Some people say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but less and less girls are agreeing with that old adage these days. Next to a world full of diverse precious stones and metals available in radiant technicolor, people aren't so happy anymore with diamonds having the monopoly on engagement rings.

Beyond their comparable beauty, finding and/or making diamonds can be incredibly costly – both for your bank account, and for the resources needed to extract them.

But fortunately, the diamond-centric model of the marital world is beginning to crumble. And that leaves plenty of room for alternatives to come in and strut their stuff, creating a larger variety of beauty and more opportunities than ever to be personal and unique in your approach to lifelong love – conceptually and visually.

Here are some favorite options from around the world.

engagement rings — Without Diamonds, These Engagement Rings Are Everyone’s Best Friend

Fabuluster Fingerprint Ring

These Fingerprint Rings take unique to a whole new level – each ring bonds a one-of-a-kind fingerprint into its design, bonding one person to their other half.

Digby & Iona Ties That Bind Band

“Tying the knot” has never been more literal: these handmade bands include a beautifully detailed rope pattern engraved into the outside and inside of the band.

Sakurako Shimizu Custom Waveform Ring

The Japanese artist and designer Sakurako Shimizu has created something that immortalizes the words of a marital commitment between two people in love: the Custom Waveform Rings. Couples record themselves taking their vows, and Shimizu makes a 3D-printed casting of the oaths – right into a wedding band.

engagement rings — Without Diamonds, These Engagement Rings Are Everyone’s Best Friend

Simply Wood “Incorruptible” Teakwood Ring

This Chicago company molds a piece of salvaged wood into beautiful rings that are then reinfoced with an organic, nontoxic industrial strength adhesive to create something that can never be destroyed – just like the bond of two people at the altar.

Birthstone ring

There's nothing that says you appreciate someone like making a lifelong declaration of love with the stone that unique to your fiancee's birthday (okay, birth month). With incredible hues that it's hard to believe nature is capable of making all on its own, a birthstone ring is sure to bring a smile and sense of wonder to the wearer.

engagement rings — Without Diamonds, These Engagement Rings Are Everyone’s Best Friend

One for the gents...Qalo Ring

We admit, a rubber wedding band sounds a bit less than romantic (or valuable). But the QALO wedding band is designed with a purpose: remaining impenetrable for life, even with an active lifestyle. And friends, the reviews are so far so great.