Grooms have given engagement rings to their future wives for generations. With wedding trends changing to meet modern couples’ needs and ideas around marriage, you might be looking for alternatives to the traditional diamond engagement ring. Set the tone of your wedding by starting out your engagement by being unconventional and finding a symbol that really represents your style and personality.

Jewelry for an Engaged Couple

Rings might be traditional jewelry for the bride, but a non-traditional couple can opt for other types of jewelry that might be more suited to their lifestyle. Fancy watches are made in both feminine and masculine styles and can often be worn in many more occupations than a ring. Gold or silver bracelets or cuff links are other unconventional choices for engagement jewelry but can be lifelong treasures. An engagement necklace is another option for any same-sex couple. For a unique touch to your engagement jewelry, personalize it with your engagement date or names.

Get Some Permanent Ink

Go for an indelible option to mark your engagement with a customized tattoo. Many couples opt for tattooed rings, but there’s no rule that you have to get the tattoo on your finger where a ring could go. Choose a small tattoo, such as a heart, in matching places on your body if you want a reminder of the engagement without attracting attention to it. Or go big with a love letter from your future spouse or each other’s zodiac signs.

Alternative Gems

If you still want the engagement ring without the diamond, you just have to look around for other gemstones that are elegant, sustainably sourced and wearable for everyday use. Look for gemstones that are durable and won’t get damaged from daily wear. Sapphires, emeralds and rubies are all good gemstones that add a pop of color to your hand but won’t look out of place for work or casual wear. Pearls and opals are pretty options that are timeless and elegant, but they are also softer and need more care for daily use. As an added bonus, alternative gemstones don’t usually have the price tag of diamonds, so you’ll save money.

Plant a Tree

A unity tree ceremony is a recognized wedding tradition in many cultures. Hold a tree-planting engagement ceremony as a special reminder of your planned union. Choose a tree that symbolizes strength, such as an oak or maple, or one that is symbolic of your home state. Let this tree represent your relationship taking root and the two of you becoming a family. Plant a partner tree when you tie the knot and watch the two trees grow together as your relationship matures and deepens.  

Special Artwork for Your Home

If jewelry doesn’t fit your style, you could opt for a unique piece of art to mark your engagement. Use your family heritage to create a special family tree. Commission a local artist you like to create a special portrait of the two of you. Look for memorabilia from a show you enjoy together to start a collection as you grow old together. Look for collectible coins from your engagement year to put together a unique selection of coins that represent your life together.

Your Engagement Celebrates You

Engagement rings have been a traditional device between couples for centuries. Historians believe that the tradition began in 15th century Rome when women would carry rings that signified the ownership of their husbands. Fortunately, today’s engagement rings take on a more modern meaning of happiness and joy in upcoming nuptials, but some couples aren’t into wearing rings. Get creative with engagement ring alternatives to make it more meaningful to you.