Alternative Engagement Ring Stones You’ll Love: Champagne Diamonds, Salt & Pepper, and More Hidden Gems

Why go classic when you can go cosmic? If you’re craving a stone with story, soul, and a streak of rebellion, you’re in the right place. From sun-drenched champagne diamonds to moody, celestial salt and pepper stones and old-world rose cut romance, there's a whole universe of anything-but-ordinary alternative engagement ring stones ready to incite your obsession.

Scroll on for a few of our favorite out-of-the-box alternative stone picks and the rings that stole the hearts of non-traditional rings lovers round the world.

Raise a glass to champagne diamonds — the effervescent cool girls of the alternative diamond world. With hues ranging from pale gilded honey to rich, dark chocolate, these golden hour gems serve up endless warmth, wonder, and a little wink of rebellion.

Unlike colorless diamonds that are prized for their lack of color, champagne diamonds are celebrated for their signature golden gleam. And these gems have range,hitting every note from rich mocha moods to barely-there sunlit whispers to full-bodied, sun-drenched shimmer. There's a shade for every vibe, and no two ever gleam quite the same.

And the best part: they're often more attainable than their colorless cousins, letting you save your splurge for an extra addition to your stack (or two or three, we don't judge).  

Peruse a few of our most-loved champagne sparklers from the lightest sun-dappled magic to the deepest caramel drama.

Learn more about champagne diamonds here. 

Forget flawless. Salt and pepper diamonds embrace every inclusion, speckle, and smoky swirl that makes them deliciously distinctive. Each one is like a tiny galaxy you can wear on your finger—full of mystery, magic, and soul. With icy white flashes, smoky speckles, and midnight flecks scattered like stardust, no two are ever the same (and that's exactly the point).

Besides being ultra-unique and addictively enticing, salt and pepper diamonds are significantly less expensive than traditional white diamonds, meaning you can get alot more size for a lot less budget. And if sustainability is important you, salt and pepper diamonds are an amazing option since they cut down on diamond waste.

Learn more about salt and pepper diamonds here. 

Candlelit sparkle, old-world romance, and a little rule-breaking spirit — rose cut diamonds are pure alternative diamond magic. Shaped with a flat base and a domed crown of glimmering facets, rose cuts glow with a dreamy, ethereal shimmer that feels equal parts storybook and statement.

Because rose cuts have fewer and larger facets than brilliant cuts, they give off a subtler, more romantic light play. And for you size queens, rose cut diamonds look noticeably larger from the top view than brilliant cut diamonds of the same carat weight. Plus, they're incredible for showing off both the transparency of white diamonds and the celestial textures of salt and pepper diamonds.

Learn more about rose cut diamonds here. 

Cue the color queens! While deep blue gets most of the spotlight, sapphires show up in every shade of the rainbow — from vibrant fuchsia pinks and moody teals to golden yellows and celestial seafoam greens. And if you can't choose just one color, you can pick from a buffet of bi-color and color change sapphires that show multiple shades in one stone.

And each hue comes with endless tones, from barely-there pastels to saturated, high-drama color. And because no two sapphires are exactly alike, finding your stone feels a little like fate.

Even better? Sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones on Earth (second only to diamonds), making them a perfect engagement ring stone. They’re also a more ethical alternative to diamonds since many sapphires are traceable to their source and often come from small-scale, artisinal mines — so you can feel good about what you’re wearing and where it came from.

Take a peek at some of our most unforgettable sapphire rings, from sunset tones to ocean dreamscapes.

Learn more about sapphires here and find out how we source ethical sapphires in this guide.

Your alternative ENGAGEMENT RING stone questions answered

What is the best alternative stone for an engagement ring?

The best alternative stones for an engagement ring that combine price consciouness, uniqueness, and durability are champagne diamonds, sapphires, salt and pepper diamonds, and rose cut diamonds.

Are salt and pepper diamonds good for engagement rings?

Yes, salt and pepper diamonds are a great choice for engagement rings! Their unique inclusions give each stone an earthy, one-of-a-kind character, and they are just as durable as white diamonds, making them perfect for everyday wear.

What does a champagne diamond mean on an engagement ring?

Champagne diamonds are all about ease, balance, and grounded energy. Radiating calm and connection, they carry the same steady magic as sun-warmed earth — comforting, centering, and effortlessly serene.

How do I choose between champagne, salt and pepper, and rose cut diamonds?

It all comes down to your aesthetic:

Craving warm, sunkissed sparkle? Champagne diamonds bring that golden hour glow with hues that range from pale honey to rich mocha magic.

Drawn to moody, one-of-a-kind magic? Salt and pepper diamonds are all about cosmic character — think smoky swirls, speckled stardust, and a galaxy of uniqueness.

Love a little vintage flair? Rose cut diamonds shine soft and subtle with a low profile and candlelit glow that feels effortlessly romantic.