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How to Choose an Engagement Ring That’s as Unique as Your Love Story
No two love stories are the same, so why should engagement rings be? Today’s couples are rewriting the rules when it comes to choosing that all-important piece of jewellery. Gone are the days of one-style-fits-all solitaires and predictable sparkle. Modern brides, grooms, and partners are choosing rings that reflect who they are: bold, colourful, ethical, and full of meaning. In this post, as part of our wedding jewelry tips, we’ll explore how to choose the ring that really reflects your unique love story.
An engagement ring doesn’t just symbolise commitment anymore, it’s an expression of personality and shared values. Whether that means going bespoke, embracing colour, or opting for something sustainable, there’s never been a better time to create a ring that feels authentically you.
Breaking the Rules (and Loving It)
Tradition has its charm, but there’s something magical about making your own. The modern engagement ring is no longer limited to a diamond solitaire on a plain band. Instead, couples are mixing metals, experimenting with unusual shapes, and reimagining classic settings in contemporary ways.
Think east-west designs, toi et moi rings featuring two stones side by side, or asymmetrical bands that make every angle unique. Texture is trending too, hammered finishes, sculptural forms, and chunky bands that make a confident statement.
Coco Oval with vogue
It’s not about following what’s in fashion, but finding what feels right. If your love story is anything but ordinary, your ring deserves to be just as distinctive.
Colour and Creativity
For couples looking to infuse personality into their proposal, coloured gemstones are the ultimate way to stand out. Sapphires, emeralds, moissanite, and coloured diamonds all offer something different, from romantic pastels to vivid greens and champagne tones.
Coloured stones carry emotional resonance too. Maybe you pick a birthstone, a shade that reminds you of your partner’s eyes, or a gem that represents your favourite place together. There’s a story in every hue, and that’s what makes it special.
If you’re unsure where to start, explore a curated selection like Lily Arkwright’s engagement ring collection. From delicate halo settings to bold statement pieces, these designs show how modern luxury can still feel deeply personal.
Lily Arkwright Moissanite Pear Cut Diamond Side Stones 950 Platinum Trilogy Engagement Ring
Designing Something Bespoke
For those who truly want a one-of-a-kind creation, bespoke design is where the magic happens. Working with a jeweller to design your own engagement ring means every detail, from the metal to the setting, is yours to decide.
Want a modern spin on a vintage shape? Dreaming of a hidden gemstone under the setting, or an engraving only the two of you will know about? The bespoke process allows couples to incorporate intimate details that tell their story.
This approach has become especially popular among creative couples who see the ring as more than just jewellery; it’s wearable art, designed to last a lifetime.
DIANA – 3.94ct Oval Cut Chatham® Blue Sapphire & Lab Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Lily Arkwright 3 8.10 LR
Ethical and Sustainable Sparkle
Love is one of the most powerful forces on earth, and it’s even better when it’s kind to it. In recent years, sustainability has taken centre stage in bridal jewellery. More couples are asking the important questions: Where did my stone come from? Who made this? How was it produced?
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite have become leading choices for eco-conscious couples. They’re visually identical to mined diamonds but come without the environmental or ethical concerns associated with large-scale mining. They also tend to be more affordable, leaving room in the budget for other wedding dreams.
Pair them with recycled gold or platinum, and you have a ring that shines beautifully and responsibly. Brands like Lily Arkwright are at the forefront of this shift, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to create fine jewellery that’s sustainable from source to setting.
Choosing an ethical ring isn’t just a style decision; it’s a statement about the kind of future you want to build together.
Choosing Together
One of the biggest shifts in engagement ring culture is that more couples are choosing together rather than leaving it as a surprise. It’s not about losing the romance, it’s about redefining it. Selecting the ring side by side can be an emotional experience in itself, a shared moment of joy before the proposal even happens.
Shopping together allows both partners to express their tastes, discuss budget and ethics, and ensure the final piece truly represents them. Whether you’re browsing Pinterest boards, sketching ideas, or visiting showrooms, it becomes part of the story you’ll tell for years to come. It’s also worth taking a look at online jewelry stores, which are becoming extremely popular. One example is Cullen Canada, where custom designs and ethical craftsmanship offer plenty of inspiration for couples exploring rings together. Browsing their collection can spark ideas and help guide your shared decision.
Darley moissanite with white dress background
Final Thoughts
The most beautiful engagement rings aren’t necessarily the most traditional; they’re the ones that mean something. Whether that’s a lab-grown diamond sparkling on a recycled gold band, a pastel sapphire set in rose gold, or a bespoke creation that tells your story in every detail, the key is to make it yours.
As couples continue to celebrate individuality and conscious choices, engagement rings are evolving into something even more meaningful: symbols of love, creativity, and shared values.
So when the time comes to choose yours, forget the rules, follow your heart, trust your instincts, and find the ring that feels like forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the biggest trend in engagement rings right now? A: The biggest trend is personalisation and individuality. Couples are moving away from the “one-style-fits-all” solitaire and choosing rings that reflect their unique personality and shared values. This includes bespoke designs, coloured gemstones, and ethical/sustainable materials.
Q: Does choosing an engagement ring together spoil the surprise of the proposal? A: Not at all! More couples are choosing the ring together as a way to redefine the romance. It becomes a shared moment of joy and ensures the final piece truly represents both partners’ tastes, budget, and ethical considerations. The proposal itself can still be a wonderful surprise.
Style & Design
Q: I don’t want a traditional solitaire. What are some modern design alternatives? A: Modern designs are all about breaking the mould (UK spelling for mold). Popular alternatives include:
- Toi et Moi rings: Featuring two complementary stones side by side.
- East-West settings: Where a typically vertical stone is set horizontally.
- Asymmetrical bands or unique shapes.
- Chunky, sculptural bands or those with hammered finishes for a textured look.
Q: Are coloured gemstones an acceptable choice for an engagement ring? A: Absolutely. Coloured gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, moissanite, and coloured diamonds are incredibly popular. They allow for great creativity and can hold emotional significance, such as representing a birthstone or a favourite colour.
Q: What does “bespoke design” mean for an engagement ring? A: Bespoke design means working with a jeweller to create a completely one-of-a-kind ring from scratch. You decide on every detail, from the metal and the stone to the setting style and any hidden engravings, ensuring the ring tells your unique story.
Ethical & Sustainable Choices
Q: Why are so many modern couples choosing lab-grown diamonds and moissanite? A: Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are popular choices for eco-conscious and ethical couples. They are visually identical to mined diamonds but avoid the environmental and ethical concerns sometimes associated with large-scale mining. They also tend to be more affordable.
Q: What makes an engagement ring “sustainable”? A: A ring is considered sustainable when conscious choices are made about its materials and production. This often includes:
- Using lab-grown diamonds or moissanite.
- Choosing recycled gold or platinum for the band.
- Selecting jewellers who are transparent about their sourcing and craftsmanship.
Q: Is there a difference between a lab-grown diamond and a moissanite? A: Yes, they are two different stones. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. Moissanite is a separate, naturally occurring mineral (now almost entirely created in a lab) that has a different chemical composition and exhibits a distinct, fiery sparkle, often offering a lower price point than both mined and lab-grown diamonds.
