7 Best Alternative Engagement Ring Designers to Shop by Style

If you’re asking, what are the most unique engagement ring designers, you’ve come to the right place. You may be wondering or recall typing into search, resulting in dozens of places to shop engagement ring stores online. But the dozens of options don’t always make it easy when you have no idea where to start. After all, you want the best unique engagement ring designers — not just a good place to shop — to create the engagement ring YOU want.

So, that’s where I come in! I created this helpful engagement ring buying guide to help you find the best engagement ring designers that offer alternative and indie styles.

In this guide, you’ll find seven of the best places to shop unique engagement ring designers online based on style, quality, uniqueness, as well as reviews.

To be honest, this is the ring guide I needed when we were shopping! It did not exist, so I made it for you. If you feel like there are too many places to shop and you simply need to know the top rated engagement ring stores, you’ll find it here. Also, if you’re on the fence about purchasing such a pricey item online, one of these hand-picked designers even offers in-store try-on at a location near you and virtual appointments giving you that little reassurance you need.

Let’s discuss a few FAQs first, since things like is buying an engagement ring online OK to places to get engagement rings near me are just two of the big inquiries we receive this time of year.

Can I buy an engagement ring online?

Are you wondering if it’s OK to buy an engagement ring online? Many people do.

While all experiences are unique, Andrew bought my engagement ring online and knows what it is like in your shoes, wondering if purchasing a ring online is a good idea. You are making such a lifelong purchase, so you obviously want to make the the ring is of the best quality possible for your money.

This is precisely why I have this engagement ring buying guide for you. I am confident in these independent ring designers and would buy from them myself.

Fine Print: I cannot predict or guarantee your experience: it is always good practice to read reviews and the fine print before you buy anything online, particularly engagement rings. Due to the custom nature of jewelry, particularly by indie or alternative engagement ring designers, the return policy and/or shop policies can be rigid. Most offer a warranty of some kind. Read the fine print before you buy.

Ask Questions: If you’re unsure, ask! These ring designers are happy to answer questions to alleviate any concerns about buying engagement rings online prior to your purchase. To inquire, you can send an email on their website, send a direct message, call their customer service phone number, or in some cases, online chat.

Places to get engagement rings near me

Some people prefer to shop in-store for engagement rings, and that’s OK. Blue Nile is one of the alternative engagement ring designers in our list that offers showrooms so you aren’t limited to buying online exclusively. You can look, touch and try their jewelry pieces and engagement rings when making a purchase.

With the availability of online shopping at your fingertips, I does not surprise me that most stores offer some kind of online chat or web conferencing so you can discuss and see options virtually.

Here are some of the places I recommend when shopping for something as momentous as an engagement ring. These are the only places I would shop myself and recommend to my own family and friends.

Let’s discuss each brand more in-depth.

One of the major engagement ring designers offers more than you might imagine, from its Astor Diamond to its luxury designer brands. But one thing many couples don’t know about this engagement ring designer is they put handcrafted at the forefront. Your ring is custom-made and you can literally build your own ring on their website. They also offer in-person try on of rings at their local stores, which is a great asset for anyone who’s nervous about buying an engagement ring online.

On a personal note, my engagement ring is from Blue Nile and I chose them years ago based on their quality and high ratings. I am happy with my purchase and it looks fantastic years later!

Here are a few key points about this ring designer:

• Astor Diamond: One of their luxuries is the Astor diamond: it is a hand-selected, custom cut diamond which is certified independently to reflect the most scintillating sparkle you can get. Astor diamonds are graded for triple excellence in three areas: cut, symmetry, and polish by two industry experts (GIA and GemEx) so you know you’re getting the best value on the market.

• Design Your Own Ring: You can shop their hundreds of ready-to-ship diamond engagement rings or start from scratch. You can customize your engagement ring on their website beginning with the diamond you like; choose the carat size, the setting, the clarity, and cut and move on to the type of band you’d like. There are endless options here.

• Online Virtual Appointment: Have inquiries? Book an online appointment risk-free to ask questions, chat 1-on-1 with a diamond expert, and get up close views of diamond and jewelry options from your couch.

• Engagement Rings Near Me: This jewelry store offers local showrooms so you can, indeed, find engagement ring shops near you. Here’s their local list.

• Non Diamond Rings: This is one of the alternative engagement ring designers that does not limit your selection to one style of ring. You can shop for diamonds, but you can also shop gemstones if you prefer engagement rings without diamonds. They cater to any style you can imagine: they offer a vintage-inspired blue sapphire ring that I say rivals even the shiniest of diamond rings. See the gemstones here.

One of the most notable engagement ring designers of our time is Andrea Bonelli. She is a talented jeweler with a passion for quality craftsmanship; it truly shows in her rings which are works of art. In her store, you’ll find diamonds, as well as non-traditional options such as moissanite and gemstones, setting her shop apart from the same old jewelry stores you’ve always seen online. Backed by terrific reviews, Andrea delivers on her beautiful craft and is one of the most unique engagement ring designers of the decade.

• Moissanite: If you’re looking for engagement rings made of moissanite, you’ll love what she has to offer. Her moissanite engagement rings make her collection stand out as one of the best indie engagement ring designers of the decade. I love the way she puts special attention to every part of the ring from the setting to the band to the focal stone.

• Lab Grown Diamonds: She offers a variety of diamonds, many of which are lab-grown; she takes pride in ethically-sourced diamonds.

• Everyday Jewelry: It’s not just about the rings! There are stunning gemstone pendants and earrings in her shop, as well as wedding bands and alternative engagement rings, like this black diamond ring.

If you want a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, you’ll find it here.

If you’re wondering where you can buy cool engagement rings, you’ll find it by this designer. Most notably is their collection of art deco inspired engagement rings: it is marquise and baguette diamond ring heaven.

• Cluster Rings: Cluster stones are a popular trend and you’ll find them in this store.

• Bauguette: This art deco inspired stone is popular by this designer, known for its unique rows of baguette bands and understated, minimalist style.

You can shop here.

At the heart of everything they do, Capucinne is handmade through and through! These luxury artisan engagement rings are unique, wholly custom-made, and purely amazing. Some of the rings I’ve seen in their designer collection are unlike any store I’ve ever seen.

If you’re after the most unique engagement ring you can find, it’s here. Promise!

• Opal: One of their most popular rings is the opal stone. It’s wildly popular right now!

• Salt-and-Pepper Diamond: This designer offers alternative engagement rings with the notable salt-and-pepper diamond you’ve been seeing everywhere lately.

• Gemstone: Alexandrite, moonstone, morganite, sapphire, and turquoise are just a few of the notable gemstone options crafted by this engagement ring maker. Love the variety here!

Shop now.

When it comes to vintage heirloom rings, Kristin Coffin is your gal. She’s one of the most talented ring designers I’ve seen, one of the sweetest people to work with, and her reviews speak for themselves. She has an eye for design and the rings she creates are truly one-of-a-kind.

• Timeless Meets Modern: She has a unique blend of timeless quality paired with gorgeous modern style. Here are just a few of my favorite rings from her collection (photos by Sophia Kaye Photography).

• Education: Kristin is as passionate about crafting rings as she is about educating others about them. You can learn everything about lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and jewelry trends here.

Shop here.

If you crave a nature-inspired ring, look no further than the artisan engagement rings by Olivia Ewing, a master in her craft. She offers both sapphires and diamonds and you’ll find these are engagement rings that don’t stick out or snag like others can be, based on setting and cut. Now these aren’t diamonds that are flat, but they are fit into the band in a unique way. Take a look!

Instead, these rough and raw diamond stones are embedded into the band in such a unique and non-traditional way; I love the way the bands are made to resemble twigs: true artisan quality!

When you’re looking to buy a moss agate ring — one of the most popular trends for alternative engagement ring designers to create — look to this store. Three Layers offers brilliant moss agate rings with real moss inside, an attribute you won’t find elsewhere. These are engagement rings that won’t break the bank, either, based on pricing of similar agate rings in the space.

These edgy engagement rings are cool, unique, and made by artisan designers. I absolutely love the way these look! This is the best place to shop for unique engagement rings for nature lovers.

To see more, shop here.

Whether you crave luxury or simply want the most unique engagement rings, you’ll get it at this unique store. From gorgeous 1-carat rings made in shimmering diamonds to brilliant gemstones, this designer offers a little bit of everything.

This is one of the places to get engagement rings with a crown wedding band to accompany it. I love that style!

You can shop these and other unique ring styles here.

Engagement Ring Buying Tips

When you’re ready to purchase an engagement ring online, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Read Reviews.

This one is obvious, but I’m putting it here for you to highlight, bold, and read again. Reviews are going to be your BFF when you decide to order an engagagment ring online because otherwise, you won’t be certain of the ring’s quality. Read reviews, check out ratings, and spend a bit of time doing your research on the ring before you buy.

• Buy What You Like.

Don’t feel pressure to buy a diamond ring if that’s not your style. Many people nowadays wear all kinds of non-traditional engagement rings from gemstones to plain bands, moissanite to raw or rough stones. Pick the ring you want to wear because it’s going to be the one you put on every day. An engagement ring is a personal purchase and should reflect your unique personality and style.

• Get Sized First.

Ah, I cannot stress this enough: when you’re going to buy a ring online, make sure your ring size is accurate. If you need a ring sizer, get one here. It’s the best way to know exactly what size band you’ll need. Some metals cannot be resized, and you can make a ring stop spinning with this, but what a bummer it would be to receive your ring only to find out it doesn’t fit.

Avoid making the mistake and measure properly first.

If you’re buying an engagement ring and your partner is going to be surprised, here’s a tip: find one of their rings and get the size based on it. Some jewelry stores will let you bring in the ring and they’ll tell you what the size of the ring is so you know it’ll be a perfect fit.

• Order Early.

‘Tis the season for engagements! If you want to plan a proposal during the busy holiday months, make sure you put in your online order as early as possible once you choose the ring. When you order from indie ring designers, the process is a custom one; therefore, you’ll need to allow more time for your ring to be made just for you. This is a special attribute of unique engagement ring designers, but can also impact the timeline of popping the question so plan accordingly.

Can I buy my own engagement ring?

Many couples nowadays are shopping for engagement rings together, so it’s not unheard of for one to buy their own engagement ring or decide the exact style and size it will be.

Some women want a particular style and will pay more for it, so it’s also not unusual for her to buy her own engagement ring, pay more to upgrade it, or purchase it because she wants it to look a certain way. As with all decisions like this, talk about it together as a couple. While one person is paying for the ring, you may want to discuss the decision together because it is going to be the symbol of your marriage. Likewise, a discussion like buying an engagement ring may be one of your first major purchases together prior to marriage.

So, to answer the question, yes, you can buy your own engagement ring.

What is an engagement ring supposed to cost?

Ah, this is a big question: what is an engagement ring supposed to cost? How much should you spend on an engagement ring? This is a very wide range, as some rings can cost as little as $150 upwards to $20,000+. The price of your ring is a personal one and just as no two couples are the same, no two budgets or styles are, either.

The best advice for figuring out how much to spend on your engagement ring is true, how much can you afford to spend, comfortably, to get the style you want?

If you are looking at rings and you simply don’t like any of them because they’re too affordable, or you have the money for a luxury diamond ring but you don’t want to spend that much, relax! The cost of the ring should be anything you determine it to be.

There is good news, though: you can buy an engagement ring at any price point. You may not get the biggest diamond stone or the bells and whistles, but you can truly find a beautiful ring at any cost thanks to the unique engagement ring designers and their offerings online.

Does engagement ring have to be expensive?

Nope! An engagement ring doesn’t mean anything more or less based on price, so it doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable.

Can I buy a cheap engagement ring?

Absolutely! Some people wear cheap rings, others wear expensive rings, and most wear something in the middle. :) If a luxury ring isn’t important to you, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear an inexpensive engagement ring. It’s up to you!

Here’s something to consider: the ring is anything you want it to be. I see some luxury rings that don’t look quite as nice as some smaller, more artisan quality rings; likewise, I’ve seen cheap rings that look awful compared to paying just a bit more to get better quality.

The rule of thumb for an engagement ring is to spend what you are comfortable with to get the style and look you like.

Is an engagement ring necessary?

Truth be told, you can be engaged without an official ring. The engagement ring is not mandatory in order to be engaged. However, it is nice to have and makes a beautiful symbol of your love, so most couples choose an engagement ring as part of the tradition.

Is an engagement ring the same as a wedding ring?

An engagement ring is the jewelry piece given at the proposal, worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. The wedding ring is a separate band that is worn once you recite vows at your wedding ceremony and are officially married. Read: How to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together.

Can I buy an engagement ring the same day?

For most alternative engagement ring designers, the answer is no because each ring is handmade and custom, just for you. However, if you shop pre-made rings, also known as ready-to-ship styles, and go to a local retail location here, you may be able to buy an engagement ring the same day.

But there’s no need to rush! Take your time when picking out an engagement ring because it is a very momentous occasion.

I hope this helps you to discover the most unique engagement rings! If you have questions on this topic, let me know in the comment box below.

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma