Guide to Buying Boho-Inspired & Unique Engagement Rings
When my husband and I got engaged, I knew I wouldn’t be a traditional bride. For our nuptials we threw all the traditional rules out the window and eloped in San Francisco. My bride style was very much boho inspired and I wore a blush pink wedding dress.
While I do have my grandmother’s wedding ring, I still wanted to pick out my own engagement and wedding ring that reflected my personal taste. This sent me down a rabbit hole of researching bohemian inspired engagement rings, which ultimately led to this blog post.
In this guide I will share my findings and insights on picking the right gemstone and setting for your engagement ring, alternative kinds of diamonds available such as lab-created and conflict-free, how much to budget for an engagement ring and how to find reputable jewelers.
What Does Bohemian-Inspired Mean?
Chic, free-spirited, and definitely fabulous – these are some of the best things to describe Bohemian-inspired design. Beginning as a top pinned Pinterest trend, boho is now one of the favorite styles of those who want to embrace nature in an artistic and eclectic manner. Even the world of engagement rings has been taken over by the bohemian design philosophy. Many women are taking a departure from traditional settings and stones and embracing more unique and nonconformist fine jewelry styles.
Peridot is the August birthstone and it comes in the perfect earthy shade of moss green. Peridot cluster rings often have nature-inspired foliage motifs.
What Is a Boho-Inspired Engagement Ring?
From flowing maxi dresses to Free People's signature bohemian goddess style, boho fashion is popular. But how does this translate to fine jewelry rings that symbolizes matrimony? Open, natural, and free-spirited, bohemian is more than just a style - it is a culture. Boho ladies are living at life on their own terms and finding brands and products that fit their worldly point of view.
There are three main elements that can best describe the bohemian subculture – creative pursuits, rejection of social norms, and conscious consumer. Hence, when an engagement ring is boho-inspired, it is safe to say that it has a unique and creative design and was made with care and sustainability in-mind.
What Do Modern Boho-Inspired Engagement Rings Look Like?
The exact look and style of a boho-inspired engagement ring is up for debate. In my opinion, the modern boho gal is looking for designs that are a bit more on the minimalism side, understated with shapes and motifs that reflect natural things found in nature. Bohemian-inspired jewelry is not flashy or over-the-top ostentatious. Although modern boho is a bit more subtle, it still makes an impactful fashion statement and has its own kind of wow-factor.
Nature inspired engagement rings have entered the ultra luxury market with fine jewelry companies like Brilliant Earth creating styles such as the floral and vines Secret Garden Diamond Engagement Ring in Rose Gold. You can customize your ring by selecting any color and cut of diamond or gemstone.
Tips and Tricks When Shopping for Boho-Inspired Engagement Rings
Below I’ve listed some of the top things to consider when going through the process of selecting and purchasing your engagement ring (or your partner’s engagement ring).
Selecting the Gemstones for Your Engagement Ring
Alternative Gemstones for Engagement Rings
The focal point of the engagement ring is the gemstone. It is what most people will initially notice. More importantly, it has the biggest impact on the overall look of the ring. Because boho-inspired engagement rings are unique and untraditional, they don’t necessarily have to have a diamond focal point.
Some trending and popular boho inspired engagement ring gemstones are:
Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings - Princess Diana’s and Kate Middleton’s famous oval sapphire engagement ring has inspired many similar designs over the years.
Sapphires are from the corundum mineral family. They are believed to have spiritual qualities, which makes it perfect for the bohemian style. The stone is known for its classical beauty mixed with contemporary expression.
Green Emerald Engagement Rings - The stone has a striking green color, which is a result of the trace amounts of vanadium and chromium. They were first used in 1500 BC by the Egyptians, believing that it has healing powers. It is a symbol of peace, hope, luck, and love. More so, it has a good scratch-resistance rating on the Mohs scale, making it a great option for those who want long-lasting stones.
Ruby Engagement Rings - For a standout engagement ring, it is hard to go wrong with ruby as your choice for a gemstone. It is associated with protection, passion, and courage. The red color of the stone is from chromium. While it is available in varying hues, one of the most popular is blood red.
Garnet Engagement Rings - With its rich red color, garnet is another diamond alternative that should be on your radar. It is known for its strength, allowing it to resist wear from daily use. While classic red is the most popular shade, you can also find it in other colors. Orange and green are also good choices for those who are truly looking for something unique.
Topaz Engagement Ring - Blue is the most common color of this gemstone, but depending on the way it is made, it can also be orange, yellow, or green. When it is polished, the stone will sparkle, which can make it a head-turner. Nonetheless, take note that it is a fragile stone, so the quality can dwindle over time.
Moon ceremonies and celestial rituals are often incorporated into boho culture. Being that you and your partner are star-crossed lovers, it only makes sense to have a celestial moon and stars engagement ring that reflects this sentiment.
Birthstone Engagement Rings
Boho ladies may find engagement ring inspiration by using their month’s birthstone as a guide for the gemstones to include in their engagement ring setting.
Birthstone Gemstones by Month:
January - Garnet Engagement Rings
February - Amethyst Engagement Rings
March - Aquamarine Engagement Rings
April - Diamond Engagement Rings
May - Emerald Engagement Rings
June - Pearl Engagement Rings
July - Ruby Engagement Rings
August - Peridot Engagement Rings
September - Sapphire Engagement Rings
October - Opal Engagement Rings
November - Topaz Engagement Rings
December - Turquoise Engagement Rings
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds
Diamond is one of the most popular stones for engagement rings, even those that are bohemian-inspired. Nonetheless, it does not have to be natural or mined diamonds. Go real without going broke.
When comparing lab-grown diamonds vs mined diamonds, think beyond the price. Even if lab-grown diamonds are cheaper, take note that they are still real diamonds. They are made through processes that mimic the conditions of the earth’s surface, making it possible to create stunning-looking gemstones. They are cut and polished to achieve the same shine and sparkle that you can see in mined diamonds.
You can also opt for cubic zirconia if you are on a budget or you just want to give an engagement ring style a test run before committing to a real diamond. To help you decide, this comprehensive guide compares cubic zirconia with lab diamonds.
Black gemstones have been trending for unconventional brides, particularly since Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw received her black diamond from Mr. Big. Black onyx is much more affordable than black diamonds, but still pairs well with sparkling white diamonds.
Conflict-Free Diamonds & Gemstones for Your Engagement Ring
The jewelry market has a notorious reputation for its negative global impact. For instance, blood diamonds are mined in places where slavery is an issue. Not to mention, the funds from such trades are used to finance wars in areas of conflict. By purchasing mined diamonds, you could be unknowingly contributing to a global problem.
Lab-created diamonds are always conflict-free because they are made inside a laboratory and never mined. So not only would you be saving money on the cost, you’re also making a more ethical and eco-friendly purchase.
Moissanite is also a conflict-free gemstone because it is 100% lab-grown. It does not have the same makeup as diamonds, but it is still extremely strong and has brilliant shine and sparkle. Moissanite is also significantly less expensive than mined diamonds.
If you’re looking to shop exclusively sustainable, eco-friendly and conflict free gemstones, see my below list of lab-grown gemstones:
Selecting Your Engagement Ring Gemstone’s Cut
We’ve discussed the different colors and mineral makeup of gemstones, but another piece to the puzzle is the cut of the stone. The most classic diamond cut is the circle round cut, but there’s so many other options out there to explore.
Check out these modern and boho-inspired gemstone cuts:
Boho-Inspired Engagement Ring Settings
The last thing to consider when selecting your engagement ring gemstones is how the ring setting will look. The setting of your engagement ring refers to the manor in which the gemstones are arranged and mounted into the metal band.
If you really want to highlight the main gemstone then you can go for a simple solitaire setting. You could also opt for a trio 3 stone engagement ring for a balanced and symmetrical look. If you’re going for a completely asymmetrical style, take a look at these Toi Et Moi setting engagement rings.
For a true boho-style ring setting, I would avoid the halo ring setting and cathedral ring setting because they tend to me more on the lavish and opulent end of the style spectrum. The ring settings I’ve listed below are low-key chic and on-trend with the modern boho theme.
Boho loving women find beauty and inspiration in nature. There’s a new ocean-inspired ring trend using naturally smoothed sea glass as the gem stone centerpiece. The hues of greens and blues are reminiscent of tropical ocean waters.
Choosing the Metal & Band for Your Boho-Inspired Engagement Ring
Solid Gold is the Top Choice for Engagement Rings
While you can choose from a variety of different materials, solid gold is my personal choice for all the jewelry that I wear. It will forever shine and never dulls or fades over time. Solid gold is also important for anyone like myself who has skin sensitivities to metals.
Solid gold comes in three shades - yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. The color you choose is purely based on your personal preference. As long as they are all 18 karat gold or higher the quality should be the same.
Platinum Engagement Rings
If the budget is not an issue, platinum will also make an excellent precious metal for a wedding ring setting. It is a harder material, which also means that you can be confident that the engagement ring can be passed from one generation to another.
Always make sure your gold metal or platinum is stamped for authenticity.
Sterling Silver Engagement Rings
If you like the look of the metal color silver and you’d like to spend less on your engagement ring, a sterling silver engagement ring can be a good option as well. It could possibly tarnish over the years so plan on occasionally using silver tarnish remover to keep a bright shine on your ring.
Sterling silver should always be stamped with the number 925.
Copper Engagement Rings
Copper fine jewelry is a growing trend and you can shop some very boho chic copper engagement rings from jewelry artisans on Etsy. With copper metal you can achieve a similar look to rose gold at a fraction of the cost.
You should be aware that copper will tarnish over time. Here’s a quick guide to caring for and removing tarnish from copper rings.
Avoid Vermeil or Gold Plated Engagement Rings
Your engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that you’ll be wearing very often, so it must withstand a lot of wear and tear. Vermeil and gold plated jewelry is lesser quality metal that has a thin layer of gold on top. Over time the gold layer will diminish and your ring will start to look worn and dull. You can avoid this by investing in more quality jewelry with pure precious metals such as solid gold, platinum or sterling silver.
Design Your Own Gemstone & Diamond Engagement Ring
Now that I’ve given you all kinds of style ideas for your boho-inspired engagement rings, you can actually start designing your own dream ring yourself. The below fine jewelry brands offer custom build-it-yourself engagement ring services.
You can design every aspect of your ring from selecting the gemstones, selecting the setting and finally selecting the precious metal type. This way your engagement ring will be completely original and made especially for you!
Antique and real vintage engagement rings are truly special and one of a kind. The light blue color of aquamarine gemstones adds a delicate touch to these antique aquamarine wedding rings.
Vintage Nostalgia Engagement Rings
A growing trend in wedding jewelry is purchasing authentic antique and vintage jewelry from eras long ago and giving them new life and purpose. Maybe it’s all the influence from the hit TV show Downton Abbey, but art deco style engagement rings from the 1920’s are currently highly sought after.
Vintage engagement ring styles that boho women love include:
Best places to shop for antique and vintage wedding rings:
An engagement ring placement with a diamond and sapphire gemstone combo is truly a classic. This brilliant duo dates back many decades and you can find some incredible antique art deco designs.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for an Engagement Ring?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. At the end of the day, it depends on the individual's preferences and financial circumstances.
You have probably heard the old saying that the engagement ring’s price should be at least three times your monthly salary. For many this completely impractical and you should not feel obligated to follow this outdated standard. To give you a frame of reference, most couples spend between $1,000 to $5,000 on an engagement ring.
In my personal opinion, if you put time and effort into finding the perfect ring that you feel reflects your personality and compliments your style, it shouldn't matter if you end up buying a ring worth less than $1,000. It's about what makes you feel happy and joyful.
Tips to Making Sure You're Purchasing Quality and Authentic Precious Metals and Gemstones
Before we end this guide, allow me to leave you with some key points to ensure the authenticity of the materials in the bohemian engagement ring that you select.
Choose a Reputable Jeweler
Take the time to research your options. Go for jewelers with extensive experience in the market. This will make you more confident and feel secure, especially if you are buying online.
Check the Certificate of Authenticity
Ask for the grading report or certification for your gemstone, especially a diamond. This report should be completed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA for short) and it identifies the key properties of the stone including color, carat, cut, and clarity.
Read the Online Reviews
Learn from the real-life experiences of other people. Go online and find reviews from previous buyers to help you make a purchase decision. Specifically pay attention to what they are saying about the quality of the stones and metals from a seller.
Low Prices Could Mean Low Quality
While price is an important consideration, it is not the sole factor that should impact your choice. If an engagement ring is too cheap, make sure that the quality is not compromised. If it seems too good to be true, there's a good chance that you're not purchasing quality gemstones or real gold.
Review the Warranty Before You Purchase
Read the terms and conditions of the warranty that comes with your engagement ring. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can return the ring if there is a problem with the craftsmanship.
