In a few weeks, and specifically after Ramadan, your timeline on Facebook will be spammed with pictures of young couples showing off their engagement rings.
It’s wedding season all over again (although it has become significantly hard to pick a time of the year as wedding season in Egypt). And to my great disappointment, most engagement rings will just look the same; a sparkly diamond in the middle with tiny baguettes or round stones around it to compliment the design.
I look at wedding rings between the 20s and the 50s and each ring has its own signature. Designs were authentic and true to the kind of relationship and speak volumes about the woman wearing it.
While diamonds are still special and commonly used, especially after the 1940s, you still find Topaz, Sapphire, Pearls and Rubies – and they don’t look any less classy or captivating.
What about wedding bands for men? Well, Manly Bands have got you covered; check these out!
Setting Your Options
First off, you need to be clear on the ring itself (and please try to ditch the set mindset, it’s so 1990s). While a Tiffany set is timeless and all, it’s unoriginal and so commonly acquired by modern-day brides.
When you want something that speaks for you, you need to be open to different styles. You can even design your own ring. Anything applies when it’s YOUR ring.
An anniversary band is very elegant and timeless, you can choose whatever stone you feel like wearing and it can go all the way round or even just halfway. You can have a single line or two or more if you’re into chunkier jewelry.
A halo band surrounds a middle stone (that again, doesn’t have to be a diamond) and the surrounding stones can be made with clear or colored gemstones.
An antique ring will definitely give you a different edge, they can be made with different metals, beautiful rose gold, yellow gold or white gold.
Again, feel free to wear the design that compliments your personality and not the cameras! Most likely, you will wear this ring for the rest of your life.
Go Eco-friendly?
There is no doubt that mining harms planet Earth. If you still want your shiny stone, but want to go green and do something good for the world, you can look online for ethically cultured stones and gems.
Ethical mining is a thing where the environment is minimally harmed and miners are treated in a fair manner. Brilliant Earth and Green Karat are two suppliers of ethical and green, beautiful stones. Another option is to recycle a family ring into a new design.
Stone-less?
While your mom might die from a heart attack if you tell her you don’t want to buy a diamond engagement ring, I am not sure what telling her that you want to go stone-less might do to her.
It is very unaccepted socially in Egypt to buy a “shabka” that is cheaper or doesn’t match up to your cousins’, second cousins’, neighbour’s daughters’ and mother’s best friend’s daughters’, etc… But who cares?!
This is your ring. You are the one who is going to be stuck with taking care of that stone for the rest of your life, polishing, cleaning and treating every now and then. Why the hassle? Marriage already brings enough.
Plus, there is no rule that says you have to wear a stone. Your band can have an engraving, braiding or a weaving and it would still look sparkly, simple and unique.
What stone to choose?
I’d first recommend you check out your birthstone. If you’re lucky like me and your birthday is in November, you can score a mesmerizingly beautiful blue or yellow Topaz. Or if you are into delicate, high maintenance and sincere stones, a Pearl is what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something that’s a tad royal and timeless, Sapphire is calling.
Your options are endless. Don’t tie yourself to a bland diamond that will just cost five times as much as any other ring.
Whether you choose to go for a diamond, another gemstone or go stone-less, remember that you’re just starting out your life with your partner, there is no point in dumping all your money on a ring that will mean nothing if it goes wrong for any reason.
You can invest this money in your house, a dream wedding or a lavish honeymoon. In a few years down the line, when your finances are well-managed and kicking, he might surprise you with a 5K diamond ring and the two of you could say that you’ve earned it!
Your wedding ring will stay with you for many years, please think of what it symbolizes and how it reflects who you are and speaks of your relationship with your significant other.
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss “How to Choose Your Wedding Dress If You’re a Plus Size“
