A diamond is a girl’s best friend, right? Well, not always. With the high cost of diamonds and the  conflict that surrounds these precious stones, some people are turning away from the traditional diamond engagement rings. If your girlfriend is the type of girl that would be ok with not receiving a diamond as her engagement ring, you may be stumped for what to get.  We’ve collected a few of the best ideas here:

Wooden Rings

There are numerous artisans throughout the world that specialize in custom wooden engagement and wedding rings. With the variety of colors and textures found in nature, there are endless possibilities for personalization and perfection. These rings represent the most eco-friendly engagement rings, since they are made of a renewable resource.

Silver Coin Rings

Most people don’t know it, but the United States quarter was made of silver until 1964. These precious coins are still out there, floating around in the nation’s wallets, and any eagle-eyed consumer can snag one or two if he checks each quarter that passes through his hands. Popularized in recent years is the practice of turning these silver coins into handmade rings. It’s a contemplative process in which one hand-beats the silver into a smooth ring with a small hammer or even a spoon. Though the process is time consuming and the materials are common, the rings themselves are simple and gorgeous- and who wouldn’t be impressed by such a heartfelt and personal ring?

Moissanite Rings

Moissanite, also known as silicon carbide, is a material that has been manufactured in labs since the 1800s. Although it was originally valued for its industrial uses, it has recently been discovered that moissanite is easily faceted into gorgeous, diamond-like gems- and is, in fact, even sparklier than diamond. No one but a jeweler will know that it isn’t a diamond, and there are some heart-stopping settings with large stones available for as little as $2,000. If you and your sweetheart don’t want to support the diamond industry, or would like to spend a tenth as much as a diamond ring would cost while still getting a stunning ring, moissanite is the perfect solution.  WARNING: Do NOT try to pass it off as a diamond, you will get in big trouble.

If you’re serious about the search for an alternative engagement ring, an experienced Proposal Planner will be an invaluable asset. They will know the best jewelers and brokers to consult, and will be able to provide solid information about cost and quality. If you’d like to find the best engagement ring for you, contact the Heart Bandits. They’ll make sure that when the big day comes, the ring will be as beautiful as she is.  After you find the ring, learn how to propose here.