When it comes time to pop the big question, one of the things that you’ll probably want with you when you ask your loved one to marry you is the engagement ring. Just as times change and people decide to be creative with the wedding proposal, the designs of engagement rings have changed over the years. While a possibility for your engagement ring is to get something that resembles what your mother or your grandmother wore years ago, you could decide to look for unique engagement rings that fit your partner’s style, or that represents your love and looks great, too.

Of course, in your search for unique engagement rings, you run into the problem of many local jewelers carrying only traditional styles. So to help you find truly unique engagement rings, here’s a rundown of your options, so you know what to look for. Some of these unique engagement rings draw inspiration from other cultures, while others just require a little creative thinking when picking out a ring, but all are beautiful.

Mokume Gane

One of the more unusual types of unique engagement rings, mokume gane engagement rings draw inspiration from Japanese jewelcrafting techniques. The name of this technique translates to “woodgrain metal,” and that’s just what a mokume gane ring will look like: different colored alloys creating swirls and organic patterns in metal. Such rings will have several different colors, creating unique engagement rings with patterns that vary. These can be quite striking, but you may have to go searching far and wide if you want a ring with a stone, since these come most often as plain bands.

Celtic Rings

Increasingly popular for those looking for unique engagement rings, Celtic rings draw from old traditions in Britain and Ireland. These rings most often feature gold that’s been designed to display a unique Celtic knot design. The artwork of a Celtic knot is intended to display an endless, interlocking pattern, which makes this ring a choice full of symbolism for any couple looking to tie the knot.

Other Options

If you still plan to get a traditional ring, there are still different things you can do to create unique engagement rings without sacrificing the elegance of a traditional ring. Ask your jeweler about unusual metals, such as sage or rose gold, or get your ring with a different cut, such as a pear cut or cushion cut. Above all, if you find a jeweler you like, let him or her know how important it is to you that you pick from unique engagement rings, and you should be able to find something that is satisfactory.