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Unique Engagement Rings That Chic It Up

January 19, 2020July 26, 2022Education, Engagement RingsAffordable engagement rings, alternative engagement rings, anniversary, birthstone rings, birthstones, Cushion Cut, education, engagement ring advice, engagement ring education, engagement rings, gemstone rings, gemstones, non-traditional engagement rings, Pear Shape, princess cut, radiant cut, ring styles, solitaire, stackable rings, unique engagement rings, vintage rings

Unique engagement rings are the perfect statement pieces for couples who want to stand out from the crowd.

2018 is all about celebrating diversity; the things that allow you to shine as an individual. And what better way of expressing your individual style than with a non-traditional engagement ring?

Unique Engagement Rings: Vive la Différence!

While traditional diamond engagement rings are certainly beautiful in their own way, the world would be a boring place if everyone rocked the same rings. That’s why many couples are drawn to alternative engagement rings. They’re every bit as sparkly and romantic, and they are often better valued too.

Take a peek at these sleek and utterly unique engagement rings.

Unique Engagement Rings: In Love with the Shape of You

Pinned your hopes on a diamond solitaire but not feeling the traditional round cut? You’re not alone. Many couples today are opting for alternative diamond cuts such as cushion, princess, radiant, and pear.

Unique Engagement Rings: Alternative Rock

Diamonds and engagement rings may go together like a horse and carriage, but there are plenty of non-diamond options that will take you on an equally romantic ride. Besides being a bold look, gemstones tend to be easier on the wallet, so you can afford a larger stone.

Hue and Eye

Show your attention to detail by matching a gemstone to your partner’s eye color. Sapphires, for example, are known to bring out the blue in the wearer’s eyes, whereas emeralds perfectly accentuate green eyes. For the rest of us beautiful brown-eyed folk, it’s a bit more subjective, but amethyst and garnet are both solid choices.

Born to Shine

If your SO is into astrology, choosing the birthstone that’s associated with their birth month can make your gift even more meaningful. Ever since biblical times, birthstones have been renowned for their therapeutic and healing properties. Kings and queens throughout the ages have adorned themselves with these majestic stones, believing them to bring great wealth and power. Legen… wait for it… dary!

Unique Engagement Rings: Hello, Sparkle, My Old Friend

Vintage style engagement rings boast some of the most unique design elements we’ve seen. Intricate detailing and romantic flourishes that harken back to the glitz and glamour of eras past. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind sparkler that transcends time, these vintage style engagement rings are where it’s at.

Unique Engagement Rings: A Lustrous Lineup

Engagement rings typically feature a large center stone that serves as the focal point. But what if you were to forgo the main attraction and instead opt for a ring that features several smaller stones? Radical, I know! Anniversary rings and stackable rings make for unique engagement rings as the stones are often displayed in creative and eye-catching ways.

Unique Engagement Rings: Glow Your Own Way

On a mission to break with tradition? Tell us which ring speaks to you in the comments below or on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

Dare to be different with a nontraditional sapphire and diamond engagement ring.

Save this inspo for some other shine (Pin it!)

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Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

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Twisted Engagement Rings: That Spiral Style

November 5, 2018August 17, 2021Engagement Ringsdiamond engagement rings, diamonds, engagement ring advice, engagement ring education, engagement ring styles, engagement rings, halo, halo engagement rings, matching wedding bands, Pavé, pavé engagement rings, princess cut, princess cut engagement rings, ring styles, solitaire, split shank engagement ring, split shank halo engagement rings, tension engagement rings, twisted engagement rings

Twisted engagement rings put a new spin on the classic solitaire ring setting.

twisted engagement rings abbraccio swirl danhov cover ring — Abbraccio Swirl Engagement Ring by Danhov

Everything is more interesting with a twist: gin and tonic with a twist of lime, M. Night Shyamalan movies, those poles outside barber shops. The same goes for jewelry – namely, twisted engagement rings. Their updated design adds a whimsical and utterly unique touch to an otherwise basic band.

View these twisted beauties in 360° HD

Twisted Engagement Rings: It’s All in the Twist

Twisted engagement rings can be fashioned out of one solid metal band, two tightly wound bands, or an open split shank that intersects with itself. For an eye-catching enhancement, choose one that’s studded with pavé diamonds or sporting a shimmering halo.

The Bold & The Beautiful 💍

14K White Gold Contoured Twist Tension Set Engagement Ring — Contoured Twist Tension Set Engagement Ring

Twisted engagement rings are already a bold look, and silvery metals are in, but this modern tension-set ring brings added drama and sophistication. The wide, sleek band, with its striking contours, is one of the fiercest settings we’ve seen! Can you feel the tension?

The Tulip from Amster-dayum! 🌷

twisted engagement rings milgrain twist tulip basket ring — Milgrain Twist Tulip Basket Engagement Ring

This one-of-a-kind solitaire ring has milgrain detailing along the shanks and can be set with a round or princess-cut diamond. Where’s the tulip, you ask? Ah, that’s the twist! It forms the basket for an extra-romantic surprise.

The Pretzeled Pavé 🥨

14K Rose Gold Pave Twist Diamond Engagement Ring — Pavé Twist Diamond Engagement Ring

This delicious-looking setting features a liberal sprinkling of pavé diamonds along each of its interwoven bands. These serve to gently accent the center stone… like grains of salt on a pretzel!

The Simply Di-vine 🍃

14K Yellow Gold Twisted Vine Engagement Ring — Twisted Vine Engagement Ring

There ain’t no shine like a twisted vine! This bewitching nature-inspired ring showcases two marquise-shaped pavé-set accents on either side. These leaf-like flourishes flow together seamlessly on a band of lustrous gold.

The Spiraling Solitaire 🌀

14K White Gold Cable Solitaire Engagement Ring — Cable Solitaire Engagement Ring

Throw your partner a rope in the form of this charming twisted cable solitaire engagement ring. Tightly interwoven gold cables are a subtle way to let the wearer know you won’t ever let them down. Pair with the matching cable wedding band when you’re ready to tie the knot.

The Coiled Crossover 🔀

14K White Gold Pave Halo And Twisted Shank Engagement Ring — Pavé Halo and Twisted Shank Engagement Ring

Keep your fingers crossed for this gorgeous split-shank engagement ring. A pavé halo surrounds the center stone, while additional pavé diamonds line one of the shanks for maximum sparkle.

Twisted Engagement Rings: Give Us a Twirl

Is a ring with a twist top of your list? Let us know in the comments below or over on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twister.
Er… Twitter.

Discover the crossover appeal of split shank and infinity engagement rings.

Let’s twist again! (Pin it!)

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

Finding Her Engagement Ring Style: A Wink & A Smile

October 15, 2018July 4, 2022Education, Engagement Ringsbaguette diamond rings, channel-set engagement rings, Cushion Cut, cushion cut engagement rings, diamond engagement rings, diamonds, education, engagement ring, engagement ring advice, engagement ring education, engagement ring style, engagement ring styles, engagement rings, halo, halo engagement rings, men's FAQ, Pavé, pavé engagement rings, princess cut, ring styles, Round Cut, round engagement rings, side-stone engagement rings, solitaire, tension engagement rings, vintage, vintage engagement rings, vintage rings

Whether you’re a secret agent or a straight shooter, check out our pro tips for finding her engagement ring style.

Everyone has a personal style. Some are more understated than others and, therefore, harder to discern. Your job as Buyer of Rings, Proposer of Marriage, is to hone in on that style by whatever means necessary. Put on your detective hat and do some snooping around or straight up ask your partner what she’d like. Either way, finding her engagement ring style needn’t be a chore with our handy guide. Just pop on some good music and get sleuthing.

Finding Her Engagement Ring Style: Cut to the Chase

Let’s start by clearing something up: the ring doesn’t have to be a complete surprise.

There, we’ve said it.

These days, it’s perfectly acceptable – preferable even – to bring your partner into the design process. No one knows the wearer’s style better than the wearer herself, so why not involve her in the decision making? Goodness knows you’ll need all the help you can get when confronted with terms like pavé, halo, and tension! (That last one’s a setting style btw, not a headache.) By promoting your partner to Chief Ring Adviser, you’ll come across as the sensitive and considerate human being you are while eliminating much of the guesswork. It’s a win-win.

Now, the direct approach won’t work for everyone, mind you. Some customers – proposer and proposee alike – have their hearts set on a solo ring selection, culminating in the Big Reveal. To those irrepressible romantics, we say… read on!

Finding Her Engagement Ring Style: A Spy on the Wall

finding her engagement ring style spy on the wall

Like all good detectives, you’ve been waiting for the right case to come along; a case worthy of your powers of deduction. Finding her engagement ring style is right up there with #WhoBitBeyoncé and that whole Yanny vs Laurel thing – except the odds of you solving this one are far higher!

Seriously though, your partner’s online and offline activity might give away key clues about her ring preferences. If she has a Pinterest account, it’s worth checking to see if she’s created any boards with sparkle-related titles or pinned any specific rings. Assuming you have access to her Facebook account, check her profile and activity log for any ring posts she’s liked or shared.

What’s the Buzz?

Even if she’s been careful not to leave a digital trail, she may have confided in her best friend or sibling. Once you’ve got a sparkly bee in your bonnet, it’s almost impossible to keep it to yourself! Listen for subtle hints that might come up when she’s chatting with her inner circle, especially if the topic of celebrity engagement rings comes up.

Finding Her Engagement Ring Style: How She Rolls

When finding her engagement ring style, it often helps to draw on your own personal experience. Presumably, you’ve spent a fair bit of time with your SO and have gleaned an insight or two about her day-to-day.

What kind of lifestyle does she lead? If she has a job or hobby that requires her to wear gloves, she’d be better off with a setting that doesn’t have exposed diamonds on the band. Solitaire and channel-set rings are both practical options as they minimize the risk of the diamonds getting caught or falling out. A less hands-on lifestyle would allow for more exposed diamonds on the band – pavé being the obvious example.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

14K White Gold Vintage Inspired Floral Bouquet Engagement Ring — Vintage Inspired Floral Bouquet Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Spiral Tension Set Engagement Ring — Spiral Tension Set Engagement Ring

If your girl is more Devil Wears Prada than Devil Wears Nada, you might consider a more daring setting. Pay close attention to her wardrobe. If she dresses to impress and won’t touch anything unless it’s by a top designer, go for something with character, such as a vintage engagement ring or hyper-modern tension ring.

Glow-Key Glam

14K White Gold Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring — Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

If, on the other hand, her idea of glamour is a pair of old jeans and a t-shirt, we’d recommend opting for something simple like a baguette side-stone engagement ring. Understated yet elegant.

Finding Her Engagement Ring Style: A Sure Thing

14K White Gold Presentation Solitaire (Six Prong) — Six Prong Presentation Solitaire Engagement Ring

If none of the above tips speak to you, no one would fault you for playing it safe and going with a classic style such as a solitaire. This is essentially a single center diamond mounted on a plain setting. Solitaires are considered classics for a reason: they work with practically any individual style and never go out of fashion.

Once you’ve figured out your setting style, it’s time to consider the diamond shape. If you have even the slightest doubt about what shape to get, you can’t go wrong with a round cut. Round-cut diamonds are by far the most popular shape for engagement rings, owing to their perfect geometry and abundant sparkle. These timeless classics are tried and true, but if it’s a little more edge you’re after, a princess or cushion-cut diamond should suffice.

Walk a Mile in Her Style

How did you manage to pinpoint your partner’s style preference? Did you go undercover or were you upfront about it? Let us know in the comments below or over on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

For more invaluable ring-buying tips and tricks, check out the previous posts in our men’s FAQ series.

Pin the style on your fiancée!

finding her engagement ring style pinterest pin

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

Engagement Ring Shopping: Collaboration Vs. Surprise

August 29, 2018April 25, 2021Education, Engagement Rings, Proposaleducation, engagement ring advice, engagement ring education, engagement ring shopping, engagement rings, proposal, proposal series

Breaking with tradition, many couples are engagement ring shopping together, leaving the element of surprise for the proposal.

The question of whether to surprise your SO with a ring or include them in the selection process is as old as time.

Well, that’s not strictly true.

It actually came about rather recently, with online engagement ring shopping offering a far more collaborative experience than traditional stores. But back to the question at hand: to surprise or not to surprise? That will largely depend on whether your SO is more of a romantic or a realist.

If they’re the type to swoon at the end of romantic movies, chances are they’re holding out for a sparkling surprise of their own. Then again, if your SO is the risk-averse type, they will probably prefer to be consulted on an item of such personal significance.

Engagement Ring Shopping: Surprise and Shine

engagement ring shopping falling edge pavé diamond — Falling Edge Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

If your SO leaves the engagement ring shopping entirely up to you, they’re taking the jewelry equivalent of a trust fall. That is, they’re trusting you to choose what is sure to be their most prized possession; an accessory they’ll be wearing every day of their life. This might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite an honor and an opportunity to demonstrate how perceptive you are. If you have a tendency to notice small details, you’ll easily pick up on the trail of sparkly clues your partner has left behind.

See what happens when couples try to design their partners’ dream engagement ring (spoiler alert: hilarity ensues!).

Can You Take a Hint?

engagement ring shopping can you take hint

If only there was some way to read the inner workings of your partner’s mind… to understand what they really mean when they say, “I’m marrying you, not the ring.” While that technology may still be a few years off, we do have a nifty drop-a-hint feature on JamesAllen.com. It’s a subtle way for your SO to let you know exactly what they want without the awkwardness of them having to say it.

Of course, there are other tried-and-tested ways to drop a hint that you should be on the lookout for. “Forgetting” to close the browser is a classic, but they may share their Pinterest boards with you or casually comment on a friend’s or celebrity’s engagement ring.

Engagement Ring Shopping: Band Together

A recent study by The Knot found that roughly one third of couples collaborate on the engagement ring with their mates. People are starting to realize that the proposee is every bit as qualified to make the Big Decision as the proposer – if not more so. If your SO has expressed an interest in being involved beyond mere hint dropping, you’d be wise to take them up on the offer. After all, who better to advise you on ring style than the ring wearer herself?

Without a doubt, the best way to know your partner’s ring preferences is to have an open and honest conversation with them. If all goes well, try engagement ring shopping together and make mental notes of their ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs.’ Even if they do have a hand in selecting their ring online, they won’t know how it looks IRL until the big unveiling. With a bit of clever subterfuge, it’s still possible to throw your SO off the scent.

Help Is at Hand

If you’d rather collaborate with someone other than your SO, our Customer Service team is there for you 24/7 by live chat, phone, and email. They’ll help you pick out the ideal ring based on your partner’s particulars (don’t worry, you already know all the answers to their questions!). You can even request a Real-Time Diamond Inspection with a certified gemologist who will be happy to walk you through the finer points of your sparkler. And if you still want some face-to-face expert advice, visit our Georgetown, DC location.

Engagement Ring Shopping: Trust Your Instincts

The bottom line is that your shopping experience should be as comfortable as the ring on your true love’s finger. Go with whichever option feels right to you as a couple and then make it as gosh darn romantic as you possibly can!

Catch up on our proposal series, which covers everything from choosing the perfect sparkler to planning the magical moment itself.

Next in the series: discover the best proposal spots in major cities.

Will your ring be a total surprise or is your SO likely to advise? Let us know in the comments below or over on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

Pin this collaboration inspiration:

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!

Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

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Engagement Ring Care: Have Bling, Will Travel

June 18, 2018May 2, 2021Education, Engagement Ringsdiamond engagement rings, education, engagement ring, engagement ring advice, engagement ring care, engagement ring education, engagement rings, travel, vacation

Slay on vacay with this essential guide to engagement ring care in the sun.

When planning a romantic getaway, three L’s come to mind: Location, Location, Location. This makes sense as without a suitable destination, you’d still be, well, at home! But there’s a fourth L that no travel checklist is complete without: Luster. As in, how to keep your engagement ring looking at its lustrous best while you and bae are off galavanting around the world.

Engagement Ring Care: Precious Cargo

18K White Gold Floral Halo Engagement Ring — Floral Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

The first thing to do before taking your sparkler on vacation is to make sure it’s covered by your insurance policy. You do have one, right? Good. Just checking. Whether it comes under your home insurance or its own separate policy, make sure that you’re covered for theft, loss, or damage while away. If not, you may need to adjust your policy to include overseas travel. It’s advisable to take proof of ownership with you on your trip in case you’re stopped at customs. A copy of the receipt or the insurance policy should suffice.

Engagement Ring Care: Off with the Ring!

When you finally receive the ring of your dreams, it’s hard to imagine ever wanting to take it off. But there are certain situations when it’s necessary to de-jewel.

Handle with Care

14K White Gold Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring (Oval Center) — Pavé-Set Halo Engagement Ring

Unless you’re Mariah Carey, traveling often involves hauling your own luggage around. The stress this puts on your ring can stretch the band and even bend or break the delicate prongs. That’s why you should take extra care when lifting anything heavy.

Swimming in Sparkle

Although the beach is a romantic destination for newly engaged couples, it’s less than ideal for the engagement ring itself. If the sea is cold enough to shrink your fingers, your ring could slip right off. If you stay on dry land, grains of sand could get caught between the ring setting and the diamond. This won’t harm the stone per se, as diamonds are pretty tough, but that doesn’t mean you should put it through needless wear and tear.

What about putting your engagement ring in an airtight plastic bag, I hear you cry? This might seem like a clever hack, but the lack of oxygen together with the heat from the sun may cause the metal to fuse with the plastic. You’d be much better off leaving your diamond ring in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, such as your hotel room safe.

Losing your ring in a swimming pool is less risky than the open sea as it would most likely turn up once the pool has been drained. However, harsh chemicals in the water like chlorine can severely discolor/corrode gold and silver over time. Only platinum is durable enough that it can withstand most chemicals.

Browse platinum engagement rings

Keep It Clean

14K White Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit) — French Cut Petite Pavé Engagement Ring

Sunscreen. Great for your skin, not so great for your bling. By all means, slather it all over yourself (sunburn is not a sexy look), but for the love of sparkle, remove your ring first! The same goes for lotions and perfumes, which can cause your precious stone to cloud up.

Fake It, Don’t Break It!

If the thought of taking your engagement ring on vacation seems too daunting, why not switch it with a fake one? Get one that closely resembles your sparkler’s setting style and diamond cut for a fraction of the price. It’s a relatively inexpensive solution that could end up saving you sleepless nights and potential financial loss.

Engagement Ring Care: Your Passport to Sparkle

Do you give your most precious jewel enough TLC when traveling? Let us know your engagement ring care regimen in the comments below or on our social channels: Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

Discover additional ring care tips in our blog post 7 Things to Do After Getting Engaged.

Pin this image to save your twinkling travel tips:

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.