What are some good options for non-traditional engagement/wedding rings?
May 10th, 2008
question guy asked:
What if a girl doesn’t want a diamond? She doesn’t really like them, and she is concerned about questionable diamond/gem trade practices. What else could I buy that would be of equal quality/value/significance?
What if a girl doesn’t want a diamond? She doesn’t really like them, and she is concerned about questionable diamond/gem trade practices. What else could I buy that would be of equal quality/value/significance?
Or, on the flipside, how can I buy a diamond that I know came from a safe, legal, non-exploitative background?
You need to stop believing in Hollywood propaganda.
Be sure that the diamond(s) you purchase are from Russia and not Africa if it’s gotten to you that much.
Or buy her a cubic zirconia. They truly can be just as beautiful as a diamond.
If rings are generally unconfortable, then perhaps a necklace with a wedding ring on it…not to be worn on the finger until marriage.
You could have your birthstones intertwined in a ring–custom-designed by a jeweler. I believe you can ask for a country of origin for your stones. Research, on the internet, what countries don’t exploit their workers so you know which are the best to buy from.
oooh, I love this question.
1. If she doesn’t like diamonds, then don’t get her one. I got a diamond because I thought it was what I was “supposed” to do, but I don’t like gemstones and ended up getting a different ring months later.
2. Get her a claddagh ring. This is what I have and I love it. It has a heart, two hands, and a crown, which mean love, friendship, and loyalty. A diamond doesn’t say this much!
There are jewelers in Ireland (where the claddagh originated) that sell them online and ship them straight from Ireland. The best part is that they are stamped by an official office in Ireland, so you know they’re authentic.
And these rings do double duty: worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward, they signal that the woman is engaged. Worn on the left hand with the heart facing towards the body = married. So, it would be her engagement and wedding ring. You would just need to flip it around during the ceremony.
Also, claddagh rings are meant to be passed from generation to generation, so you’d be creating your own family tradition.
Getting a claddagh ring for myself had been my idea - not my fiancee’s - but if he had thought of it, I would have been so touched, considering what the ring means.
You can find claddagh rings at. I recommend getting a traditional one (without gemstones) that is extra heavy to ensure that it will last a lifetime.
How about ring tattoos. They are forever just like a marriage should be. And you never have to get them re-sized and you don’t have to worry about replacing the stone or losing it.
How about using any type of stone that she likes, but instead of gold, set it in platinum. Platinum is like the “diamond” of the metal world. You could use birthstones, or if she is into stuff like astrology, you could get some stones that are considered lucky.
America is the only country that uses diamonds. How about a beautiful ring of her birthstone? Or how about a sapphire with diamonds surrounding it. You can really do anything she wants.
Did she see “Blood Diamond”? Is this where her concern is stemming from? I dont know much about the diamond industry, but it never hurts to research things. If you are interested you should look it up.
A friend of mine didn’t want a diamond but simply because she wanted something different. It is good to be concerned about where a diamond comes from, but in all honesty, there’s not much you can do about it. Paperwork can be forged.
As for what kind of ring…my friend has a beautiful and unique pearl ring as an engagement ring. It’s really beautiful.
One tip…DO NOT BUY IT AT A MALL STORE!!! Most cities have a jewelry building where you can go and negotiate a price instead of paying a hell of a lot more than you should!!! Take the time to look and explore and make sure the person you buy the jewelry from knows jewelry. (Most mall store people don’t know ANYTHING other than SELL, SELL, SELL!!!!)
Why not buy her a claddagh with a small diamond in the center of the heart. The claddagh means Love, Loyality and Friendship, and worn with the heart toward you means your heart is taken, worn with the heart toward your fingers means your heart is available. This is a Irish ring and used for a wedding band also.
Sound like a girl with substance. It’s good that she cares about others.
I have always liked the thought of purchasing a beautiful antique ring. They have wonderful styles that you can no longer find. And it’s kinda a way of recycling. They don’t have to be diamonds either, because the style of the ring will be special enough. She will also be getting a one of a kind!
You can go to a custom jeweler. They can usually provide documentation on where the diamond came from. If she doesn’t want a diamond, what about going after a vintage ring of some sort, perhaps in her birthstone or favorite gem. My fiance wanted to get me a ruby rather than a diamond, but in order to get it custom made, it was more expensive than getting me the diamond.
Good Luck.
You could melt down a piece of gold jewelry from your side and one from her side and have it made into a ring. I love this idea!
buy her a sapphire off of ebay i got my ring for 200 dollars but this ring retails for 1000 i checked out the guys cradentails before i purchased it!
you could get a lab-created diamond, often less expensive and obviously not mined by laborers who are x-rayed every day to make sure they didnt swallow any…
Good for you for being careful. Buy a Canadian “polar bear” diamond, where you are assured everything was done legit.
On the other hand, you can have any type of gem - I think most common other than diamond is a blue sapphire or emerald, but anything would be totally beautiful.
order a ring with the birthstone for the month you started dating. it’s more personal thna a diamond, which has become the norm for today. my fiance ordere me a stone with the birthstone for the month we started dating, and i love it!! most jewelrs are honest people, but if you’re really worried, talk to an employee about tehir purchasing policies. get it insured if you ordere it online. ask her what her favorite stone is, and try that. i also like the idea someone suggested about buying a ring with your birthstines linked somehow…that’d be cute!
You have to know for sure what your fiance would like to have. Some girls would be happy with an antique from an antique shop….others have something in mind. It is safer to take her out to look at rings and get a good idea, even if you go back and get one later. This is something she lives with a long time. Be sure before you buy it.
If you ask some questions…or get some friends to ask…you will be making a wise decision….or you can just go together to pick one out….sometimes it is bought and then put away until you are ready to publicly announce the engagement. But don’t just “guess”.
diamonds are boring. you can choose sapphires, rubies, emeralds, opals just to name a few.
if you want something totally different from everyone else then what about a ring with both the bride and grooms birthstones instead of diamonds?
or a posey ring. they are unique and very romantic.
lots of choices out there, have fun looking!