8 Types of Engagement Rings That Are Unique

About 2 million people propose in the United States each year. If you want to stand out from the crowd, an eclectic engagement ring lights up your partner’s wardrobe with distinct colors and designs. Some even have a long history that makes you part of a centuries-old tradition.

1. Marquise Engagement Rings

Marquise stones date back to 18th-century France. As the story goes, King Louis XV wanted to immortalize the beauty of his mistress, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson. He commissioned a stone that resembled her lips, and jewelers still celebrate this cut today.

Some buyers call marquise stones “boats” or “footballs” due to their pointed ovals. Since the cut makes them appear larger than similarly sized stones, marquise engagement rings often have bold, flashy designs highlighting sparkling facets.

Sometimes, the cut creates a “bow tie” effect with triangular shadows in the center of the stone. Reputable jewelers can help you find perfectly symmetrical marquise stones with clear centers. Likewise, choose from horizontal and vertical settings that reflect the recipient’s style.

2. Pave Engagement Rings

Like a paved road with cobblestones, pave engagement rings feature bands lined with tiny gemstones, framing the center jewel. The stones are often round, but you might find more extravagant cuts, such as radiant or marquise. Your options include single rows, double rows, and intricate designs.

Pave rings give the center jewel an extra burst of sparkle. On a silver or white gold band, the stones blend seamlessly with the metal. Gems embedded in yellow or rose gold offer a striking contrast to the soft hues. If you prefer modern designs, some rings replace the white jewels with vibrantly colored stones.

3. Colored Engagement Rings

Traditional wedding rings feature a white jewel on a silver band. If your future spouse prefers something quirkier, unique wedding rings dazzle with shimmering colors. They forgo the white center stone for luxurious red, forest green, deep blue, subtle tan, or the iridescence of simulated opals.

Additional jewels on the ring are usually white to keep the focus on the center stone. Some rings have colored bands that add dimension to the gem. With the bright shades, they’re not instantly recognizable as wedding rings, but your fiancé’s taste is what matters.

4. Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow gold is a classic material made from gold and alloy metals. The iconic shade gives your ring an antique flair and brings out the gemstones’ natural warmth. Anyone can wear yellow gold, but it pairs well with warm skin tones.

Rose gold’s pink hue comes from copper. More copper means a darker, redder shade. Rose gold is more durable than yellow gold and suits warm and cool skin tones, making it a versatile choice.

Typically, jewelers pair colored gold with white stones for an understated look. However, some rings combine rose or yellow gold with colored jewels for an extravagant shine. You can even buy rings with interlinked strands of rose and yellow gold that look like woven threads.

5. Halo Engagement Rings

Halo rings include a ring of jewels around the center stone, making it look bigger. Traditional rings have a circle of round, white stones like a cluster of glitter. Fancier rings may shimmer with multiple rows or stones in different cuts and sizes. Often, this creates a “star” or “flower” appearance.

Generally, halo rings are cheaper than rings with bigger center stones. They can also offset a colored jewel with classic white or make a white stone appear 10 times shinier. Just ensure you take care of the ring — with multiple tiny gems, you’re more likely to lose one.

6. Pear Engagement Rings

Pear engagement rings have a distinct teardrop shape that makes them stand out. Most pear-shaped stones have 58 facets that capture the most sparkle on their surface area. The narrow point also makes the wearer’s finger look thinner, creating a delicate, feminine look.

Minimalist rings display a pear-cut jewel on a simple band to emphasize the stone’s beauty. If you want a fancier piece, opt for a ring surrounding the center jewel with elaborate gems, turning the stone into an exotic flower.

7. Heart Engagement Rings

For the ultimate symbol of your love, propose with a heart engagement ring. Heart-shaped stones are rarer than other varieties, so you’ll have fewer choices when you browse. However, when you find a quality ring, you’ll show your fiancé they truly have your heart.

Like marquise stones, heart-shaped jewels can have dark “bow tie” shadows in the center. You’ll also want to inspect the gem to ensure that both sides are symmetrical. If you think a colored heart looks too bright, all-white rings with silver bands offer a subtler take on the heart shape.

8. Cushion Engagement Rings

This option is more subtle but still unique. Instead of a round gemstone, cushion engagement rings boast a square-shaped jewel with rounded edges. These cuts are more durable and beautifully reflect the light. If you appreciate the brilliance of reflected light, the rounded shape makes cushion-cut stones popular for halo rings.

Start Planning Your Dream Proposal

Check your partner’s jewelry box to see what kind of ring they’d prefer. If they don’t own much jewelry, consider how rings would look paired with their wardrobe. They’ll wear this ring for years to come, so choose one that sparkles as brightly as their personality.