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Two Ideas for an Unusual Engagement Ring

Writer: Bert LeviBert Levi
Three unusual and colorful rings

Although the most popular engagement ring is the Tiffany setting, which lifts a diamond above a plain band, there are many who like a more complex design with surrounding stones and more of an impact. These days, in fact, it’s not unusual to see halo rings, heart-shaped settings, or mountings filled with diamonds and other gems to surround a center stone. All of the rings, though, are generally recognizable as engagement rings. What if you want something a little more unusual than that? I’ll give you two ideas to consider.


Get a Cocktail Ring


Yes, a cocktail ring can absolutely be used as an engagement ring. Cocktail rings are intended to be bold statement pieces. They’re often brightly colored and draw the eye. They often feature a colorful center stone and an ornate design. Cocktail rings are typically worn on the middle or fourth finger of the right hand when not an engagement ring. 


Cocktail ring as a name for the jewelry comes from the 1920s, when women wore the rings to draw attention to the cocktails they drank at speakeasies, illegal underground bars. From that fashionable rebellion to the fashion of today, cocktail rings can be a great choice if it makes sense for you and your partner. While engagement rings are typically understated and put a premium on elegance, the whole point of a cocktail ring is to be right there front and center. If that fits your personality, a cocktail ring might be perfect.


Get a Claddagh Ring


Yes, a Claddagh ring can absolutely be used as an engagement ring. It is a traditional Irish ring that symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship, making it a meaningful choice for a proposal. The design features two hands holding a heart with a crown, representing the union of love, friendship, and loyalty. Claddagh rings are particularly popular among people of Irish descent.


There are even traditions on how to wear it. Depending on how it's worn on the finger, a Claddagh ring can signify different relationship stages, like friendship (heart facing outwards) or commitment (heart facing inwards.) If the symbolism is valuable to you and the design interests you, this might be a good choice.


Don’t feel like you’re beholden to do things in any particular way. This is your engagement, your wedding, and your life. If you and your partner will love it more with one of these designs, it’s fair for you to get one. Maybe you want something else altogether, and that’s fine, too. Whatever you would like for your engagement ring in San Diego, I hope you’ll give me a call. I’d love to help. You can also drop by my La Jolla showroom. You’ll be glad you did!


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©2025 by Bert Levi Family Jewelers.

Levi Family Jewelers Is a Third-Generation Jeweler Committed to Developing Relationships That Last a Lifetime. Part Of That Is Making Something Clear to You. We are not an official dealer for any of the watch brands we sell and have no affiliation with any of the manufacturers. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. We are not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries, Rolex, www.rolex.com, is under no obligation to warranty-service watches sold by Levi Family Jewelers. Rolex Datejust, Rolex Day Date President, Submariner, Presidential, Explorer, Sea Dweller, Super President, GMT Master, GMT, YachtMaster, Prince, Milgaus, MasterPiece, Air King, Cosmograph Daytona, and PearlMaster are all registered trademarks of the Rolex Corporation ( Rolex USA, Rolex S.A.) To buy a new Rolex watch, please visit the Rolex website for a list of authorized Rolex dealers near you.

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