.JPG "Non Traditional Engagement Rings: A Brooklyn Girl’s Guide to Finding the Perfect One")
MacGill, who studied fine art in college (and is the daughter of a gallerist and a photographer), tends to be drawn to a stone for its beauty and its possibility, rather than its market value. In her store, you can find a brilliant, 1.70-carat emerald-cut diamond, but there are also rings that show off a salt-and-pepper mineral diamond, an inky spinel, and other gemstones, which feel just as special—and are, happily, much more affordable.
The accessibility of her pieces has always been important to MacGill. “We’re able to find stones that aren’t diamonds that really function beautifully as an engagement ring,” she says. “And I love that that’s available to all types of people.”
Below, three more New York-based jewelry spots for non-traditional rings:
Since opening its doors in 2012, Mociun has become—at least within my friend group—something like Brooklyn’s answer to Tiffany’s. The brand has been credited with ushering in a golden era of non-traditional engagement rings with their clustered creations; think gemstones—like pink garnet or Montana blue sapphire—surrounded by a constellation of marquise diamonds. But as the business has grown, their designs have gotten a bit more funky and sculptural; their latest collection sees all manner of jewels asymmetrically floating in a thick gold bezel setting. There’s a deep bench of ready-to-ship options, but if none feel quite right, you can design your own dream ring with the help of Mociun’s in-house team.
