A snap of my engagement ring.
We have long been told that the way to secure an engagement from an eligible bachelorette is to present her with the most beautiful diamond ring you can afford. And on the flip side, women alike have subconsciously measured and compared their worth by the size, sparkle and style of their diamond engagement ring. It really is a silly song and dance we go through, spending all this money on an object that merely says I love you, you love me, let’s wed. Yes, I am an absolute hypocrite for saying this, as a year and a half ago I accepted the most beautiful diamond ring from my now husband as a sign of our engagement, and I can tell you I was down right giddy about it. I still love my ring beyond belief and usually can be found staring at it, admiring it’s sparkle and shape. However, after getting engaged I started looking on sites like etsy.com and realizing there are so many other beautiful rings and stones out there, rings which are much more affordable and just as stylish. So I’d like you to consider these 5 other options to the traditional story of engagement rings before urging your beau to go out into the sea of jewellers to find you a sparkler worthy of your ring finger.
5. A family heirloom- Many families have diamonds and gems which are passed down from generation to generation. They may be a little dated and not quite the style that you want, but just as you would look at a potential new home, I urge you to consider the bear bones of the jewellery before judging. Consider the cut and quality of the stones in the piece and whether or not you could reassemble them into what you have long dreamt about. Often times these stones are larger and of better quality than what you and your fiance could afford to spend on a ‘new’ diamond. Many jewellers would be happy to make you a custom designed ring with existing stones and, think of this, in this ring you would have both the creativity and thoughtfulness of your fiance in designing the ring mixed with the memory of a loved one who has since passed. If you ask me, this is one great option to having a spectacular ring on a budget.
Estate ring available on etsy.com for $3,160
4. An estate ring- Many jewellers and antiquers alike collect and sell rings from the past. Often these rings are ornate and beautiful, with a feel of historical opulence. It’s fun to imagine who once owned the ring and how their story came to be. I’m sure you could even look into finding out the history of a given ring through a local historian or antiquer. I am in love with a certain style of estate ring, what I like to call a ‘diamond cluster ring’ where there are many small diamonds made into an ornate pattern. I’ve added an example above. I think something like this would be a fabulous and unique example of an engagement ring that, for the right person, could work as their forever ring. Again, this option can be as affordable or expensive as you like, but this style of multiple small diamonds tends to be less costly as a diamond’s price grows exponentially based on it’s size.
Pearl and diamond engagement ring off pinterest.
3. A pearlie sparkler- Pearls are an ever classy and elegant way to add to an outfit so why not consider a pearl in your engagement ring. Once again, pearls are a much more affordable option to the traditional diamond and why not consider a ring with the best of both, a bit of sparkle with some pave set diamonds and a bit of class with a beautiful, creamy pearl. I think this option makes sense for the right bride and it won’t break the bank.
Peach sapphire engagement ring $1450 from etsy.com
2. Peach Sapphire Baubles- Opting to embrace a gem other than a diamond for your centre stone can really help the pocketbook. My last two options do just that. Consider the pretty and soft pastel tones of this peach sapphire ring set in yellow gold with pave diamonds along the band and halo as a wonderful alternative to the traditional engagement ring. Consider that not many other women will have this style or colour of ring nor will most other women have the size of gem your fiance will be able to afford with buying this type of ring. If you are a lover of yellow gold this may well be the best option for you, as most jewellers shy away from diamonds set in yellow gold due to the fact that it ‘hinders’ the sparkle and can cause a yellowing look to be given to the diamond. This beautiful ring could be matched with a petite yellow gold pave diamond eternity band on your wedding day that you can wear as a pair or on it’s own when you don’t want to dirty the engagement ring. Again, this is a great option if you’d rather save your funds for the big day or for the down payment of a home in the future.
Morganite ring $1700 from etsy.com
1. Morganite is my new best friend- I absolutely love this gem when it is set in my favourite metal-rose gold. I actually received morganite earrings from my fiance as a wedding present and I love them, I wear them daily. This gem has a similar look to the sapphire above, although rather than showing peach I’d say it shows somewhere between pink and champagne. It is my favourite alternative to the traditional diamond engagement ring and, on the right person, could be an absolute show stopper. It is clear, sparkles and looks great with most complexions giving a very warm, romantic look to a ring. Once again I must stress it will be an option where your fiance won’t need to break the bank to purchase a large-sized stone that makes an impression. I think this would be a pretty, unique and classy way to show your engagement off to the world.
Again, these are just my opinions and thoughts on the idea of engagement rings, take them as options for you and your fiance to consider as you get engaged. And remember, an engagement ring is merely a symbol between you and your fiance that you have made the commitment to get married. It is not a necessity and it will in no way, shape or form give you a better relationship then you had prior to getting engaged, no matter the cost, size or sparkle. Make sure, though, whatever you choose is within your budget and style, after all it is something you will wear everyday for the rest of your life-you’d best love it!
xo Evie
{tulle & silk} 