5 Engagement Ring Trends For Those Who Think Traditional Diamonds Are Too Old-Fashioned

Diamonds are the jewel most of us still associate with engagement rings, but they're not for everyone. For some people, there are reservations about ethical issues regarding sourcing as well as the high costs. For others, though, the aversion to diamonds stems from a belief that diamonds are well, old-fashioned and traditional. In 2021, The Atlantic published an op-ed ranting against the timeless gemstone. There also exists numerous Reddit discussion threads with users expressing their dislike for the stone.

But that doesn't mean they're totally out of style. "Diamonds are still the most popular choice ... but couples are finding more ways than ever to create personalized rings," Mike Fried, CEO of The Diamond Pro, exclusively tells Women.com. Some couples are bucking tradition with engagement ring tattoos, while others are turning to lab-grown diamonds (manmade stones designed to mimic the real thing) to pop the question. "They have the same physical, chemical, and visual properties as natural diamonds [and] offer the same beauty and brilliance," Fried says. They're also more ethical, sustainable, and come with a lower price tag — which instantly makes them the more modern choice. They're becoming increasingly mainstream, too. According to Edahn Golan, lab-grown diamond rings accounted for 17.3% of all diamond engagement ring sales in February 2023.

But, sometimes, diamonds just aren't forever, and the clear stone may not be for you in any form. Just like in 2023, colored gemstone engagement rings are a big trend for 2024, with plenty of couples injecting color into getting down on one knee. And Fried talked us through the hottest stones.

For those not looking for a diamond engagement ring, a sapphire ring may be the next best thing. Queensmith reported that, in 2023, customer demand for sapphire engagement rings rose an impressive 58%. But this stone is a longstanding favorite. The late Elizabeth Taylor was known to be a fan, receiving no less than three sapphire engagement rings (from different partners) during her life. But one of the most iconic sapphire engagement rings in the world, of course, belongs to Kate Middleton. William, Prince of Wales, proposed with the gorgeous jewelry (which also has diamonds surrounding the stone) in 2010. The ring had serious sentimental value, as it was the same one his dad, King Charles, proposed to his mom, Princess Diana, with.

The main stone on Kate's ring is the traditional deep blue sapphire. But this stone isn't just one shade, so there's plenty of room for creativity. "They come naturally in a range of colors, including pink, green, and yellow. These stunning stones are bound to make a statement," Mike Friend told us. Another benefit? Sapphires don't aren't always pricey as traditional diamonds, and they're a great choice for active people. "[Sapphires are] very durable, making them great for everyday wear in an engagement ring," Fried shared.

Want to make a statement with a contemporary engagement ring? Then go for a trendy ruby. "The rich red color of a ruby makes it stand out in a crowded room. Rubies are breathtaking stones," Mike Fried said. They can also vary a lot in tone, arguably making a ruby more unique than a diamond. "Some rubies have secondary hues, such as orange or purple, that add an extra element of character," Fried explained. If your partner is loud and fiery, a ruby will represent their personality. Much like sapphires, rubies also have a lot of durability, so you won't have to worry quite so much about scratches and nicks that can affect diamonds. Plus, red is one of summer 2024's hottest fashion trends, so why not represent that on your finger?

Those with ruby rings are in good company, as Orlando Bloom proposed to Katy Perry with a stunning, unique ring in 2019. It features a pink-toned ruby in the center, surrounded by diamonds designed to look like a flower. "It fits their personality," jewelry expert and gemologist Grant Mobley told People in 2019. "My guess is that Katy has a special connection to the color red which is why Orlando choose a ruby."

In contrast to rubies, aquamarine engagement rings are more appropriate for those who want something understated. "Aquamarine is a beautiful, more subtle color option than other gemstones," Mike Fried shared, noting this stone naturally ranges from light blue shades to dark blue with green tones. It's also a good choice for those who prefer more sophisticated jewelry. As Fried told us, "It offers elegance and color without being overpowering." So, it can be very fitting for anyone who follows the modern clean-girl aesthetic. Aquamarine rings also have an air of royalty to them. Princess Diana was known to own at least one aquamarine non-engagement ring, which has been worn by her daughter-in-law Meghan Markle on multiple occasions.

Aquamarine stones have quite the sentimental meaning too. The gemstone has been linked to the art of communication, and is said to serve as a reminder to couples to express their love for one another every single day. How sweet!

If a vibrant engagement ring is what you're searching for, then give topaz a go. "Topaz comes in a range of colors, but blue is the most popular. Its vivid hue is stunning in an engagement ring," Mike Fried explained of the stone, which can also be found in yellow, brown, and white. In blue, this gemstone symbolizes peace and tranquility, so it's ideal for someone with a calm, comforting energy. Topaz stones are also deeply rooted in true love, with deep links to loyalty and eternal love. What could be more perfect for an engagement ring than that?

In 2021, blue topaz engagement rings first became a big trend. However, they're not quite mainstream enough to be seen everywhere, so still make unique jewelry. This gem is also very in-keeping with the 2024 trend of couples choosing more distinctive rings. "Part of the reason people want unique rings is because they want to tell their love story and represent their unique personal style and image," Freid explained, and a topaz ring does just that.

Alexandrite may be one of the most modern gemstones to propose with, due to their ability to reflect so many colors. "Alexandrite offers a two-tone, color-changing quality that makes it especially enticing. It can appear reddish-purple in some lighting and blueish-green in others," Mike Fried explained. Annie Chen, Brilliant Earth's SVP of Merchandising and resident engagement ring expert, explained that alexandrite engagement rings are one of the cool-toned gems really grabbing consumers' attention in 2024. 

Even celebrities are fans of this eye-catching jewel. Heidi Klum's engagement ring from Tom Kaulitz (which he gave her in 2019) features a large alexandrite and has special meaning for the couple. "He knew Heidi's favorite color was green, so he searched for the perfect green stone," an unnamed friend of the "America's Got Talent" judge told People at the time.

No matter what gemstone you choose though, it's vital to consider is the preferences of the purchaser and the person who will be wearing it. Trends are fun to follow, but engagement rings are forever. "The hue is the most important aspect to consider. Deeper, more intense colors tend to be more desirable, but your personal preference is what matters the most," Fried said. "Finding a gemstone that speaks to you and represents your style is crucial to wearing a ring that you'll love for years to come."