One route is a colorful, non-diamond center stone. “Historically, colored gemstones were actually the original choice for engagement rings,” Moross shares, who nods to sapphires, emeralds, and rubies as stones that add character and a personal narrative. “The point is to choose something that feels authentic to you and your partner.”
10. Consider working directly with a jeweler to create a custom ring.
“Custom feels more special than just walking into a store and picking something,” Hannah explains. “Generally speaking, a lot of people now want something that walks the line between vintage and modern. It’s not so much about a big diamond anymore—they want quality over size, or a unique shape, like a rose cut. And a lot of people are ditching diamonds altogether. I made a really beautiful ring with alexandrite, which is a color-change stone that is greenish-blue in the daylight and purple in incandescent light. [Engagement rings] …