No I'm not engaged. But a girl can dream right? :)
I went to a department store with a friend who wanted to look at rings. Now, My Love and I have very little money. Our budget preferably would be under $1000 (before tax) but I have a feeling that is impossible. I took one look at the diamonds and frowned. You'd need a magnifying glass to see a diamond that costs less than $1000. Plus they are boring, little microscopic dot on a plain band.
I'm an artist. I like details and color. I found myself falling in love with the sapphire and diamond rings. Its become pretty popular to make sapphires with diamonds on the bands or surrounding the main stone like in the pick. They were gorgeous! And I could see them without a microscope. I've always loved sapphires, this just seems more my style.
I have a feeling my mom might have an issue with it because its not a diamond. But frankly, I want what I like, not just what is expected. And I can't afford the kind of diamond rings I like, with the details. They cost WAY too much. I don't want a ring that costs 3 months rent. I'd be terrified to wear the thing. I'd be thinking about where that money could have been used. For food, clothes, school bills. I wouldn't be able to wear it knowing we needed that money for so many other things. I'm just not that flashy of a girl.
I also have decided, after talking to my friend, that I will do the 2 wedding bands. I had mentioned in an earlier post that I wanted to get 2 wedding bands, one for each wedding. That way the ring is not complete without the two bands, just like my marriage is not complete without the two weddings. Obviously, 2 bands means more of an expense. Another reason not to get a horrendously expensive engagement ring.
Anyone have an opinion on this? Anyone else go for the non-diamond option?
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re: engagement ring - What about antique shops? Places that get estates? A friend of mine has gotten some *very* nice jewelry from places like that without it being too expensive.
ReplyDeletere: wedding band - I've seen ones I like that don't have any jewels at all. (I'm not a blingy person anyway...) In fact, I saw one, can't remember where, that was two bands that formed a pattern. Which would kind of work for your purpose.
Amber: Yes I'm thinking those could work too. I think Im just not that into diamonds lol. But I LOVE antique rings, I have a few of them from my grandmother.
ReplyDeleteThat could be cool, an intertwining band. But I think I need two separate ones, one to go underneith and then one on top. Just plain white gold bands, nothing fancy.
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ReplyDeleteI'm not the choosy person...So when the person im getting engaged to is the Right one! He'd be my real ring to show off everywhere! Yea, old school ha! And regarding the actual ring, its probably just going to be a plain silver band or something..could have a jewel..but not at all necessarily a diamond. Yea,me too will be horrified just thinking of all the BETTER places all that money cld have gone to if i get me a super expensive diamond ring! Hardly will be able to enjoy it.. lol
ReplyDeleteBut what matters is really the intention of getting married and doing everything right...the ring is again just a formality! thats what i think...
Sis do you want me to email you a pic of mine? It cost under $1000 and has a few diamonds. The trick is the carats in the gold - I have a 9 carat one because I use my hands for stuff all the time. If you go that way, they are a LOT cheaper and work much better for people who want to keep their rings on all the time while showering, washing hands, etc. Mine is also part of a set - the wedding band is matching and came with it.
ReplyDeleteI actually saw quite a few that were around the same price and were 3 matching bands - an engagement one, a wedding one and then a band that went over that to complement it all.
This is such a nice and happy topic lol! I still look through catalogues at engagement/wedding rings lol :D
Splendid sky: I agree I dont even feel like i need a ring. But if I didnt have something my mother would get so upset and say he wasnt a proper man because he didnt buy me a ring. Honestly it could come out of a Cracker Jack box for all I care lol!
ReplyDeleteEllen: Im sure less expensive rings exist, Ive seen a couple in the downtown area of the city, in our China town, that look really nice. So it is possible but I want to keep my options open. I think its because while at the department store I fell in love with a sapphire ring with diamonds on the band. I have yet to fall in love with a diamond.
Yours sounds very pretty though. And yes a slightly harder grade of gold takes the price down and keeps the ring from getting bent. I destroyed a gorgous topaz ring because the band was 22k and it got smooshed while I was typing :(
I have just been ring shopping with moheed and he was asking about the whole engagement ring situation!
ReplyDeleteI like the ones that are a set of 3.... 2 identical bands with a more engagement style ring in the middle Like the ones in the link below!
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2298308/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CJewellery+and+watches%7C14416987/c_2/3%7C15701260%7CRings%7C14416988/c_3/4%7Ccat_14416988%7CWedding+rings%7C14417005.htm
this set is really cheap but I have seen better quality and stuff so this is a thought!
Hope this helps sister
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3742076&camp=CSE_Amazon&srccode=cii_23393768&cpncode=21-45345863-2
ReplyDeleteI got this set-- in yellow gold, instead of white gold, though. I may be old fashioned, but in my mind an engagement ring is a diamond. I have an emerald ring he got me on an anniversary (I LOVE emeralds) and I've been hinting at a ruby ring for Valentine's Day (on sale for $20...I'm not really a big spender.) I guess I'm saying that although the ring pictured in your post is absolutely beautiful, many people may judge you (even though it's none of their business) for having a non-traditional engagement ring. Even my heart shaped one is seen as a bit odd because it doesn't have the one big solitaire.
To each her own, I say! Find the ring that's right for you.
I never got an engagement ring or a wedding band although some people give me the side eye, I pay them no mind. I would love a non traditional ring, if that fits your personality your mom will probably understand.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth: Pretty but way too much bling for me :)
ReplyDeleteNikki: I like it. Its cute and fun. That with a round stone I would like. I really dont care what people think. Our marriage will be so untraditional I doubt anyone is going to notice the ring that is on a white hijabi married to a Pakistani :)
Umm Muhammad; I agree with you. So far, I like the sapphires better. Although I could get a sapphire band to go with a plain diamond....oooooo.....thats a good idea....I like that
What do we think? Simple diamond, then band with little sapphires around it? Could be pretty.....like this: http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/14k-White-Gold-Blue-Sapphire-and-Diamond-Band/3310881/product.html
Im playing with Zales and I like the following:
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2927340
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3858191
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3864317&kpc=1
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902239&kpc=1
Ok new plan: if we get to the point where its time to shop Im taking him to Zales. They have what I like. Can you tell I like details on the band? :)
I love the ideas of sapphires on the band with a diamond as the main stone! If I see something similar I'll be sure to send a link your way. :)
ReplyDeleteYAY thanks :) I know its silly to look at this stuff but it makes me happy
ReplyDeleteGo with what you like! Fun topic. :)
ReplyDeleteTeehee Gotta have a little fun now and again :)
ReplyDeleteI really like that ring in the picture - so pretty! I got, 2 years after the marriage, a ring and band set each with 7 tiny diamonds, and in 14k gold. It was just less than a month's rent for us. I really like my rings. They're sparkly but not fancy or big and not at all extravagant. Just "me". :)
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