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.
Image: Unsplash
This is not your grandmother’s hangover we’re taking about it. Wedding hangovers mean something different to wedding professionals. Theirs is a kind that does not rely on the…
One excited groom-to-be took his girlfriend surfing, got on one knee mid-ocean on the surfboard, then lost his grip and dropped the ring into the sea. Luckily, though, it wasn’t the real one, and it all ended well. The real ring was waiting safely on shore and she said yes!
Christopher Garth and his girlfriend, Lauren Oiye from Honolulu, Hawaii have been dating eight years and both love surfing. When he decided it’s time to pop the question, Christopher took Lauren to the surf spot they went surfing on their first date. She had no idea what was about to happen.
Lauren took to Instagram to share their love story, as photographers nearby got some snaps:
“Story time: we caught a wave together at the surf break we met at and had many of our first dates. I turn back to make sure he was on the wave with me and he was on one knee with a ring box and screamed out “Lauren, I love you! Will you marry me?!” At first I thought it was a joke and then realized it clearly wasn’t. And of course I am beside myself that I get to spend the rest of my life with this man that I LOVE from the depths of my entire being, is a bigger feminist than I am, and makes me laugh everyday and reminds me how simple and beautiful life is. Christopher Garth, I love you and am so grateful the stars aligned and our ancestors that came before us so beautifully orchestrated this for us! Here’s to a lifetime of laughter and keeping things simple and authentic!
I said YES”
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They also had a styled video made:
Picture: Instagram/Laurenoiye
Your long list of wedding planning to-do’s is slowly but surely shortening. The next item on your list happens to be flowers. The problem: there are so many…
Recently, world-famous musician Lady Gaga was a bridesmaid at her make-up artist Sarah Tanno’s wedding. As can be expected, she went all out and made a statement no one could miss.
At the ceremony in Mexico, the superstar wore a neon pink satin dress with equally neon hair to match. The groom, Tim Stewart, is also a guitarist for the singer. On her Instagram story, Gaga posted a picture of her at the beach wedding saying “Two of my best friends just got married. Time to party!”
Tannon, a renowned and sought-after make-up artist, posted pictures saying “I’m still on cloud 9. We have the most amazing family and friends. I love my photos already”
Lady Gaga looked spectacular in her pink-all-over outfit and we love it. Not all bridesmaids love their dresses. However, she rocked the look, making her-officially-the coolest bridesmaid ever.
Picture: Instagram/Sarahtannonmakeup
Vineyards are a lovely setting for a wedding with romantic appeal. This type of venue is a breath of fresh air from your typical wedding venue and it…
Romance among the vines, what more could you ask for? South Africans and international couples alike have been choosing from the country’s many beautiful wine farms as wedding venues. For a modern yet traditional venue, look no further than the luxurious Louisvale wine farm.
Located in the picturesque Devon Valley area of the Stellenbosch wine district, Louisvale carves its own spot in the fluctuating foothills of the 3-million-year-old Cape Folded Mountains.
A distinct history is honoured here. The first man-made structures in the area were created by the Nomadic Khoekhoen. Their designs typically featured domed structures resembling tortoises and made from Taaibos laths covered with woven reed mats and animal skins. When the European settles arrived in the 17th century, they brought with them Cape Dutch architecture.
Louisvale as we know it today combines these design aesthetics: Neo Cape Dutch meets modern Khoekhoen architecture. With a Rheinzink dome roof, open spaces, floating glass and a stunning concrete floor infused with abalone shell chips, the function area is nothing short of breathtaking.
The original manor house still stands proud, perfectly juxtaposing the modern function area with its traditional gables and lime washed, plastered walls.
It’s easy to see why Louisvale would make the perfect wedding venue. Couples can have their wedding ceremony outdoors with an impressive 280° view of the winelands, then move their wedding indoors for the reception. With floating glass windows that can be slid open, there is no sacrificing the incredible view.
It costs R50 000 to rent out the venue for the day, which includes all existing furnitures, tables, ceremony chairs, standard cutlery and glassware and exclusive use for the day. The bridal party organises their own decor and can bring in third suppliers for whatever they desire.
For in-house catering, Louisvale’s menu’s start at R500 per head depending on the final menu selected. And believe us, you’ll want them to cater. From grilled lamb steak on a bed of creamy polenta to confit duck leg with butternut puree and a citrus glaze, their dishes will have your guests’ mouths watering.
Louisvale is well-known for their high quality wines, many of which are award-winning. From Chardonnay to Merlot, every wine is expertly crafted by winemaker Simon Smith to suit multiple taste palettes.
Louisvale is perfect for the modern-yet-traditional couple. Ring in your nuptials at this beautiful venue for a memorable day and even more memorable views.
For queries and inquiries on holding your wedding at Louisvale, please contact [email protected]
Address: Devon Valley Rd, Devonvallei, Stellenbosch
Trading hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm.
Image: Instagram