Diamonds are not forever: More couples are choosing other gemstones for engagement rings

Some couples are put off by the cost of a diamond enagagement ring, while others simply prefer to opt for something more creative. Photo: dpa

When Megan Shoemaker’s boyfriend proposed to her in February 2017, he knew better than to purchase a classic engagement ring dominated by a glittering white diamond.

Instead, he selected a grey marquise-cut – sometimes called a boat-shaped – diamond set in sterling silver, because he knew that Shoemaker, a Jeweler’s Row designer, would want to customise the rest.