Tips for Selecting Reasonable & Meaningful Rings

Okay, so maybe you didn’t ask, but we’re going to grace you with our sage opinion, anyway: when it comes to acquiring those all-important engagement and wedding rings, we happen to think that a large chunk of diamond-related debt is a poor way to begin your future together. Plus, it’s tough times out there, so you might want to think extra wisely and carefully about your choices.

That said…these are your engagement and wedding rings! Your ultimate as-long-as-you-both-shall-live symbols of eternal love! A cheap piece of tin just isn’t going to cut it, right? So what’s a starry-eyed couple to do?

Fortunately, we have some ring-shopping tips that won’t require you to sacrifice your common sense or your future children’s college fund to find rings you love. Plus, brides are all about bending the rules these days, so you don’t necessarily need the matchy-matchy set of solitaire ring and band, unless that’s what your heart’s set on. Finally, once you start thinking creatively about finding or creating affordable rings, you’re likely to end up with pieces that are truly original and custom to you, which will make them all the more special – just like your incomparable, neverending love.

Some ideas:

• Think about getting one super-special ring instead of both an engagement ring and wedding band. With one ring, you can be less compromising on the details that are important to you. To make it a real showpiece, look for extra sparkle in the form of milgrain patterns and diamond accents, or a more substantial width. Also think about engraving your wedding date and/or special words of love on the inside of the ring to make it extra meaningful.
• Consider getting multiple bands, each with its own meaning, over time – for the engagement, wedding, honeymoon, kids, anniversaries, etc. Narrower bands will be less expensive, plus you can acquire them slowly and avoid the financial blow of one big rock. They can also incorporate different patterns of colored stones to reflect each unique event. That way, you can stack or wear them separately for different effects.

• Be original and think about less pricey, but equally beautiful, center stones. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds have been the colorful choice of royalty for centuries. They are very durable and can be less expensive than diamonds, making them a great choice for special rings. While blue sapphires are most famous, did you know that they also come in pink, orange, green, yellow, white and purple?

• Go for plain wedding bands, rather than the popular diamond-band extravaganza. Plain bands are simple, elegant, and less prone to damage. They are also a classic accompaniment to a diamond engagement ring, which is why they were the choice of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations.

• Keep it in the family. Many families have rings that get passed down from generation to generation. Ask your parents or grandparents if they have any special pieces lying around. Don’t forget that stones set into necklaces, earrings, watches or bracelets can also be repurposed. Resetting an heirloom stone into a ring for your wedding incorporates something old into something new that’s just for you.
• Know that you can always upgrade. It’s now common practice to buy and set a larger stone into your ring to mark a special occasion or anniversary down the road. It’s an über- romantic gesture, plus something to look forward to, right?
• Don’t forget the beauty and benefits of estate jewelry. You can find gorgeous one-of-a-kind antique pieces with a history that you’re just not going to get in a new piece of jewelry. Check out antique stores, estate jewelers and auctions for unique old-fashioned or new-again designs.

Remember that while certain wedding traditions appear to be set in stone, they can always be adapted to suit your and your fiancé’s unique styles and resources. When it comes to setting your own stone, think not only about what you can realistically afford, but also about what kind of rings will best suit the two of you. Eternity’s an awfully long time, so you’d better be sure that the symbols of your eternal love can stand its test!