So, you’ve found the love of your life, and you’re ready to get married? Congratulations! Now comes the hard part; choosing an engagement ring.
Buying an engagement ring can be a daunting task and, let’s face it, although the easiest choice, a classic diamond engagement ring isn’t for everyone. Honestly; it’s just a little obvious. Yep, we hate to break the news but that solitaire setting with a centre stone and a simple band has been done to death – or should that be divorce?
If you’re looking for a way to make this special moment even more memorable, unique, personal and thoughtful, why not personalise your engagement ring instead of getting a style straight out of the Argos catalogue?
With this in mind, here are 7 quirky and unique ways to make that piece of jewellery as one-of-a-kind as your love story. So get that ring size ready because we’re about to dive into a world of creativity and customisation…
Birthstones Galore
News just in; many marrying millennials are giving the finger to diamond rings and opting for previously under-appreciated and undervalued gemstone rings instead. This, of course, makes total sense; why spend many months worth of your salary on a ring, just because it has a diamond in it?
When it comes to choosing a gemstone, what better way to symbolise your union than by incorporating both you and your partner’s birthstones into the engagement ring? This creative twist adds a splash of colour and personal significance to the ring.
Consider having both stones set side by side; we adore the toi et moi style (French for “you and me”), which features two stones instead of one, both in different settings. Or perhaps you’d prefer for a main stone surrounded by smaller accent stones representing your partner’s birth month? It’s up to you!
While gemstones may not be as glittery or as glamorous as a diamond ring, choosing a birthstone ring is way more personal. Moreover, it’s much better than showing everyone how big your diamond ring is – an egotistical move if ever there was one.
Read: 5 Ideal Reasons To Choose A Coloured Stone Engagement Ring
Engrave Your Love
Engraving is a timeless way to add a personal message to your engagement ring. Whether it’s a simple “I love you”, the date you met, or a cheeky inside joke, engraving can be a beautiful reminder of your unique bond.
Indeed, an engraved message can add that extra sentimental meaning to your engagement ring, capturing your personal connection as a couple. Plus, every time your partner looks at their ring, they’ll be reminded of that special message, making it all the more meaningful. Find a pre-made piece crafted by Etrnl and have it engraved or get a bespoke piece engraved. The choice is yours.
A Ring That Reflects Your Proposal Or Something Personal
Looking for a unique way to commemorate your proposal? Why not design a ring that reflects the date itself? If you’re proposing in autumn, how about a ring with leaves or other autumnal motifs? Alternatively you could choose a gemstone that marks the month you had your first date .
You could incorporate the place your proposing into the rings design. If you’re planning a beach proposal or beach wedding, consider incorporating shells into the motif of the band. Or perhaps you’re proposing in a garden? Then you might be interested to hear that the imperfections in emeralds are called ‘jardin’ – French for ‘garden’.
Or, what about something even more personal? A couple familiar to this writer who got engaged recently chose a ring with a salt and pepper diamond because they love to cook together. How sweet is that? Oh, and who says engagement rings have to have diamonds or gemstones? If you and your partner love nature, why not consider an engagement ring made of wood – wood rings are said to represent continuous growth and strength, both of which a successful marriage needs.
The possibilities are endless, and the result is a ring that tells the story of your love.
Re-Purpose Heirloom Jewellery
Want to infuse tradition into a modern celebration of love? Then why not repurpose an heirloom piece? Using heirloom jewellery to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring isn’t only sentimental, but it’s eco-friendly, too.
By re-purposing an existing piece, you’re giving new life to a family treasure while also adding your own unique twist. You can use the original stones in a new setting or melt down the metal to create a brand-new design. Either way, you’ll have a beautiful, meaningful ring with a rich history.
Read: 5 Ideal Tips For Repurposing Family Heirloom Jewellery
A Secret Message or Symbol
For those who prefer a more subtle form of personalisation, consider incorporating a secret message or symbol into the ring’s design. This could be anything from a hidden engraving on the inside of the band to a small gemstone set in a discreet spot. This way, your partner will always carry a reminder of your love, but it’ll something intimate to just the two of you.
Mix & Match Metals
Who says you have to stick to just one type of metal for your engagement ring? Mixing and matching different metals can create a truly unique and eye-catching design. For example, you could opt for a rose gold band with a platinum setting or combine yellow gold with white gold accents. This modern approach allows you to play with colour and texture, creating a ring that reflects your partner’s individual style.
Read: Reasons To Design A Bespoke Engagement Ring
Go Custom All the Way
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not design your own custom engagement ring from scratch? Collaborate with a skilled jeweller to create a one-of-a-kind piece that incorporates all the elements that are meaningful to you and your partner. This might include specific gemstones, metal choices, or even a completely unconventional shape. The sky’s the limit when it comes to custom designs, so let your imagination run wild!
The Bottom Line
Personalising your engagement ring is a fantastic way to make this already special piece of jewellery even more meaningful. By incorporating elements like birthstones, engravings, or custom designs, you can create a ring that tells the story of your love and sets the stage for a lifetime of happiness together.
So go ahead, break away from tradition, and let your creativity shine as you embark on this exciting journey towards marital bliss!
Now that you’ve got your engagement ring sorted, on to the next step; here are 6 alternatives to traditional wedding rings that might just float your boat.