Wedding rings are symbols of commitment and love. You’ll wear yours every day for the rest of your life, so it’s important that the wedding ring you choose speaks to your heart.

While some people long for a traditional golden band, others are looking to put their own stamp on their wedding rings. From materials to etchings, there’s a whole host of non-traditional wedding rings you can choose from to stand out from the crowd!

Understanding Non-Traditional Wedding Rings

A traditional wedding band is made from gold. Some have embedded diamonds or etchings, but for the most part, are very simple. A non-traditional ring is made from alternative materials, such as a Claddagh ring, and uses unconventional design choices. They range from simple silhouettes to more complicated shapes.

There are lots of reasons why couples choose unconventional designs. Some crave uniqueness and want to stand out from the crowd. Others want an original design to match their one-of-a-kind love stories. Some consider moral considerations and seek out materials that are sustainable and ethically sourced.

Finally, some couples simply don’t have the funds to spend on high-priced traditional rings. And that’s ok! What matters most is that you are choosing to spend your life with the one you love.

A non-traditional ring will prevent you from taking on debt while still exchanging a symbol of your love!

Exploring Unique Materials

Wooden Rings

His and hers wooden wedding rings with rose gold inlay. Photo Credit: Urban Designer

Polished wooden rings come in a variety of colors and are sealed to ensure they last and last.

Not only are they an eco-friendly solution, but you can work with an artisan to create a remarkable and one-of-a-kind piece! These rings are very delicate, so tread carefully if you need something more durable.

Resin Rings

A beautiful combination of resin and tungsten means you don’t have to sacrifice durability for beauty. Photo Credit: Dream Ring Shop

Resin is a hardened plastic. You can easily customize your ring with embedded elements such as flowers, fabrics, and other small items that remind you of the one you love. Resin rings are super durable and incredibly affordable.

Alternative Metals

This black tungsten ring has a thin band of gold to offer a nod to traditional wedding bands. Photo Credit: Thorum

If you and your future spouse love the metal look, but don’t want to spend big on gold rings, you can get the same traditional look with more affordable metals.

Titanium, tungsten, and black gold all look luxurious but cost a fraction of a traditional wedding ring. These rings also are extremely durable, meaning they will not get dented or scratched.

Recycled and Ethical Materials

A Gothic-inspired wedding set with a twist: conflict free stones and recycled metals! Photo Credit: SweetDreamGem

Another way to reduce your carbon footprint and still get the wedding rings of your dreams is to use reclaimed metals and conflict-free stones.

You can use old jewelry from your own collection or from a family member and have a jeweler melt it down to create a new, unique piece!

Non-Traditional Designs and Style Examples

New materials aren’t the only path to a non-traditional wedding ring. You can also choose alternative styles and designs that will help your piece stand out. So look beyond the traditional band for something that represents your unique personality.

Stackable rings offer versatile combinations for a more personalized look. Simply choose two to three delicate bands to stack! Asymmetrical designs, like a U-shaped band that allows your engagement ring to nestle close, will give an artistic appeal.

You can also choose various gemstone rings to mix up the colors and textures. Make it meaningful by combining the birthstones for you and your spouse! Add engravings and personalization, like meaningful dates, quotes, or symbols to make it even more “you.”

Where to Find Non-Traditional Wedding Rings

If you’re shopping for a unique wedding ring, there are plenty of vendors who know how to cater to the alternative crowd! Online retailers like Etsy and Brilliant Earth have unique designs at affordable prices.

You can also canvas your area for local artisans who work with your materials of choice. Supporting local businesses is a great way to make your dollar go further and get a piece that is truly special.

You may spend a bit more than you would online, but there’s something to be said about working directly with an artisan to get a one-of-a-kind piece.

Finally, you can also look for boutique jewelry stores that specialize in alternative wedding jewelry. Don’t forget to look in antique shops and thrift stores for pieces that need a second life and may be just what you're looking for.

Remember, your wedding ring is your personal choice, so don’t let others talk you out of a non-traditional ring if that’s what you want!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Non-Traditional Ring

As you hunt for the perfect non-traditional wedding rings for you and your honey, there’s a lot to consider. First, you must align the ring with your personal style and ensure it is practical for daily wear.

If you work with your hands a lot or are constantly washing up, you would benefit from a simpler silhouette. Bacteria, the materials you handle, and other items could easily get stuck in a more complicated shape.

Next, when trying on styles, think about your comfort as well. Remember, this is the ring you will wear every day to show that your heart is taken. So it has to stand up to your day-to-day life!

Finally, look ahead to maintenance and daily care requirements. A ring with lots of stones will need to have the setting checked every so often. Complicated designs also need consistent cleaning to maintain the sparkle and shine.

10 Non-Traditional Engagement Ring Designs

Geometric Designs

A geometric wedding ring offers unique shapes. Photo Credit: Gardens of the Sun

Traditional wedding bands are smooth and closed. If you want something unique, choose an offbeat geometric design with an open backing.

Not only will the ring stand out, but the open backing means you can adjust the size as your hands change over time.

2. Tungsten

This alternative material is perfect for people who work with their hands or want a durable wedding ring for a fraction of the price of precious metals like gold. Tungsten is built to last, extremely scratch-resistant, and comes in a variety of colors.

3. Asymmetrical with Stones

If you want a different shape, choose a curved ring that will wrap around your engagement ring. Looking for a ring with stones? Moissanite is an excellent choice that looks just like diamond, but doesn’t cost as much!

4. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another durable material that resists scratches and scuffs. If you want a wedding band with intricate designs or engraved messages, this material will ensure it doesn’t fade or scuff over time.

5. Silicone

A stack of stunning silicone rings. Photo Credit: Knot Theory Silicone Rings

More and more couples are choosing silicone rings, especially if they work in high demand fields like construction or nursing. That’s because you can wear silicone rings in dangerous situations that normally prohibit the wearing of jewelry.

Plus, they are so affordable that you can have a different color to match each outfit!

6. Sterling Silver

This precious metal comes in a variety of shades that range from mimicking gold to an oxidized black. Sterling silver also develops a gorgeous patina over time, meaning you’ll have a stunning piece that can be handed down to future generations.

7. Titanium

Titanium wedding bands won’t crack or warp like other metals. What sets it apart is how lightweight it is. So you can choose a thicker ban without feeling like it is weighing you down.

8. Wooden

Wooden rings are a fast-rising trend! Not only are they extremely economical, they are earth-friendly as well. You can choose models that have been polished down or have interesting geometric designs carved into it.

Some even combine other materials to make interesting pieces.

9. Resin

A beautiful resin ring with suspended gemstones! Photo Credit: Poshmark

What makes resin rings unique is how you can suspend items within them, meaning you can design a piece that truly represents you and your spouse. Resin is extremely durable and you can easily polish any scuffs or scrapes out yourself.

10. Reclaimed Metals

Bring old precious metals to a jeweler who can melt them down and design a brand new piece for you and your spouse.

You can reuse stones too, so imagine taking a family member's broken jewelry and reworking it to make a piece that represents their love as well!

“Ringing” In the Conclusion

Your wedding ring is a symbol of your love and devotion to your partner. Choosing a non-traditional wedding ring simply means you value standing out from the crowd.

Take the time to evaluate each material to see if it will work well with your unique lifestyle. Talk with your partner and come to an agreement over which wedding ring is most comfortable and fits your style.

Before long, you’ll be standing at the altar, exchanging those rings with your one true love!

Non-Traditional Wedding Rings: Examples & Design Tips