Making rings is my absolute favourite thing to do and over the years I've had the opportunity to make some truly unique, unsual, cool and just downright beautiful engagement rings for you alternative brides out there.
Here are some of my favourites...
1. Hexagonal Green Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring
ONE OF A KIND HEXAGONAL SAPPHIRE RING
I hand crafted this one-of-a-kind sapphire ring way back in 2020 but it's up there with the rings I've most enjoyed creating.
The gorgeous hexagonal cut sapphire is ethically and sustainably sourced from Australia. It is a deep, rich green colour with flashes of yellow that are bright and exciting in the light.
The ring is quirky and offset, with the sapphire prominent to one side of the band and a little white diamond accent to one side.
Set in 9ct yellow gold which has a beautiful warm colour I gave this ring a shimmering brushed finish.
This alternative engagement ring required an alternative style wedding band to match.
Bright yellow flashes light up the hexagonal sapphire.
Hexagonal sapphire engagement and wedding ring set when worn.
2. Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring With Diamonds in 18ct White Gold
CUSTOM DESIGNED VICTORIA JARMAN ENGAGEMENT RING
Another blast from the past, this ring features a stunning large 7mm cushion cut aquamarine .
I just love how the colour of the gold can really make a difference to the look and feel of a piece of jewellery. In this instance the grey tone of the palladium 18ct white gold brings out the cool tones in the aquamarine for a really striking combination.
The band tapers towards the diamonds either side of the aquamarine and has a highly polished finish.
This is another ring that required a bespoke wedding band to fit around the central gemstone.
Aquamarine is a lovely choice for an alternative engagement ring.
The side profile shows the tapered band.
For her, a wedding band with a curve of aquamarine and diamonds; for him a bark textured wide ring, all in 18ct white gold.
3. Oval Teal Green Sapphire Engagement Ring
RESPONSIBLY SOURCED ETHICAL SAPPHIRE RING
Sometimes less is more, as demonstrated here by this teal green sapphire ring in 9ct yellow gold.
With a soft round band, a soft oval shape sapphire and a soft satin finish, this ring has a minimalist, timeless elegance.
The oval sapphire is from Malawi and fully traceable with full provenance from one of my favourite suppliers, Fairtrade Gemstones. It is a gorgeous teal green with the warm colours brought out by the yellow gold.
The setting is called a bezel, or 'rubover', setting, where the edges of the stone are covered with a wall of gold that keeps the gemstone protected.
Warm gold tones brings out the shades of green.
The Malawi teal sapphire has flashes of bright green in some lights.
A 'wishbone' wedding ring to go around the oval sapphire, made in my client's 9ct red gold.
4. Simplicity Collect Engagement Rings
THE OG MINIMALIST RINGS BY VICTORIA JARMAN
I first started making these rings right at the start of my jewellery career when I was really developing my minimalist style. I think I've always loved clean lines, crisp edges and a brushed finish!
This isn't a focus on a single ring, more a range as I've made many variations of these rings over the years.
One of my favourites was a Simplicity Collection engagement ring and wedding band set featuring a 'cherry' cognac diamond. Oh my goodness, the colour was just fabulous!
I've also made these with much larger 'discs' of gold, sometimes with and sometimes without gemstones, including diamonds, moissanite and sapphires.
I designed these rings to stack together with the idea that you can add to your stack over time. They easily sit together and I love to mix white and yellow gold with each other.
The original, I still wear this one everyday!
This ring has a larger disc and bigger central diamond.
Stack, mix and match! Silver, gold, diamonds, plain - your stack of rings is unique to you!
5. Trillion Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring
THE CLUSTER ENGAGEMENT RING
Fresh of the bench in March 2025 is this incredible trillion cut teal sapphire and diamond ring!
Inspired by my aquamarine and diamond cluster ring, this ring switches the gold colours and goes bigger and bolder with the stones.
I handcrafted this ring in 100% Fairmined white and yellow gold with a Canadian diamond and ethical Malawi blue-teal sapphire.
I love this as an engagement ring - so unique and different to the classic diamond engagement ring.
The sapphire shines light and dark in different lights.
Side view of those lovely clean corners on the trillion cut sapphire!
Paired with the matching wedding band which can be worn either side of the engagement ring.
As you can probably tell, I love unique, unusual and alternative shapes and colours of precious gemstones!
Sapphires in particular have an incredible range of colours. Though even diamonds come in a range of colour and shapes that are worth considering when looking for your perfect engagement ring.
Would you consider straying from the standard diamond solitaire ring towards something a little different?
