I know this comes off as a very silly question but I know I need to get a ring for when the time comes. The two of us have spoken about it and she agrees that in order to avoid questions and judgment from people (primarily family) she needs an engagement ring. The problem is neither of us have any clue what that would be. I have pitched ideas that broaden the concept to more of an engagement gift as opposed to ring. However, this does not circumvent the questions/judgment so I am still stuck.
My intention is trip planned and payed for by me. I know her well enough to know this will be perfect but I also know I need the ring. Anyway thanks in advance for any help offered!
9 comments
How does she feel about synthetic gems? Chemically identical but no bloodshed over mining.
Two ideas that friends of mine did:
Find a local artisan/jeweler, tell them about your fiance (what they like, what their passion is etc) and let the artist do a few sketches. Then let your fiance choose from the sketches (I’m assuming gild or silver are ok?)
Second idea is similar – find something that is meaningful and have it inset in a ring, like ancient glass shards, or something that they may like.
What about just a regular stone? obsidian? tiger’s eye?
You can research ethical engagement rings. They are usually semi precious.
You can also consult a local jeweler and have something custom made. Since your not wanting a precious gem type ring it might be very affordable.
I think she needs to be more explicit and figure out what she wants. I think this is something she has to love and make sense to her – manufactured stone? Antique ring? Metal or silicone ring? Something made by an indigenous crafts person with local materials?
As someone who likes jewelry but doesn’t like the diamond industry… I have an amethyst engagement ring.
I let my fiancé pick out several features she likes on the ring and then left it at that. That way, there was no disappointments or dislikes and I can create something based on what she has chosen and knowing her preferences to be close to what she has in mind. After hearing/reading about people disappointed with engagement rings, I decided to do this instead of surprising her.
Look for vintage or a manufactured gem.
Onyx
How about finding a small, independent artist to create a ring from something that is meaningful to her. Any earrings or necklaces from grandmas or aunties? A piece of sea glass she found? A Lake Superior agate? Traditional turquoise?