Alternatives To Diamond Engagement Rings
When asked about their dream proposal, many Singaporean girls would picture their boyfriends getting down on one knee and presenting them with a huge, sparkling diamond.
But recently, more Singaporean brides-to-be are opting for alternative, non-diamond engagement rings.
While diamonds are likely to remain a girl’s best friend, these coloured semi-precious and precious gemstone options from local jewellery designers prove there’s more than one way to bling out your left ring finger.
*Unless stated otherwise, the featured rings are bespoke pieces. As the rings are customised, the ring prices are highly dependent on the ring’s design.
Choo Yilin
Singapore’s only jade designer crafts timeless pieces from type A Burmese jadeite and semi-precious gemstones for the contemporary Asian woman.
1. Ivory gold and jade ring (S$768)
2. Ice jade ring in 18K gold
Address: Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, #02-23, S(238897)
Telephone number: 6733 1131
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am to 8.00pm
Book an appointment here
Carrie K
Adding quirky details to otherwise classic designs, the artisans at Carrie K specialise in crafting jewellery from sterling silver and semi-precious stones.
3. Emerald carriage ring
4. London blue topaz hex ring
Address: National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, #02-02, S(188969)
Telephone number: 9061 2880
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 12.00pm to 7.00pm. By appointment only on Saturday and Sunday
Book an appointment here
Lucy & Mui
Girls who favour a minimalist aesthetic will appreciate Lucy & Mui’s designs. Contrary to the idea “bigger is better”, their understated, sleek designs will easily match your everyday outfits.
5. Topaz white gold ring (S$468)
6. Tapered topaz baguette ring set in white gold (S$574)
Address: Online store only
Email hello@lucyandmui.com
Simone Jewels
Marrying history and jewellery, owner Simone Ng draws inspiration from rich historical architecture to craft exquisite, multi-hued pieces of art.
7. Tahitian pearl ring
8. Opal ring set with multi-coloured sapphires
Address: Revealed upon confirmation of appointment
Telephone number: 8568 3992
Opening hours: By appointment only
Book an appointment here
Les Precieux
Les Precieux mostly customises engagement rings from sapphires and diamonds in almost every conceivable colour and cut. Main gems for rings also include emerald, aquamarine, black opal, tanzanites and green and lavender jade.
9. Peacock royal blue sapphire ring
10. Teal aquamarine ring in set in white gold
Address: 360 Orchard Road International Building #11-04, Singapore 238869
Telephone number: 9647 2673 (Whatsapp only)
Opening hours: By appointment only
Book an appointment via email customerservice@lesprecieux.com
More Than Diamonds
Aside from handcrafting custom rings, More Than Diamonds also repairs, restores and redesigns old jewellery, so you can create an heirloom engagement ring to pass on to the next generation.
11. Moonstone rope ring
12. Purple spinel ring
Address: Tudor Court, 131 Tanglin Road, #02-16, S(247924)
Telephone number: 6235 8873
Book an appointment via email info@morethandiamonds.com.sg
State Property
Marrying jewellery with architecture, State Property’s products revolve around minimalist designs and sculptural shapes.
13. Pearl ring set in 18K rose gold (S$2140)
14. Bi-coloured tourmaline ring set in 18K white gold (S$2480)
*Currently sold out but you can inquire about if it can be custom designed
Address: 81 McNair Road, S(328554)
Telephone number: 6803 8005
Opening hours: By appointment only. Monday to Friday 11.00am to 8.00pm, Saturday 11.00am to 4.00pm
Book an appointment here
Revival Jewels
If you like antique jewellery, browse a curation of rare and timeless pieces on Revival‘s website, Singapore’s first dedicated antique jewellery salon.
15. Yellow gold and sapphire ‘abacus’ ring (circa 1979)
16. Victorian pearl and garnet ring
Address: Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road #04-05B, S(238880)
Telephone number: 6635 1735
Opening hours: By appointment only
Book an appointment here
Madly Gems
Founded by two friends who were obsessed with rare gemstones, Emily Tan and Maddy Barber transform vintage jewellery and gems into unique pieces for the modern era.
17. Lagoon green Tourmaline ring
18. Spinel ring
Address: 72 Seng Poh Rd, #01-63, S(160072)
Telephone number: 6650 1544
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 5.00pm
Book an appointment here
Joanne L by Joanne Low
Marrying sensuality and aesthetics, Joanne Low plays with textures and forms and handcrafts strong, elegant and feminine pieces.
19. Yellow gold and coral ring
20. Onyx ring
Address: Revealed upon confirmation of appointment
Email info@joannel.com
Book an appointment here
Kristine Wong Fine Jewels
GIA Graduate Gemologist Kristine Wong works with a team of international craftsmen to bring customers quality jewels sourced from around the world.
21. Padparadscha sapphire ring
Address: Revealed upon confirmation of appointment
Opening hours: By appointment only
Book an appointment here
Ling Jewellery
Besides customising traditional diamond rings, Ling Jewellery also works on engagement bands, wedding rings, and wearable everyday jewellery.
22. Lavender jade ring
23. Vintage ruby ring
Address: 100 Tras Street, #04-02, 1
Telephone number: 6238 8712
Opening hours: By appointment only, daily 1.00pm to 9.00pm
Book an appointment here
GIOIA
Helmed by NAFA Graduate Cheryl Woon, GIOIA offers rare Burmese rubies which exhibit a vivid fluorescent and saturated red, the symbol of passion and true love.
24. Burmese ruby ring
25. Cabochon Bi-colour Tourmaline with cat’s eyes ring
Address: International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, #02-82, S(079903)
Telephone number: 6100 2238, 9430 0377 (Whatsapp only)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11.00am to 7.00pm. By appointment only, Saturday 11.00am to 4.00pm
Book an appointment here
Choosing Your Engagement Ring
While diamonds are beautiful, these colourful non-diamond engagement rings make for great alternatives. Even if you’re not getting married, you can still look to buy these rings for everyday wear, or as promise rings.
Happy ring shopping!
Cover image: Source
