Alternative engagement rings with an edge

This ring is a continuation of the Commitments series, which aims to ‘challenge traditional notions of union and ceremony’ – namely, the engagement ring. Mociun encourages those who feel that they can’t deviate from the prescribed script for such a momentous piece of jewellery. The Light Cutter Ring, for example, part of the Cut-Outs collection, is inspired by Henri Matisse’s series of artworks of the same name, which used blocky shapes in fluid compositions.

The Billie Pavé Ring has all of the components of a beautiful engagement ring: a pear-shaped diamond, a gold band, and an elegant design. But it’s also unlike other engagement rings: the wraparound band, set with 35 lab grown diamonds, is unique. If you like the idea, but you’re worried it’s not totally to your significant other's taste, it’s also fully customisable.

Break from the tradition of sleek, symmetrical engagement rings and opt for something organic and shapely. With the Crest White Adakite East Ring, an oval VS diamond takes centre stage, but is paired with Emily Nixon’s fluid aesthetic. It boasts an artisanal beauty, cast in recycled yellow gold using the traditional lost wax process in Cornwall.

This vintage-inspired ring also leans towards the organic and artisanal, with a distinctive twisting shape and featuring, rather than one large stone, a glimmering cluster of round-cut grey diamonds. It serves as a reminder that, contrary to received wisdom, an engagement ring doesn’t need to break the bank, and that the ‘three months’ worth of salary’ rule began as a marketing campaign from De Beers.

This piece speaks to the growing trend of coloured stone engagement rings, containing a beautiful light green amethyst with round and baguette-cut diamonds snaking around the band. It’s also unique for its ‘Y’ shape. This is a ring for a true jewellery-lover who enjoys a story: Mateo's Matthew Harris is entirely self-taught, making his designs fresh and exciting.

We love how Greek designer Nikos Koulis subverts simple concepts. Here, a diamond which sinks into – rather than rests on – its gold band is a chic nod to a matrimonial mood.

Nordic design codes meet Danish cool in jewellery brand Elhanati. An eclectic collection of engagement rings encompasses an offbeat cool, with pieces which play with twists of textured gold and perfectly placed diamonds. (See more in its recent collaboration with Botswanamark natural diamonds.)

Designer Natalie Schayes decentralises diamonds in her design-led jewellery made in Antwerp, Belgium. Pieces eschew classic design codes and instead riff on undulating shapes and pure forms, making for rings that encapsulate a new modernity.

Can't decide which cut to go for? You don't need to with the Jumbo Multifaceted Diamond Ring from EF Collection, which juxtaposes emerald, marquise and square cuts in a deliciously modern medley. 

Brazil-based Sauer creates intricate and offbeat silhouettes from 18ct recycled gold and sustainable materials. The Zaha ring casts gold in an undulating wave, with an irregularly placed emerald adding an untraditional pop of colour.

Los Angeles-based designer Shannon Nataf suspends a diamond under an 18ct yellow gold band in the Elevation V ring. The edges of the ring may be dotted in pavé diamonds, but the outside is a smooth and thickly drawn whorl of gold, making an edgy surprise for the wearer's eyes only.

Jessie Thomas is a master of untraditional silhouettes – her pieces, although simple, all add a quirk to a classic which makes them utterly irresistible. Her designs, which she hand-makes in her London workshop, are crafted from recycled gold – sustainable jewellery with an offbeat charm.

Jenny Klatt and Stephanie Wynne Lalin are the duo behind New York-based jewellery brand Jemma Wynne, together creating pieces that exude an effortless elegance. Their jewels strike the right balance between precious and informal – take this offbeat engagement ring, which elongates asymmetrical diamonds in a chic subversion of a classic style.

Annette Welander unites sharp Scandinavian design with warm sustainably sourced gold for her Stockholm-based brand. The Arc ring appears to be an understated choice at first glance – but look again, and its slick craftsmanship and edgy silhouette make for an enduringly elegant design.

Chicago-based jewellery brand Almasika plays with simple concepts of geometry to create unique twists on classic pieces. The Veni ring surrounds the traditional central diamond with hypnotising circles for a sculptured take on an engagement ring.  

Nigerian-born gemologist Thelma West combines ethically sourced African diamonds with recycled gem stones for her eponymous jewellery brand. Her all-female team bring a new aesthetic to the diamond market with contemporary designs such as this Rebel Black ring. A traditional pear-cut diamond is hugged by a twist of black gold in a bold take on a classic.

Katherine Kim is the LA-based designer behind fine jewellery brand Katkim. A jewellery education at both Central Saint Martins and New York's Fashion Institute of Technology means Kim's style has been finely honed. The Floating Asscher diamond ring marks a signature setting for Kim: by turning the traditional positioning quite literally on its head, she savours the elements which make an engagement ring so precious, while adding the wry humour often lacking from this most romantic of accessories. 

Charlotte Dauphin de la Rochefoucauld’s eponymous jewellery brand is synonymous with sculptural design. Her jewels frequently offer unexpected qualities: in this silver piece, the trading in of one large stone for many smaller ones, when paired with the clean break of the traditional circle, presents a chic and modern engagement ring alternative.

Shahla Karimi’s designs, handcrafted in NYC’s Diamond District, cut architecture-inspired silhouettes in recycled gold or platinum. The Mid-Century series of rings pays tribute to architects including Louis Kahn, Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright with plays on vertically stacked baguettes, negative spaces and clean aesthetics.

Le Gramme’s wedding rings, like all its pieces, embody a simple concept. Named after their weight, the emphasis is on form, function and succinct design. Originally created for men, we love the minimalist nature of this piece which would lend itself well to an engagement ring; a clandestine inner circle of diamonds a chic statement for those who see no need to make one.

Frozen on the crest of a wave, the Talay Dancing Wave ring in brushed yellow gold and diamonds eschews sentimentality, instead capturing the drama of an engagement with sensuous and undulating curves.

Shihara’s jewellery is deceptively simple, keeping aesthetics to a minimum and focusing instead on clear, precise silhouettes which play with the ideas around how jewellery can be worn. The Un-Signet Rough Diamond ring is designed to ensure all eight sides of the octahedral uncut rough diamond can be seen. In a romantic quirk for an engagement ring, the diamond is positioned to ensure the tip is touching the wearer’s skin at all times.

This handcrafted ring features an elongated old mine cushion cut diamond, with two old cut pear shaped diamonds on either side. Old mine diamonds are either square or rectangular with soft, convex edges and curved corners which are said to resemble an actual cushion. The style is nearly as old as diamonds themselves, developing during the 18th century after the discovery of the stones in Brazil in about 1725.