An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, but it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune to be special. While traditional and societal pressures often suggest otherwise, a cherished engagement ring can be both meaningful and affordable.
From marketing myths to alternative styles, here’s why you don’t need to break the bank to choose a meaningful engagement ring.
The three-month salary myth
One of the most persistent myths about buying an engagement ring is that it should cost three month’s worth of wages. This outdated ‘rule’ was created by De Beers, a jeweler who controlled around 60% of diamond output in the 1930’s. As part of marketing campaigns to encourage prospective proposers to invest in diamonds for their engagement rings, the idea came about that such a ring should be expensive.
Though De Beers has successfully linked diamonds with engagement rings throughout history, there is no logical or traditional reason to spend a fortune on a ring. Instead, this ‘rule’ can create unnecessary financial pressure and shift the focus away from what truly matters: your promise of commitment.
Personalization over price
The sentimental meaning behind any material object is always personal and subjective. Therefore, the significance of the ring you choose will be defined more by its connection to your story than by its price tag. Unless a branded name is important to you and your partner, there’s no reason why you should run to the most expensive jeweler you can afford to buy an engagement ring.
Consider splashing out instead on personalized rings engraved with symbols, initials, or even a short phrase that is meaningful to you and your beloved. Such elements add a unique, one-of-a-kind quality that cannot be replicated by even the most expensive diamond.
Vintage and antique rings also offer timeless and unmatched beauty and charm, often at a fraction of the price of new rings. Steeped in history and character, these are often made with exquisite craftsmanship and will certainly demonstrate how well you know your partner.
Alternative gemstones
Though Hollywood and clever marketing campaigns have pushed diamonds into the spotlight for a traditional engagement ring, they are not the only option. In fact, if sustainability is important to you and your partner, there are many more ethical choices of gemstones to consider. Moissanite is a brilliant alternative to diamonds with a similar sparkle and transparency. Grown in a lab, this choice avoids contributing to environmental damage and unfair labor practices.
For a pop of color, look to gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies and even semi-precious stones like amethyst and turquoise. These all make for stunning and meaningful choices, and come with historical value that dates back millions of years. Moonstone has powerful connotations with love, while sapphire has become the iconic royal gemstone of choice.
Look at your partner’s individual taste and style preferences when choosing which gemstone resonates with them the most –they may even have a favorite. Many artisans use gemstones to create unique, hand-crafted rings of the utmost beauty, so be sure to look outside of chain jewelry stores for a unique and thoughtful ring.
Focus on the meaning
Choosing a special engagement ring that doesn’t break the bank is not only possible but encourageable, as it often results in a more meaningful and personalized piece of jewelry to represent your love. Remember, the true worth of any ring is not in its price tag, but in the story and commitment it represents.
