We all dream of the perfect engagement ring. Even if you didn't grow up as a little girl dreaming of a princess wedding, you probably have a good idea of what ring you would like.

The traditional solitaire diamond ring is still the world's most favored ring but more of us are searching for something a little different.

From vintage rings to three-stone rings to blue sapphire engagement rings and from vintage-inspired, art deco rings to emerald engagement rings and more, there are countless ring options. But even if you want to stay with traditional materials of precious metals and gemstones and semi-precious stones rather than choose a route of contemporary designs that use modern materials, you can still enjoy a fabulous diversity of engagement ring designs.

That's when it can all become a little bit overwhelming. So many exciting, unusual, and attractive engagement ring styles and you only get to choose one! If you want to give yourself the best chance of finding the perfect ring, allow yourself to browse as many engagement ring designs as you can. It's really the only true way you'll get to see what's available.

If at the end of your search, you decide that the classic halo diamond and sapphire ring as worn by Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (the ring originally worn by Diana, Princess of Wales) is the style for you, no one will argue. If you ignore all engagement ring trends and choose a stylized ring that's completely off the wall, that's ok too. It's your ring, your finger!

To give you a flavor of the less-than-conventional engagement ring designs available, we've got a wonderful selection of modern designs to show you. We've chosen rings across a massive price range to ensure a spectrum of choice. Maybe this engagement ring inspiration will help you make your mind up.

1. 925 Sterling Silver Bypass Leaf Wrap Ring with Sapphire Stones

If you are looking for something that provides a bit more bling than a classic solitaire ring, then what about this stunning and eye-catching piece of jewelry? The leaf wrap design is not something that you see a lot in wedding ring design but it has a lovely art nouveau feel. The sparkling blue sapphires offer a lovely diamond alternative and look fabulous set in shiny sterling silver.  Check out those extra little details like the milgrain edging around each stone.

 2. Pear-Shaped Halo Diamond Ring in 14K White-Rose Gold

A marvelous example of how the traditional can be given the modern touch. This ring design may feature the conventional center stone but in this case, it is a pear-shaped diamond.

The striking look is created by the swirling bypass shanks with tapered tendrils, one of which wraps around the center stone halo style. The main shank is in 14K white gold and is complemented by a rose gold tendril. There are plenty of pave diamonds to ramp up the bling factor.

3. Sterling Silver Floral Cultured Pearl Ring

Even though this is a mass-produced ring, there is something about it that feels like a beautiful bespoke piece instead. Feminine and elegant!

If your partner prefers jewelry with center stones that are not necessarily brilliant diamonds, then a pearl is a fantastic alternative, and the charming floral design around the pearl adds an extra dimension of interest.

4. Criss Cross Engagement Ring

When the degree of difference you desire is distinctive but subtle, this style surely fits the bill.

The center solitaire may be conventional but the shank certainly isn't. The stone is cradled by a white gold shank that has been divided into free-flowing strands that are so much more interesting than a plain band.

This design creates the illusion of having more substance than what is actually quite delicate, an enhancement to any finger, long, short, thin or chubby.

5. Sterling Silver White Sapphire Butterfly Ring

For many people, the butterfly is a symbol of love, and if that is a meaning that you and your partner hold in the image too, then what better than an engagement ring that displays it?

This particular butterfly design ring is slightly abstract which makes it more interesting on the finger, and it is ideal for any jewelry lover who prefers their pieces to be on the more dainty, 'cute' side.

The glittering sterling silver is beautifully enhanced by a bezel set white sapphire. Truly a charming piece.

 6. 18k White Gold Diamond Ring With London Blue Topaz Center

Just one glance and you know immediately that this ring has been inspired by the geometric lines of art deco.

Superbly structural in its construction, a weighty center rectangular blue topaz is borne on graduating shoulder bars of sparkling white diamonds.

Blue topaz is a paler blue than sapphire and is attractive to those who prefer the subtleties of pastels rather than bright jewel colors.

7. Sterling Silver Layered Blue Topaz, Garnet & Citrine Ring

In these days of gender fluidity, there's a need for engagement rings to have a wider appeal and this enables designers to really engage their imagination as in this interesting item.

If you can't decide on a specific stone or shape for your engagement ring, then why make the choice at all? This wonderfully unique ring features three colored gemstones in different shapes creating an ensemble that just works. It puts diamond engagement ring ideas to the test and comes up trumps.

8. Vintage Inspired Designer Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fashion Ring

Love the intricate and sometimes fussy designs of Victorian and Edwardian jewelry? This vintage engagement ring style will surely then pull on your heartstrings. The gorgeous fretwork table is equally angular and sinuous and is set with dozens of pave diamonds that catch fire from every direction. There's a focal point of four diamonds in the center.

This ring covers a large portion of the finger and this should be borne in mind when it comes to considering the width of the wedding band that will be worn alongside it.

9. 18k Rose Gold Diamond Ring With White Topaz Over Lapis

This is a total move away from the traditional yellow gold band or more recently most popular white gold band set with white diamonds. Rose gold has had a surge in popularity in recent years but is still not as common as white or yellow gold on its own when it comes to engagement rings.

Here it is used in a ring that is a highly creative match of colors. The rose gold band holds a white topaz that has been set over a bed of blue lapis lazuli. Pave diamonds provide a border as well as extra detail on the shoulders.

10. 14k White Gold Diamond Fashion Ladies' Ring

You might imagine that an open-ended design might make for a more delicate ring but when it is totally encrusted in brilliant diamonds that can hardly be so. The arrangement of stones as petals of a flower should also imply daintiness yet there is something very substantial about this ring design that shouts louder than its actual carat weight.

If you want an impressive ring that looks way more expensive than it really is, this one is a very good candidate.

Making the Right Choice

These options for engagement ring design give the modern bride a decent flavor of the potential choices. If you want a statement piece, think about what attracts you most.

There are a couple of things to remember.

Your engagement ring is for everyday wear so you need to be happy to see it on your finger every day and you didn't just choose a different design to a solitaire engagement ring on a whim or to follow a trend. Above all, love your ring.

If you are picking an engagement ring without your fiance's input, be very careful about straying from the traditional. Will they appreciate a moonstone engagement ring or one that is vintage-inspired?  If you are unsure, don't opt for a very stylized ring.

Also, if veering from the conventional, think about any limits a quirky, unusual or different engagement ring design might have on wedding band styles that it can be worn with.

Lastly, happy engagement ring shopping!