5 Alternatives To Engagement Rings

Giving a ring as an engagement present is a tradition we no longer question. However, on closer inspection, we found that the solitaire diamond engagement ring is actually losing popularity. But the tradition of the ring as a symbol of engagement is far from immutable, and is not unrelated to the occidentalization of engagement rituals. Did you know that other items of jewelry are used throughout the world as tokens of promise ? Here are five alternatives to the engagement ring, inspired by traditions from around the world !

1. The diamond engagement necklace.  In some Indian cultures, it's customary to offer a gold necklace adorned with precious stones for the groom to tie around the bride's neck during the ceremony. And while they carry cultural and religious values in these contexts, the necklace could well become the new engagement ring. In addition to being an original alternative, necklaces have the advantage of an amplitude that won't clash with the size changes that rings can encounter with fingers.  At AGUAdeORO, our customers are becoming increasingly fond of necklaces as a form of commitment jewelry. The Fancy Ice Skating Girl boldly recalls figure skating, with its central diamond accompanying the curves of a diamond pavement. While white gold suggests the color of union, it will delight skating lovers as well as all those who wish to break codes.

2. The colored stone necklace. Choosing a colored stone necklace allows you to use a gemstone with a particular symbolism for its wearer. It could be a birthstone, a lucky stone or a stone with a color that symbolizes a special moment for the couple. The Little Bee  necklace is particularly close to our hearts. Symbolizing a bee thanks to its combination of emeralds and diamonds, it pays tribute to this little fairy of our ecosystem and to all those who are committed to its preservation.

3. Earrings. Earrings are particularly prized as a symbol of engagement among the Tuareg communities of Mali. Earrings always come in pairs, reminding us of the couple and their union. Moreover, they enhance the face and add a touch of refinement to the wearer's natural beauty. Some of AGUAdeORO's creations particularly caught the eye of the engaged couples. The Fancy Ice Skating Girl earrings evoke the "Biellmann Spin" artistic figure, thanks to a half-setting of small luminous diamonds and a central diamond. They can be worn either on the lobe or as ear cuffs, so they're sure to satisfy your everyday preferences.

4. The pearl necklace. In Japanese tradition, it's not uncommon to give a pearl necklace at engagement or wedding ceremonies. Symbolizing purity and new life, each pearl and each motif has a special meaning. Our pearl necklaces are growing in popularity for their elegance, a choice that will dress up your everyday outfits.

5. The multi-stone ring. If you'd like to give a ring as an engagement gift, multi-stone rings are a great alternative to the traditional solitaire ring. Multi-stone rings offer a wide range of personalization possibilities, with stones chosen according to the wearer's period of birth, or to other meanings dear to the couple, such as love or passion. Our Athena’s Wisdom  ring caught our customers' attention for its elegant reference to Greek architecture. Surrounded by meticulous diamonds, it evokes the wisdom and courage of a goddess.

Choosing an engagement jewel is the first page of an important chapter in which you hold the pen. We hope this journey has given you some unique ideas for an engagement jewel, and we wish you a wonderful story. 

Founded in 2009, AGUAdeORO is a jewelry store based in Geneva and Zurich, offering customers the opportunity to purchase ethical jewelry made in Switzerland. We are committed to offering jewelry that combines sustainable development and elegance.

(Photo Credit : Amish Thakkar

The Mangalsutra necklace (see photo), used in Hindu wedding ceremonies, serves as a visual marker of a bride's status.

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