Non-Traditional Wedding Rings: How To Shop For Alternative Engagement Rings & Bands

Of all the traditional or simulated diamond jewelry styles and designs available, only the wedding ring has the distinction of being ritualistically worn every day. This beautiful and love-filled symbol of unity is worth cherishing no matter what form it takes – but a little style never hurt anyone, either. While wedding bands of plain or engraved precious metals are easy enough to find and considered classic wedding bands that won’t go out of style, non-traditional wedding rings can incorporate and share so much more: inset gemstones, intricate metalwork, and even stacked designs that can change and evolve while keeping the same affectionate message intact.

Each love story is different – the place you met, the first time you said “I love you,” and the way your engagement unfolded. Your wedding is equally, blissfully yours – from the flowers to the dress, and even the vows. All of these accents are shaped from and proudly display your personal touch, so your wedding ring or band should be no less distinctive. In this article, we’ll explore the world of non-traditional wedding rings and bands, including inspirations, guidelines, ideas and helpful suggestions to help you embark upon this exciting journey!

Finding A Unique Wedding Ring: What To Look For

If you’re on the hunt for non-traditional wedding bands that speak to your style, you may feel discouraged at the sheer number of more traditional options available. Read on for helpful suggestions to find the design you’ve dreamed of – and narrow down your choices accordingly:

• • Eternity Wedding Bands:
    Nothing goes with precious metal quite like a generous dose of sparkle, which is something that eternity styles have to spare. These rings are completely wrapped along their outer edges by cut gemstones, and the stunning stones themselves are typically square or rectangular cuts for smooth continuity. These gemstones may be prong-set for more individual definition, framed with individual bezel edging around each stone, or placed into a channel setting for a more secure finish and uniform look around the entire ring.

    A good pick for: The bride that wants the shine of exquisitely-cut faceted stones but doesn’t necessarily want to wear a wedding ring and gemstone engagement ring combination every day.

• • Glam Wedding Rings:
    While some non-traditional wedding rings are different simply because they have stones rather than a metal-only design, glam rings stand out for their sheer, bold statement looks. Made with large stones and flashy, eye-catching cuts, these gorgeous rings are made to draw attention to the wearer and reflect brilliance with every subtle hand movement. They’re an ideal accessory for brides that are the perpetual social butterflies; women with a personal sense of style that is both breathtaking and unforgettable long after her walk down the aisle to her beloved.

    A good pick for: Wearers that want to stand out, and those who consider traditional precious metal wedding bands too subtle for everyday wear. This ring type pairs well with bold accessory and fashion choices, making it a must-have for any bride with an impressive closet.

• • Nesting Wedding Bands:
    The most familiar pairing of engagement and wedding rings has historically been a solitaire engagement ring worn above or below a simple precious metal band. While it’s a decidedly traditional look, it isn’t exactly comfortable: the rings can pinch uncomfortably together, or make the finger feel overly confined. Nested non-traditional wedding ring sets solve this problem with an elegant curve. This half-circle curve is made to receive the large center stone of an engagement ring, preventing pinching at the abutment. Some nested ring styles are precisely matched to certain engagement rings, while others are matched to a men’s band in a ‘his-and-hers’ set, and still others are created with a stylish and unique design for personal flair.

    A good pick for: The bride that wants to wear her engagement ring and wedding ring every day, but could do without the discomfort and pinching a traditional multi-ring setup can bring. Nested wedding bands are also an excellent way to add additional sparkle to an engagement ring through strategically-placed cut stone accents.

• • Vintage Wedding Rings:
    It’s true that the concept of traditional and vintage often go hand-in-hand when it comes to aesthetic style, but in wedding jewelry, vintage can be a breath of fresh air. When contemporary ring designs feel too heavy or over-the-top for a wearer’s personal tastes, vintage designs are a beautiful alternative. These lovely, feminine rings are delicately decorated with accents like pavé stone settings that twinkle rather than flash. Rather than using an actual vintage ring, which may have color or clarity issues or a too-small band size, opt for modern takes on vintage styles instead. Not only will these be more durable to wear and less likely to lose stones, they’ll also fit like a dream without the need for a jeweler to resize them.

    A good pick for: A woman that loves elegance and classic style, but still wants modern ring materials made to stand up to everyday life: 18k gold, for example, and Diamond Nexus™ alternative stones wrapping the outer edges.

• • Petite Wedding Bands:
    With or without cut stones set into their perimeter, petite band styles are extremely popular with modern brides. Where the classic wedding band was a wide, oftentimes blocky-feeling strip of metal, petite styles take the flow of the feminine hand into account with their design. Narrow and comfortable to wear, they catch light in subtle ways: ideal for a bride that wants to wear and cherish her symbol of love without seeming like she’s showing off. Petite bands are smaller and easier to wear for some hand shapes, particularly with women who are already wearing a wide engagement ring band.

    A good pick for: Women that work with their hands a great deal; a petite wedding ring style is less likely to feel cumbersome when compared to wider, flatter bands. This subtle design is also excellent for women that want to display their married status without it feeling like a brag.

• Alternatives to Mined Diamond Wedding Rings:
  More and more modern brides are demanding ethics be invited to their wedding: from sustainably-harvested wedding food to a birdseed-instead-of-rice swap during the tossing ceremony post-vows, these choices are incredibly important ones. The “blood diamond” problem remains a significant issue for mined diamonds, making ethical diamonds a must-have for some brides-to-be. The Nexus Diamond alternative offers the same look, weight, feel, and durability as mined diamonds – in fact, one of the only things consumers will notice is its more affordable price. Nexus diamond alternative bridal jewelry is as strong as your love for one another, and is designed for durability as well as beauty. Plus, our Lifetime Stone Guarantee ensures the quality of every stone – forever.

  A good pick for: Couples looking for non-traditional wedding rings on a budget; wearers that prefer a cut stone product that doesn’t hurt the earth or exploit workers in its manufacturing process.

Non-Traditional Wedding Bands for Men: One-Of-A-Kind Rings For Men

When it comes to a ring worn every day to celebrate a marriage, women aren’t the only ones hemming and hawing over designs. Men are frequently left with so few choices, a wife-to-be will often make the decision for both of them to get the wedding rings ordered on time. Thankfully, men aren’t hesitating to add to, modify, or even replace classic men’s wedding bands with more modern elements. Some men’s options include:

• Precious metal options beyond yellow gold: Consider platinum or white gold wedding bands, palladium, tungsten, and more for a more bespoke-looking men’s wedding ring. Different metal tones will help the cut stone(s) they hold look brighter or darker by comparison.

• Men’s rings with an inset center stone, also known as a male engagement ring. These styles may be presented to a man by his wife-to-be as she’s asking him to marry her, or it may be one they designed together with his wishes in mind.

• Wedding rings for men with different precious gemstones in them, such as sapphire blue stones. Color is an excellent way to make a statement, making these rings a shoo-in for daily wear. For added personal style, select a birthstone to be included in your finished product. Always bear in mind his typical wardrobe should influence what colors he does or doesn’t wear well, to prevent mismatches

• Men’s wedding rings created with unusual materials. From silicone to glow-in-the-dark resin to hardwood, there are several bespoke non-traditional men’s wedding ring options to choose from. The safest choice for a man’s everyday band, however, remains precious metal: not only is it very hard to bend or damage, it also adds a timeless touch to a given ring. The secret is to embellish that precious metal with accents like initials, cut-outs, and other personalized custom details to make it your very own – a wedding ring as unique as your bond.

Alternative Wedding Rings For Him & Her: Where To Find Them

There’s one key tactic to finding the right non-traditional wedding ring sets for you and your partner: approach ring shopping with an open mind. Try on various styles and shapes to see what feels right on your hand, and don’t be afraid to stand out. Like individual love stories, different is good and it’s what builds the foundations of our relationships. Add special touches to turn a good idea into a great one: engraving or stacking rings for a customized look is sure to wow your spouse beyond the “I Do” at the altar. Remember, weddings may be stressful, but that doesn’t mean shopping for non-traditional wedding rings needs to be as well. Let our experts at Diamond Nexus help you find the perfect ring for your beloved – from exquisite non-traditional wedding and engagement rings to wedding bands for men, we can take the guesswork out of your search, providing you with a personalized option that speaks to your aesthetic – and your heart.

¹ “Wedding Rings & Bands.” DiamondNexus.com, (no publish date), https://www.diamondnexus.com/engagement-view-all/wedding-rings?%2Fengagement-view-all%2Fwedding-rings=. Accessed December 20, 2019.

² Scott, Richard. “Engagement Rings Vs Wedding Ring And Wedding Band: A Comparative Guide.” NaturallyColored.com, (no publish date), https://www.naturallycolored.com/buying-guide/engagement-ring-vs-wedding-ring-and-band. Accessed December 20, 2019.

³ Banks, Colleen. “78 Alternative Engagement Rings for the Non-Traditional Bride” HarpersBazaar.com, July 23, 2018, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/wedding/bridal-fashion/g5073/best-alternative-engagement-rings/. Accessed December 20, 2019.

*Diamond Nexus strives to provide valuable information, while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab grown stone that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a mined diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog.