Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Dresses & Style Wedding Jewelry Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands These Stunning Pearl Engagement Rings Celebrate One of the World's Oldest Gemstones If you're looking for an alternative to the standard diamond engagement ring, turn to an option that conjures visions of Old-World opulence instead: pearls. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Published on December 22, 2022 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Tiffany, Net-A-Porter, When you think of an engagement ring, you probably don't immediately envision a pearl as the center stone—but that doesn't mean pearls aren't a stunning choice for this important piece of jewelry. When it comes to precious gemstones, pearls are as classic as they come. Vintage lovers and modern brides alike will fall hard for their Old-World elegance. There are so many ways to turn this unique bauble into an engagement ring. A pearl can easily stand alone as a solitaire or bezel-set stunner, but you could also make it shimmer in a pavé setting with a sophisticated, thin halo. There are some surprising ways to set a pearl engagement ring, too—you can pair a larger pearl with smaller diamonds or display it in a vintage-inspired band. Whatever setting you choose, pearls are a stunning and budget-friendly alternative to some of the more popular gemstones out there. If you're shopping for one (or getting ready to send a certain someone a hint), consider one of these beautiful options you can shop (and pop the question with!) right now. This Is What a Diamond Looks Like at Every Size—from .5 Carats to 10 Marco Bicego Africa 18k Pearl Ring Courtesy of Neiman Marcus $1,340, neimanmarcus.com This stunning ring features a naturally white freshwater cultured pearl, displayed in a hand-engraved textured 18-karat yellow band. Every piece from Marco Bicego is handcrafted in Italy by trained artisans, so you know you're getting the very best quality. Delfina Delettrez Pearl and Diamond Ring Courtesy of Net-A-Porter $1,100, net-a-porter.com Toi et moi, which translates to "you and me," features two main stones, symbolizing each person in the relationship. This iteration boasts a marquise-cut diamond and akoya pearl set in a simple, but elegant 18-karat gold band. Melissa Joy Manning Recycled 14-Karat Gold Pearl Ring Courtesy of Net-A-Porter $1,350, net-a-porter.com Encased in recycled 14-karat gold, this lustrous pearl looks like it came straight from the ocean. The band's metal has been subtly hammered to complement the gemstone's natural texture. Mizuki 14-karat Gold Ring Courtesy of Net-A-Porter $650, net-a-porter.com Crafted from 14-karat gold, this eye-catching piece has an open silhouette with a freshwater pearl at one end and a sparkling diamond at the other. The thin, 14-karat gold band makes it easy to stack with your future wedding ring. Armenta Sueno Pave Diamond Prong-Set Pearl Ring Courtesy of Neiman Marcus $2,290, neimanmarcus.com A shining freshwater cultured pearl is set in a four-prong band with diamonds. The charming ring has an Old-World aesthetic that any classic bride will love. David Yurman Petite Cerise Pearl Ring in Sterling Silver Courtesy of Neiman Marcus $775, neimanmarcus.com The naturally colored, cultured freshwater pearl in this ring shines thanks to its pavé diamond halo. The twisted sterling silver band gives the bauble even more dimension. Bottega Veneta Twisted Peak Ring Courtesy of MATCHES Fashion $1,980, matchesfashion.com Leaning into this gemstone's natural, from-the-sea aesthetic, this ring has multiple sized pearls set in a unique twisted band. Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf Pearl Ring Courtesy of Tiffany $525, tiffany.com If your bride appreciates symbolism, this is the ring for her. Set in sterling silver, a freshwater pearl is held in an olive branch-inspired basket, a metaphor for peace and abundance. Catbird Pearl Baguette Equilibrium RingAGUETTE EQUILIBRIUM RING Courtesy of Catbird $874, catbirdnyc.com Three smooth pearls are set against the sparkling lines of baguette diamonds. The diamonds and pearls are displayed on a solid 14-karat gold band. Tiffany HardWear South Sea White Pearl Ring Courtesy of Tiffany $1,900, tiffany.com Far from understated, this beautiful ring has a double, 18-karat gold band that holds a lustrous pearl in the center. Kataoka Winter Pearl Ring Courtesy of Catbird $5,380, catbirdnyc.com This dreamy ring celebrates the millions-year-old gemstone in such a beautiful way. The pearl is set with glittering diamonds, giving the illusion of movement while the eye travels around the halo. Zales Cultured Freshwater Pearl Ring Courtesy of Zales $599, zales.com Set in warm gold, this engagement piece showcases a cultured freshwater pearl. Along the split shank, open loops glisten with diamonds and beaded detailing while a gold ribbon wraps across the center. Mateo 14K Gold Pearl and Diamond Half Moon Ring Courtesy of Mateo New York $700, mateonewyork.com Perfect for the modern bride, a shimmering pearl conjoins with a half moon lined with diamonds in this asymmetrical ring. Autore Moda Zanna Pearl Ring Courtesy of Farfetch $304, farfetch.com Three 18-karat gold bands boast a large South Sea pearl in this contemporary Autore Moda Zanna ring. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit