Collection?
Everything about this Jemma Wynne engagement ring is impeccable—from its curved setting to the 1.4ct pear-shaped diamonds to the 18k white gold.
If your partner loves vintage shopping, then Kinn Studio’s bridal collection is a must-shop. Taking inspiration from heirlooms, each piece is meant to last a lifetime.
What better way to summarize a whirlwind romance than with an engagement ring from Mimi So? This AAPI-owned fine jewelry brand offers an array of whimsical engagement rings that draw inspiration from nature.
Engagement rings should surprise and delight; none quite do it like Anna Sheffield’s pieces do. The fine jewelry brand pairs classic settings and cuts with unconventional gemstones to create truly one-of-a-kind works.
You may know Sarah Chloe for their customizable demi-fine jewelry pieces, but did you know they have a bespoke bridal line too? They allow you to customize each engagement ring’s carat sizes, cuts, and metal finish.
Their ring should be a work of art; and if you buy it from Azlee, you’ll be sure of that. Not only does the fine jewelry brand draw inspiration from art-deco for each style, but it’s handmade by a fair-trade nonprofit in Guatemala, ensuring the best possible quality.
While this ring may seem simple at first sight, De Beer’s diamonds are far from that. The fine jewelry brand is meticulous about how they source its diamonds, its selection process, and its cutting process to ensure that they’re creating some of the best rings out there.
Another bridal line you should know about? Aaryah. The AAPI-owned brand draws inspiration from the diaspora to inspire unique ring settings and pairs them with rare gemstones to create pieces that can make even the pickiest people’s jaws drop.
When in doubt, David Yurman is always a good idea. You can opt for one of their more traditional engagement ring settings or go the minimalist route and give them a diamond crossover band (like the one above).
If you think about it, it’s rather insane to think that you found your person in this expansive universe—it’s rare, in fact. We can’t think of a better way to honor that than with this WWAKE ring that’s meant to look like the night’s stars.
Bigger diamonds aren’t always better; sometimes, it really all boils down to the band and cut. Just look to this ring from The Clear Cut as proof. Sure, the diamonds are only 0.24ct, but the pear-shape cut and open wrap-around ring band make them feel all the more outstanding.
Searching for a classic engagement ring with a twist? You’ll want to look into Sophie Biller Brahe’s offering as each piece has an unexpected element (i.e., curved bands and floating diamonds) that makes it exquisite.
Chopard’s slim white gold band diamond ring is ideal for the devout minimalist in your life.
Leave it to Yvonne Léon to create a ring that can make any editor mouth “yes, yes, yes” to themselves.
If the staggered bezel setting on this wrap-around ring from Eriness can’t stun them, then we’re not sure what will.
Why pick one diamond cut when you can have two? This Vrai ring with its baguette and trillion-cut lab-grown diamonds gives you the best of both worlds.
Oh, you thought this was already sparkly? Think again. This Anita Ko ring features pavéd marquis-cut diamonds so that it will shine at every angle.
Insider secret: choosing the right setting can make any carat of diamond look larger. Case in point: the Ashley Zhang ring above. While the oval diamond is only 1.01 carats, the open culet setting and shallow depth make it look larger.
When it comes to engagement rings, you do get what you pay for. And there’s no better example of that than the family-owned fine jewelry brand, Gismondi 1754. It’s been based out of Italy for seven generations, with a focus on handcrafting every single piece it makes.
PSA: you don’t always have to shop from indie labels to find an unusual engagement ring. The key is to focus on the stone—opting for precious gemstones, and colorful diamonds on simple bands is a surefire way to make sure this ring stands out.
No one wants a cookie-cutter engagement ring. And one way to ensure you don’t have one is to shop from the rising fine jewelry Milamore. While their offering isn’t technically within the bridal space (just yet), it’s made waves in the industry for its androgynous pieces that champion eclectic bands and unexpected gem cuts.
What better way to show the fashion fanatic in your life you understand them than by giving them a diamond ring from Dior?
From the spiral band made from 18k gold to the 0.89ct heart-cut diamond, there’s so much to love about this Shay engagement ring.
The true mark of a special engagement ring is if it incorporates unique gemstones—like this ruby and diamond ring from Delfina Delettruz.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll repeat it again: gemstones make any engagement ring so much more special. All you have to do is look at the Suzanne Kalan ring above with round-cut diamonds and baguette-cut colorful gems as further proof.
Still not finding an engagement ring that feels right for them? Gemist offers customizable engagement rings starting at the entry-level price range.
Next up: 4 Engagement Ring Trends That’ll Never Go Out of Style, Per a Jewelry Designer
