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    Alternative engagement ring stones

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    An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

    But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

    Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

    1. TANZANITE

    The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

    2. MORGANITE

    With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

    3. JEWEL BAND

    If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

    4.  OPAL

    Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

    5. VINTAGE

    Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

    6. ONYX

    Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

    7. PEARL

    Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover  of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

    8. ROUGH CUT

    The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

    9. TURQUOISE

    If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

    10. SMOKY QUARTZ

    This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

    ALSO SEE: Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

    Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s

    Image: Unsplash

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    Big days, big feel: The fine details of a blissful beginning

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    There is a certain electricity in the moments before a wedding, a soft, quiet magic that settles in the air. It’s in the rustle of a gown, the gentle touch of a guiding hand, and the shimmer of jewellery catching the light just before a life-changing “I do.” These delicate details shape the atmosphere of the day, anchoring emotion in ways words sometimes cannot.

    At Sterns, we’ve always believed happiness is found in these finer moments. Jewellery becomes the most meaningful detail of all, the part of your story you carry with you long after the music fades and the flowers are packed away.

    Because this love, this moment, this promise… It’s rare. A one-in-a-million kind of love that deserves to be captured with craftsmanship as beautiful as the story it represents.

    Your Forever Starts Here

    Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make on your journey to forever. It’s more than a symbol; it’s a vow you wear every day, a reminder of the moment your future shifted.

    Sterns’ Forever Diamonds Collection is crafted for this moment. Each natural diamond is hand-selected for its brilliance and individuality, making every ring a unique expression of love. Just as Wedding ETC often celebrates modern, personal approaches to weddings from intimate ceremonies to trend-forward styling, this collection embraces individuality while honouring timeless romance. [weddingetc.co.za]

    Whether your style leans toward the elegance of a classic solitaire, the vintage romance of a halo, or the modern allure of clean, minimalist lines, every Forever Diamonds ring is designed to reflect the emotion behind your “yes.”

    Crafting a Proposal That Feels Like You

    A proposal is more than a question; it’s a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. In many of the features on Wedding ETC, couples are gravitating toward meaningful, personal moments over grand gestures.
    It’s the sentiment that counts: the place where your love grew, the song that holds memories, or the simple traditions only the two of your share. [weddingetc.co.za]

    The perfect proposal isn’t about extravagance but intention. A heartfelt moment at home, a scenic viewpoint at sunset, and a handwritten note leading to the ring, these details create the magic. And the right ring becomes the finishing touch, the detail that transforms the moment into forever.

    Jewellery for Every Chapter of Love

    Every love story is a tapestry of shared memories, early sparks, deepening connection, and milestones that shape your journey. Wedding ETC regularly highlights how couples today celebrate each milestone uniquely, from proposals to the final walk down the aisle.
    Sterns embraces this same philosophy through jewellery crafted for every stage of your love story. [weddingetc.co.za]

    • For the early days: delicate pieces that capture youthful romance and promise.
    • For the engagement chapter: rings chosen with intention, reflecting the depth of your bond.
    • For the wedding day: heirloom-worthy designs that complete your bridal look.
    • For the years beyond: jewellery that grows with you, marking anniversaries and milestones.

    These pieces become part of your journey, memories you can wear.

    A Wedding Day That Feels Personal

    One of the most meaningful aspects of planning a wedding is creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple. Wedding ETC is known for spotlighting current trends and timeless ideas, from intimate celebrations to bold, modern themes. [weddingetc.co.za]

    Your theme sets the tone: classic romance, modern minimalism, soft pastel palettes, or the dreamy pearlescent accents trending for 2025. Whatever your choice, your jewellery should elevate it.

    Diamond studs catch candlelight. A shimmering bracelet highlighting every movement. A pendant resting close to your heart. These aren’t just accessories, they’re emotional details that complete the feeling of the day.

    Big Days, Big Feel

    Your wedding is one of life’s biggest days, wrapped in emotion, joy, and significance. At Sterns, we create jewellery that honours that feeling, pieces that mark milestones, celebrate meaning, and capture the magic of forever.

    Because when the day is big, the feeling should be even bigger.
    And the details, especially the sparkling ones, should celebrate a love worth remembering.

    Sterns: https://sternsonline.co.za/

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    In Advice

    (Don’t) put a ring on it

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    While Beyonce might not agree, there are smarter ways to show ‘you like it’ than with a pricey engagement ring

    As much as many of us may long for the sparkle of a diamond ring and the iconic ‘I said yes!’ Instagram reveal picture, the reality of it is that with the ongoing increases in the cost of living and the added expenses of a wedding looming, a huge engagement ring isn’t always very practical. But budget constraints need not to cramp your bridal bliss, especially if you change your thinking.

    I’m a big believer of choosing an affordable ring, as I don’t think couples should start out their life together in debt

    Ring in a new life

    For Tamlyn Jacobus, the ability to afford an enjoyable life together far outweighed the need for an engagement ring.

    ‘If I were to follow societal traditions and has asked for a 1-2 carat, colourless princess cut, it would have set us back for the lifestyle we choose to live. Exploring eateries and travelling to different places in our region is something we enjoy doing regularly. Knowing spending money on a  huge ring and that a big wedding wasn’t on the cards allowed us to go away on a few mini-escapes before saying I do.’

    Tamlyn and Camilo eloped – and used the cash they saved to buy a home of their own. Tamlyn now wears a dainty white-gold band to signify their marriage.

    Up, up and away

    With a new generation redefining cultural and societal norms, we’re seeing new trends grow in popularity and with more and more people aspiring to travel, it’s no surprise that honeymoons are getting all the love.

    ‘My husband didn’t get a ring. He got me a simple engagement ring, but no wedding ring. I rarely wear the engagement ring. Instead of spending on the wedding or on rings, we travelled for weeks through South East Asia and put a deposit down on a townhouse,’ says Wendy van Eyck.

    Soon-to-be-bride Kerri Davis agrees:

    ‘My ring has an amethyst stone and cost about R400. We saved for a two-week honeymoon to Thailand.’

    Less ka-ching, more bling

    ‘I’m a big believer of choosing an affordable ring, as I don’t think couples should start out their life together in debt,’ says Tiffany Marx – Inspired Jewellery. It’s possible to have a beautiful engagement ring without breaking the bank. Here are Tiffany’s top tips for budget-friendly ring-buying:

    Choose an alternative stone

    Slightly tinted diamonds (like Champagne and salt-and-pepper diamonds) have become very popular. They are so different and much more affordable than whiter diamonds. Moissanite is also great options.

    Buy a mount

    These are cast rings that one can set the central stone-stones into. Although I would personally always suggest a handmade ring, choosing a mount tends to be a less expensive exercise as the ring is not a bespoke, handmade item.

    Work with a jeweller

    Many retail shops will only offer you traditional rings as that is what they sell. Try and find a jeweller whose style you like and is willing to work with whatever budget you have. At the end of the day, you can create a really beautiful ring regardless of the materials that are used if you have a good design.

    ALSO SEE: Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

    Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Article written by Bianca Hartel for the Summer 2019 print issue.

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    6 Unique engagement rings that will wow your soon-to-be fiancé!

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    “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Well, not anymore. 

    Let’s be honest, the pandemic has put certain things into perspective. Do we really need to be spending thousands on an engagement ring when we can be using that on a down payment for a house? 

    While there’s nothing wrong with flashing your cash and spending it on a new diamond ring, more bridal couples appear to be stepping away from the traditional sparkler and opting for rings that are a bit more modern. 

    If you’re getting ready to pop the question and you’re looking for a few shiny alternatives, here are six modern sparklers to add to your soon-to-be fiance’s finger. 

    Also Read: Signature cocktails to add a little zest to your summer wedding

    Amethyst

    You’ll often find amethyst in its raw form, but with a little elbow grease from a jeweller, this deep-purple can offer a beautiful alternative. It’s not quite as hard as a diamond ring, but it is durable and will save you a few months salary. 

    unique engagement rings_amethyst

    Emerald

    There’s something about the rich green tone of emerald that screams luxe! There is a range of jewellers in South Africa that offer this as an engagement option and are offered in a number of styles to suit your partner’s preference. Not only is this precious stone timeless, but it’s modern too!

    unique engagement rings_emerald

    Pearl 

    Who said you can only wear pearls around your neck? These natural gemstones will ensure a beautiful and iconic engagement ring that will make anyone squeal with delight. There is some bad news when choosing a pearl as an engagement ring. A  pearl is made from calcium carbonate and is found between 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it can get scratched and damaged quite easily. However, it can be a great engagement ring if you don’t plan to wear it too often. 

    unique engagement rings_pearl

    Opal 

    This gemstone is beautiful and unique but is often considered old-fashioned.  Thankfully, opal is making a comeback … and in a big way. The great thing about the sparkler is that it comes in various colours including black, white, and dazzling crystal. There are even some that reflect the rainbow – how dreamy! 

    However, you’ll have to be careful when sporting an opal engagement ring as it is considered 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and is not a very hardy gemstone when compared to traditional rings. 

    unique engagement rings_opal

    Ruby 

    A deep red beauty, rubies are one of the four precious stones and are an extremely popular choice when it comes to engagement rings. The vibrant red hues ooze luxury and flaunting a gorgeous blood-red ruby is bound to catch the eye of family and friends. 

    The best part is that it’s incredibly hardy as it features at 9 on the Mohs scale, so you know it can withstand the busiest bride-to-be. 

    unique engagement rings_ruby

    Sunstone

    Forgot the always popular moonstone, the sunstone is a little-known alternative that will outshine any gemstone. These enchanting gemstones are slightly hard to come by in South Africa as it is commonly found in Norway and the US, but it’s not impossible. This vibrant stone is also said to have a few incredible characteristics, including bringing abundance, prosperity, vitality and fearlessness to the wearer.   

    It’s a pretty durable gemstone too as they are 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but you’ll still have to keep your eye on it when dusting off around the house.

    Picture: Pinterest

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    In Engagements

    Celebrity engagement rings that may cost more than your house

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    Recently, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker got down on one knee and popped the question to reality star Kourtney Kardashian. The news has since sent social media (and ex Scott Disick) into a frenzy with many fans gawking at the ginormous ring now sitting on her left finger. The massive diamond engagement piece is reportedly worth $1 million – that’s around R14 million – a price of a luxury house in Camps Bay or West Cliff.

    So, just how much are celebrities forking for the rock on their left finger?

    1. Mariah Carey 

    Mariah Carey sure doesn’t like to be outdone, sitting at the top of the list with a 35-carat diamond ring that reportedly cost a whopping R10 million.

    mariah carey engagement ring
    Source: People

    2. Beyonce 

    Well, they don’t call her Queen B for nothing. It’s no surprise that the Lemonade singer has one of the world’s highest-valued diamonds with husband Jay-Z reportedly paying around $5 million for the gorgeous emerald-cut ring back in 2008.

    beyonce engagement rings

    3. Jennifer Lopez

    When it comes to sporting some serious engagement bling, Lopez would take up a few spots on this list. However, it’s her engagement to A-Rod back in March 2019 that has placed her firmly on this list. The American baseball star went all out when getting down on one knee, purchasing a 15-20 carat emerald cut ring that was reportedly worth $5 million.

    Source: Jennifer Lopez Instagram

    4. Paris Hilton 

    Remember that time in 2005 when Paris Hilton was engaged to shipping heir Paris Latsis? Not many people do, but the hotel heiress walked away with a diamond ring valued at $4. 7 million at the time, that’s around R58 million.

    Paris Hilton Engagement ring
    Source: REUTERS

    5. Kim Kardashian 

    There’s no question that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian don’t do small – go big, or go home is their motto, which was clear to see during the couple‘s epic 2013 proposal. The diamond stunner reportedly cost a cool $4 million but was unfortunately amongst the jewellery stolen during Kim‘s infamous Paris robbery.

    Source: Steven Stone

    Picture: Pexels

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    The ins and outs of diamond certification

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    Buying an engagement ring is an investment, so it’s important to make sure you’ve done everything through the right channels and are getting what you paid for. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just saying ‘I do’. A lot of research and paperwork is involved, so best do your homework.

    If you’re searching for the perfect gemstone to centre your ring, a term that will come up a lot is ‘diamond certification’. This is a system created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to evaluate the merits of a particular diamond.

    Factors considered in the certification include the four Cs – cut, carat, clarity and colour. Other characteristics it will mention include its symmetry and fluorescence.

    This certificate is essentially proof that you are receiving a genuine diamond and is being shown at the same grade that it is being sold at. As such, this works to give buyers ease of mind of their diamond’s quality and identity.

    Diamond certification also helps in the valuation process, as a valuer will require all this information when placing a monetary value on your diamond. This is important to have for insurance purposes, but also in the event you decide to re-sell the diamond in future.

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    The royal treatment: Princess cut engagement rings

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    If you already consider yourself a princess, you may as well get the ring to match. The princess-cut is the most popular of the fancy cut diamond shapes, according to Shimansky. It is a timeless shape, with a geometric silhouette that makes the stone appear brighter and whiter.

    A princess-cut diamond has a square-shaped stone with pointed corners and can have up to 78 facets. From the side, it appears as if the stone is the shape of an inverted pyramid.  This cut offers stunning sparkle thanks to its high levels of brilliance and fire.

    This cut requires master craftmanship. In the wrong hands, the stone’s delicate and intricate facets can appear chunky.  It must have a deep cut, a relatively slim girdle and pointed corners. V-shaped prongs hold the body of the stone securely in place while also protecting the corners.

    Go simple with a clean band or add some flair with a pavé finish. You could also angle the princess cut diamond so that the points create the shape of a star instead, for an extra unique look.

    If you’re on the market for a princess cut ring, take a look at these stunners for inspiration:

     

     

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    Go for (rose) gold engagement rings
    In Engagements

    Go for (rose) gold engagement rings

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    There is more to an engagement ring that its stone. The type of metal you choose is just as crucial to your overall finish and durability.

    A classic choice, gold is one of the most popular ring metals. It offers several options, including white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.

    Be careful when opting for gold though, as anything under 24-karat may be easily bent, and often, to make these stronger they are alloyed with other metals. This means your ring may be weak or not pure gold. Look into that before going for gold.

    Rose gold has been trendy in the wedding world for the last few years and shows no signs of disappearing. It is flattering for both warm and cool skin tones, and works well with a variety of gemstones in a way that does not clash.

    If you’re wanting to rock this rosy look, take some inspiration from these rings we are loving:

     

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