What's an acceptable alternative for a diamond engagement ring?

Question

I have a very alternative view of marriage, and things in general, and buying a ring, especially with an expensive shiny rock on it, feels really foreign and stupid to me. So I'm looking for an alternative to the whole "diamonds are forever, blow two months salary" sort of thing. I'm thinking something oceanic would be nice. My girlfriend and I are surf fanatics.

Answer 1

that would be beautiful...maybe just a sliver ring with a wave design to it?

Answer 2

I wouldn't have known a zirconia from a diamond, now of course I know only a diamond can cut glass.. A ring out of a chewing gum machine.. or a suprise egg? A curtain ring? I don't know I am still waiting for my engagement ring and I have been married for 20 years.. so I guess there is an alternative.. we never got engaged.. we got married so I only got a wedding ring..

Answer 3

Well first talk to your girlfriend, I mean is she heck bent on a diamond? If not some of the world's greatest engagement rings were not diamonds, Princess Diana had a sapphire and Sarah Ferguson had an emerald ring. You could go with her birthstone or a precious stone instead, what is her fave color? You said you surf, maybe sapphire or blue topaz or tanzanite, something that would resemble the ocean. Good luck.

Answer 4

My sis is very anti-blood diamond, and she told her boyfriend she didn't want a diamond. Her (now) husband bought her a topaz and peridot ring (blue topaz, green peridot), and it is very pretty. One is in the center, then the two of the other stone on each side. That might be a good oceanic color combination for you. The ring was yellow-gold, which might be the minority these days with white gold and platinum being so popular. There are a million options. Check out bluenile.com for gemstone rings (great diamond selection too).

Also, I think star sapphires are gorgeous. They are beautiful blue stone with a white star that shows in some light. I've seen some set in sterling silver, others in yellow gold. Very unique and special.

Enjoy! It is awesome you want to keep it personal and about the two of you - that is what matters.

PS - One of the reasons diamonds are forever is because they don't scratch easily. Some others stones require more care, so ask your jeweler plenty of questions (or do your homework).

Answer 5

An engagement ring is a symbol of your commitment towards each other. A diamond is one of the first choices; however, there are many other options out there. From sapphires, rubies and aquamarines, the options are a plenty. An engagement ring can include diamonds but not necessarily be the main feature.

Answer 6

The alternative is basically any piece of jewelry. The idea is to show the importance you give to the question and to her. In my opinion that means real diamonds, any real gemstone just like a real marriage. You don't want to save money on it, you want it to be the best just like the relationship. Everytime she looks at the jewelry or puts it on, she will think of you, and of what you stand for in relation to her, so you ma want to give the right image.

In order to achieve that you need to find what suits your budget best. Ask her, she will sure let you know what she desires and if that makes her happy, that should make you happy too.

Many gems are possible, maybe no gems at all, just some jewelry piece in precious metal like platinum or gold.

Bear in mind that for very active daily use, your gem should have a hardness above 7 (Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby,Spinel, Tourmaline, Topaz, Emerald, ...), since most dust in the air has that hardness as it is composed of Quartz, and scratches the softer gems (Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Coral, Turquoise, ...).

Good luck and congratulations !

Answer 7

I went 12 years without having a diamond. When he said "Do you really want a diamond?" I, being a lady, said "No, that's fine.... I can wait". What I really wanted to say was "I know you are great, but I want a ring and a proposal story to tell my friends so they will think you are great too".

So first ask the young lady. It may be important to her. Please don't try to convince her of your beliefs on this. Now if her beliefs are the same as yours - Great!

If you do buy a ring, buy one that you can upgrade the diamond in as time goes on and your income grows.

If you like the sea, perhaps a pale colored aquamarine stone would be nice.

Answer 8

First of all make sure your gf feels the same way. Some people bypass the engagement ring and put that money on something more useful like a house. Other gem stones are being used more and more for engagement rings. My daughter's is an opal. Princess Diana's ring was Aquamarine. Go on e-bay or bidz, you can find a diamond or any other gem stone, for about 90 % off.

Answer 9

Colored stones are very in these past years. And since they are not the typical wedding ring, you can usually find them for cheaper. Try a pink amethyst, or a blue saphirre. However, a word of caution, I do not know your girlfriend, but if she has told you she doesn't want a traditional diamond ring, its a "go-ahead," but if not, it might be better to go with the traditional. Ask her, and if so, get some ideas from her...hint around at the subject and see what she leans to!

Answer 10

As long as the two of you are on the same page, that sounds great. If she wants something that looks more traditional but agrees about spending big bucks on it, I would recommend a moissanite ring. I got a very classic moissanite solitaire from http://www.shopping.schubachstore.com and I love it...it's just as durable and brilliant as a real diamond but was soooo much cheaper, so we can save for a house instead.

Good luck, and congratulations!

Answer 11

The ring given to Diana, Princess of Wales was a sapphire not an aquamarine.