Proposing Without a Ring? Top 10 Trending Alternatives in 2025

The traditional engagement ring isn't going anywhere, but some couples are rethinking when and how they introduce it. Some are postponing the purchase to co-design later. Others are skipping it entirely in favour of something personal—a welded bracelet, a vintage brooch, even a shared puppy adoption.

Proposals are becoming more creative, intentional and custom to the couple. They're not about what's expected. They're about what feels right.

TikTok views for #permanentbracelet are skyrocketing, and as rising ring prices meet shifting values around commitment and finances, some couples may be asking, "Do I even need a ring to propose?"

If you're in that headspace—curious, cautious, maybe even a little excited—you're in the right place. We're about to explore the most creative ring-free proposal ideas of the year, the reasons behind their rise, and what to keep in mind if jewellery comes into the picture later.

Let's dive in.

Why Some Couples May Be Skipping the Ring in 2025

Rising Engagement Ring Costs in Australia

For many Australians, engagement ring shopping is no longer the automatic next step. Why? Because in 2025, the average engagement ring cost has climbed to between $5,000 and $7,500 AUD—and that's before you factor in customisations.

At the same time, priorities are shifting. More couples are putting that money toward milestones they consider more urgent or meaningful. There's been an 80% increase in home loans taken out by unmarried couples since 2015. It's a clear signal that for many, financial commitment now comes before formal engagement.

Online search trends back this up. Year-on-year, searches for "how much should you spend on an engagement ring" continue to rise, reflecting not only uncertainty but also a broader reassessment of how modern couples approach the tradition itself.

Changing Relationship Traditions

Millennials and Gen Z aren't abandoning tradition, they're recreating it.

Some couples are opting to co-design their ring after the proposal, ensuring both people are involved in the style, budget and meaning. Others are choosing alternatives like watches, tattoos, or shared experiences that align with their values and budget.

A common thread? Personal significance. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement, many partners want something that reflects their unique identity and shared love story.

The idea of when to get the ring (and whether to get one at all) has become just one option on a much more flexible timeline.

Top 10 Ring-Free Proposal Trends in 2025

In a year that's rewriting the proposal rulebook, couples are embracing ideas that are meaningful, wearable, and highly personal. From heirlooms to hand tattoos, today's proposals are less about tradition—and more about intention.

Let's explore the first standout trend.

1. Permanent Jewellery (Bracelet or Necklace)

What if the symbol of "forever" didn't sit on a finger?

In 2025, more couples are opting for permanent bracelets or necklaces—delicate chains, often crafted from solid gold, that are welded directly onto the wrist or neck during a brief studio session. There's no clasp, so it's non-removable. Just a quiet, symbolic ritual that marks your commitment in real time.

Why it's trending:

• It feels intentional, intimate, and wearable—without the pressure of choosing a ring.

• It offers a tactile reminder of your proposal that's always with you.

• It taps into the growing preference for subtle, gender-neutral symbolism.

How to make it personal:

• Choose metals that reflect your story—recycled gold, platinum, or even dual-toned chains.

• Engrave a message or initials into a small charm before welding.

• Combine the session with a surprise proposal dinner or mini getaway.

Thinking ahead:
If your bracelet is made from precious metals or custom-designed, you may be eligible for specialist jewellery insurance. At JewelCover, individual items must have a minimum market value of $1,000 AUD to qualify for cover.

2. Matching Micro-Tattoos

What if your commitment was inked instead of worn?

Matching micro-tattoos, often tiny symbols, initials, or minimalist bands placed on the ring finger, are gaining momentum as a modern way to mark your engagement. Discreet and deeply personal, these tattoos offer a lasting alternative that's designed to be felt, not flaunted.

Why it's trending:

• They feel raw, real, and commitment-forward—without the expectations of traditional jewellery.

• There's no resizing, setting, or stone-shopping—just a shared experience that lasts.

• Micro-tattoos are now the fastest-growing ink trend in Australia, especially among younger couples opting for non-traditional milestones.

How to make it personal:

• Choose a design that only makes sense to the two of you—your initials, an anniversary date, or a shared symbol.

• Keep it simple: fine-line styles tend to age best and suit the ring-finger canvas.

• Reveal the tattoo in a surprise moment—maybe during a joint appointment or by lifting the bandage for the first time together.

Thinking ahead:

If you plan to add a ring later, there are thoughtful ways to link the two. You might place the tattoo on a different finger so it's not hidden beneath a future band—or choose a design you can echo as an engraving inside your wedding ring. Whether the ink stands alone or complements something more traditional later on, it becomes part of a larger story you're building together.

3. The Engagement Watch

What if time was the ultimate symbol of your commitment?

Instead of presenting a ring, some proposals in 2025 feature a heritage timepiece—think Cartier Tank, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, or IWC Portofino. These watches are elegant, lasting, and undeniably personal. They also make a statement: this moment is timeless, and so is what you're building together.

Why it's trending:

• Watches are wearable, functional, and gender-neutral—ideal for anyone, including women proposing to men or couples making dual proposals.

• Engagement watches have gained popularity as couples seek alternatives that are both meaningful and practical.

• They offer flexibility: some couples exchange a watch now and co-design a ring later, or opt for both over time.

How to make it personal:

• Choose a watch brand that reflects your shared taste or milestones—perhaps one worn on a memorable trip or tied to a significant date.

• Engrave the caseback with your initials, proposal date, or a private message.

• Wrap it into an experience—gift it over a special dinner, at a lookout, or during a planned "surprise" day together.

Thinking ahead:
If your engagement watch holds significant financial or sentimental value, it may benefit from additional care and coverage. You can learn more about that here: How & Why You Should Insure Your Luxury Watch.

4. Adopting a Pet Together

What if your first "yes" was shared with paws and wagging tails?

For some couples, nothing symbolises building a future better than bringing home a rescue dog, cat—or even a rabbit—together. Tying a proposal to a shared adoption moment is not only emotionally resonant, it's deeply forward-looking. You're not just saying yes to each other—you're saying yes to a shared life that begins now.

Why it's trending:

• Pets represent commitment, stability and day-to-day responsibility—perfect symbolism for engaged life.

• More couples are opting to adopt before marriage; in fact, dog adoptions have increased by 11.5% in the past year.

• It's highly personal, memorable and meaningful—especially for animal lovers.

How to make it personal:

• Add a tag or collar that reads "Will you marry me?" before you reveal the adoption surprise.

• Include a framed photo of your new family member as part of the proposal keepsake.

• Volunteer together at a shelter or attend an adoption event "by surprise" where the proposal unfolds.

Thinking ahead:
Your proposal might begin at a rescue centre, but the meaning runs much deeper. Consider how your shared responsibilities (like vet appointments and training classes) reflect your broader values—teamwork, compassion, future-building. That kind of foundation makes for a strong engagement, with or without a ring.

5. A Handwritten Love Letter or Scrapbook

What if the proposal gift was the story of your love?

In 2025, some couples are stepping away from flashy proposals and opting for something quieter: a handwritten letter or a scrapbook filled with ticket stubs, photos, notes, and inside jokes. These deeply personal gestures often end with the question on the final page, spoken or simply written out in your handwriting.

Why it's trending:

• It taps into the rise of analogue intimacy—think film cameras, vinyl records, hand-poured candles.

• It costs little but carries huge emotional weight.

• It reflects the shift toward slow living and conscious connection, particularly in the post-pandemic era.

How to make it personal:

• Include handwritten annotations beside each photo or memory.

• Use paper, ink or binding styles that reflect your shared aesthetic—minimalist, romantic, vintage, or collage-style.

• End the book with a blank page titled "Our next chapter" and a space for your partner's answer.

Thinking ahead:
Even if there's no jewellery now, this kind of proposal often inspires later milestones—perhaps designing a ring together or commissioning a piece that reflects the stories in your scrapbook. When you do reach that stage, those personal references can be engraved into the jewellery itself.

6. Surprise Bucket List Trip

What if the destination was part of the question?

Another rising trend in 2025 is the travel-based proposal—surprising your partner with a getaway to a dream destination, with the proposal woven into the trip. Whether it's Paris, Uluru, or a secluded cabin in Tasmania, these moments feel cinematic and intimate all at once.

Why it's trending:

• Gen Z and younger Millennials are prioritising shared experiences over physical objects.

• Travel proposals create rich, multi-day memories instead of a single event.

• They often combine celebration with relaxation—no big crowds or pressure to perform.

How to make it personal:

• Hand your partner an envelope at the airport with the boarding passes inside and a note that says "Let's begin forever."

• Build the itinerary around meaningful memories—like the first city you travelled to or a shared dream spot.

• Hire a photographer or quietly record the moment to capture it without disrupting the flow.

Thinking ahead:
While the proposal itself may not involve jewellery, some couples choose to buy a ring (or permanent bracelet, or watch) as a shared purchase while travelling. If you do, remember to keep the receipt and take a photo of the item in its new setting—it becomes both a memory and documentation if you insure it later.

7. Heirloom or Family Relic

What if the most meaningful symbol already existed?

For some, the perfect engagement token doesn't come from a boutique. It comes from the past—a vintage locket with initials engraved, a brooch that belonged to a grandmother, or a pocket watch passed through generations. In 2025, heirloom proposals are rising, especially among couples who value sustainability, sentiment and tradition.

Why it's trending:

• Heirlooms combine history, symbolism and emotion—no two are alike.

• They reflect conscious values such as recycling, storytelling, and legacy.

• They often bring both families into the moment—especially powerful in multicultural or intergenerational households.

How to make it personal:

• Present the piece in a box with a handwritten note explaining its significance.

• Have the heirloom lightly restored or repurposed (e.g. turning a brooch into a pendant).

• Plan the proposal around a family gathering, estate visit or special anniversary.

Thinking ahead:
Should you eventually choose to insure that new piece, you may want to get it professionally appraised. Most specialist policies require documentation of value and ownership, such as a valuation or receipt.

8. Placeholder or Empty Ring Box

What if you got down on one knee—with nothing inside the box?

It might sound risky, but placeholder proposals are gaining popularity among couples who want to share the moment now and design the ring together later. It's a way to honour the tradition of "the ask" without locking in style, size, or spend.

Why it's trending:

• It puts design decisions in both partners' hands—making the final ring more collaborative and personal.

• It provides breathing room on budgeting, especially in the face of rising engagement ring costs.

• It reframes the proposal as the start of the decision-making process, not the conclusion.

How to make it personal:

• Include a sketch of a design idea, a family stone to be reset, or a swatch of metals or gemstones to explore together.
• Plan a follow-up date to visit jewellers, attend a design consultation, or browse markets for inspiration.
• Personalise the box itself with a quote, engraving, or hidden note inside.

Thinking ahead:
Once you've chosen the final piece together, it may be eligible for specialist jewellery insurance. For those of you wondering where to begin when designing a custom ring: Your Guide to Settings for Custom Engagement Rings.

9. Commissioned Artwork

What if your proposal were something you could hang on the wall?

From custom illustrations and oil paintings to digital portraits and stylised maps of your relationship journey, commissioned artworks are emerging as a meaningful—and memorable—ring alternative in 2025. They're one-of-a-kind and double as long-term keepsakes.

Why it's trending:

• It speaks to couples who want something symbolic and displayable.

• It merges sentiment with artistry, especially for those who live together or are designing a shared home.

• It offers endless variation—romantic, quirky, abstract or minimalist—based on the couple's aesthetic.

How to make it personal:

• Commission an artist who specialises in your chosen style or medium.

• Incorporate meaningful details—dates, locations, lyrics, even subtle inside jokes.

• Frame and unveil the artwork alongside breakfast in bed or a romantic dinner at home, where your new beloved artwork will take its place on the wall.

Thinking ahead:
Some couples purchase or commission an artwork as a "first piece" for their home together, while others later complement it with physical jewellery or tokens based on the design. It's a flexible entry point into proposals that prioritise creativity and story over sparkle.

10. Big-Picture Financial Gesture

What if your "ring budget" became the foundation for your future?

In 2025, some couples are rethinking where their engagement funds go—choosing to redirect that spend toward shared financial goals. From paying off HECS debt to planting trees on newly acquired land, these big-picture gestures may appeal to value-driven couples.

Why it's trending:

• It reflects economic realities—rising living costs, house prices, and university loan burdens.

• It aligns with values-based planning, particularly for couples prioritising long-term security and sustainability.

• It transforms the proposal into a forward-looking conversation rather than a one-time gift.

How to make it personal:

• Create a certificate, contract, or physical representation of the gesture, such as a framed deed, renovation plans or donation slip.

• Tie the proposal to a future milestone: new home keys, a joint investment, or a tree-planting event.

• Combine the moment with a letter or time capsule to revisit down the track.

No matter your style or circumstances, these ring-free proposal ideas reflect one powerful truth: the way we commit is evolving. In 2025, proposals are more intentional, collaborative and expressive than ever—less about tradition, more about meaning. Whether you're tattooing initials, booking a jeweller-free getaway, or choosing a pet over a precious stone, the goal is the same: to create a moment that speaks to who you are as a couple.

But how do you decide which option is right for you—and your partner? That's where we're heading next. Let's explore how to choose a proposal path that's meaningful, personal, and totally your own.

How to Choose the Right Ring-Free Proposal Option

Not sure where to start? Here's how to narrow it down and make it meaningful.

Know Your Partner's Priorities

• Do they prefer something wearable or experience-based?

• Are there cultural or personal traditions around proposals?

• Would they want a surprise, or to be part of the planning?

Understanding their expectations helps you choose an idea that feels authentic—not random.

Plan the Practical Steps

• Book early—tattoos, permanent jewellery, and trips can require lead time.

• Decide if a ring will come later and how that fits into your timeline.

• If you pivot to a wearable piece, hold onto receipts or valuations in case you need to cover it down the track.

A quick checklist now avoids last-minute stress later.

Keep Budget in Mind

• Permanent bracelets start around $300 AUD

• Watches often begin at $5,000 AUD

• Travel, pets and art vary—set a clear spend limit upfront

Want to see how this compares to a traditional ring? Read: How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring in Australia?

Do I Still Need Engagement Ring Insurance?

Even if you skipped the ring at the proposal, you might add one to your story later. When you do, it's worth understanding how ring insurance fits in.

When Ring Insurance Becomes Worth Considering

• As soon as a ring is purchased—even before it's worn

• When you receive a family heirloom or vintage piece

• After co-designing or resizing a ring together

Timing matters. Cover can begin before the ring ever leaves the box.

What Engagement Ring Insurance Covers

• Loss, theft, and damage (refer to the PDS for specifics)

• Cover while travelling, wearing, or resizing the ring

• Market-value assessments and annual revaluations

Have more questions? Check out: Engagement Ring Insurance Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should an engagement ring cost?

There’s no fixed amount. In Australia, the average spend sits between $5,000 and $7,500 AUD, though some couples spend more—or choose alternative options entirely.

Do guys wear an engagement ring?

Sometimes. It depends on personal style and tradition. Some wear engagement watches, bands, or tattoos. More couples are choosing symbolic gestures that reflect their relationship rather than expectations.

How does engagement ring insurance work?

You can cover a ring using a valuation, receipt, or certificate. Some specialist insurers may offer market-value cover, annual revaluation, and the ability to return to your original jeweller for repairs or replacements. Always refer to the PDS for details.

Are engagement rings covered on home insurance?

Often partially. Some home policies include sub-limits and may not cover loss, theft or damage while travelling or wearing the ring. Specialist ring insurance can offer broad, wear-friendly cover—check your policy to be sure your ring is covered.

Commitment First, Carat Later

In 2025, proposing is less about checking boxes and more about creating something personal. Whether you’re zapping a bracelet onto each other’s wrists, jetsetting to a dream destination, or framing a piece of commissioned art, the moment is defined by meaning—not metal.

This shift doesn’t dismiss tradition—it redefines it. Many couples will still choose a ring down the track. Some won’t. But what unites them is the intent behind the ask: a shared future, shaped together.

And when a ring does enter the story, you’ll know what to do next—how to care for it and how to cover it if needed.

Want to explore engagement ring insurance options for later on? Get an indicative quote today from JewelCover.