Rings are often a core part of both wedding ceremonies and engagements. Both wedding rings and engagement rings are closely tied with the custom of betrothal rings, which may date back to Roman times or the Middle Ages. Both are symbols of common traditions and can signify never-ending love and commitment. Yet what if rings aren’t a good choice for you, or you and your mate want different options? Thankfully, you have plenty of alternatives to traditional wedding and engagement rings.

No Diamonds? No Problem

If you love the idea of rings but aren’t into diamonds, you can still find jewelry that fits your preferences and lifestyle. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and topaz are almost as hard as diamonds, making them ideal for rings that are worn every day.

Matching metal bands are available in a wide range of materials. Wedding Wire’s Whitney Teal mentions the most common metal types. Most are familiar with yellow, rose, and white gold, but other choices include palladium, platinum, tungsten, and titanium. Cobalt and tantalum are also becoming popular, especially in men’s and unisex rings. Tantalum is a rare yet strong metal with a characteristic gray-blue tint. Cobalt rings are actually composed of cobalt with additives, resulting in a super-strong rust-proof and shatter-proof metal.

Most metal bands can be customized with gemstones, engraving, and other key details. Harder metals such as cobalt and tungsten can be engraved. Cobalt and tantalum rings can be resized, but tungsten cannot since it isn’t malleable after it’s been permanently cast.

What If We Don’t Want Rings?

Getting engaged may be part of your plans, and LGBTQ couples have redefined the traditional proposal in many ways. Brides writer Melissa Kravitz offers some inspiration, profiling how four people popped the question to their partners. There aren’t any rules about who should initiate the proposal. These individuals found unique ways to do it, rings included. In fact, one couple exchanged rings for their engagement.

However, these aren’t your only choices. Wedding Wire’s Jenn Sinrich lists several alternatives to traditional engagement rings. Rings on necklaces are popular, especially when wearing rings on the job isn’t feasible due to workplace safety regulations. Lockets and charm bracelets are also beautiful and customizable with a wide range of details. In her Wedding Wire piece, Whitney Teal mentions watches as excellent alternatives. Keep in mind that your gift doesn’t even have to include jewelry. Handmade items, art, wine, or anything else your mate loves are also great engagement gift ideas.

Do Your Homework Before You Buy

Shopping for a loved one can feel both fun and a little scary at the same time. While your partner will probably appreciate a wide variety of gifts, you want to make the perfect purchase the first time. When purchasing rings, you need to have your mate’s exact size. You can have your jeweler measure a ring that already fits or enlist friends and family to provide you with this important detail. Also, don’t discount the idea of taking your beloved shopping. You’ll have the idea of knowing your partner’s size and preferences, which still lets your ring selection be a surprise.

If you’re concerned about ethical purchasing, it’s wise to research what you’re buying and where it comes from. You’ve likely heard about conflict diamonds, but keep in mind that other minerals may fit the United Nations’ definition. The Responsible Minerals Initiative explains that these include tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold mined in war zones, and their sales are used to finance wars against legitimate governments.

Unique Expressions of Love and Commitment

Diamonds have long been associated with engagements and weddings since DeBeers’ original marketing campaigns in the early 20^th century. Fortunately, they’re not the only option. It’s easy to find other tokens to express your love and commitment with a little creative thinking, research, and smart shopping.