What are your opinions of non-traditional wedding rings?
I'm shopping for a new band (well, now I'm shopping for a new band after just getting in from a few jewelers, because looking at sets was crazy depressing), after mine was completely ruined last year (a 2x4, stow and go seating, and a cheapie ring combined will do that, lol) and since then I've been wearing Joe's original band that was also smashed in a way that has made it slightly wearable for me.
Anyways, I'm finally looking for my replacement, but our budget is SO small that our options are really limited. I was hoping when we bought that I'd get a major upgrade (I know that sounds shitty, but we got engaged in hs so my ring was not what I really would have wanted in the long run) ... So, anyways, that's got me looking at some rings that aren't traditional at all (as in, without a diamond). If I wait for what I would want in a perfect world, I'll be like 80, with the job market as it is, so now I just want something that I am not worried about losing off my finger.
But if I like it, it really shouldn't matter if the stone is a diamond or not, right? Or what the metal is... Or, do I just need to go a more traditional route, not necessarily in the cut - I just mean so that it's obviously a wedding band. I don't want it to look like a piece of costume jewelry that I mistakenly put on my ring finger.
If you feel comfortable sharing, what is your price range?
Also, what is your birthstone? Favorite stone? I don't think it matters in the least if you go non-traditional as long as it's something you like/love.
Juni, we don't want to use credit, so if I want to buy right now (which I do, because since I've lost a little bit of weight, I've went down several ring sizes to my original size, and now Joe's ring is dangerously close to getting lost, even with the sides all busted in, lol) - I'll be staying around $200, which is pretty much nothing seeing as how I got tempted into looking at rings when I went to get sized, and what I love is about $2200, lol. Shouldn't have looked, lmao. But that's no surprise, as I already knew sets were not a possibility, even if I bought them off a dead hooker on Craigslist.
When I replaced Joe's ring last year, this is identical to what I got him, so originally I was thinking about getting the same one, but it didn't feel feminine enough for me. His ring had a lot of meaning behind it, so I didn't hate the thought of the same one, but Idk, I just didn't get that super warm fuzzy feeling.
So, now I'm looking at this one, because I love the way it goes with his, but is more dainty, but I'm worried about it not looking at all like a wedding ring, lol.
eta: I don't really have a favorite stone. My birthstone is an amethyst, which I don't love.
-- Edited by Cuppycake on Monday 7th of June 2010 04:40:19 PM
I'd say get what you like. I don't think you need a fancy show-peice diamond.
I have lots of friends (and family) that went non-traditional and it looks great.
my sil had a ruby ring as her engagement ring and it's beautiful (and as she's obsessed with the colour red, totally suitable).
i'm allergic to my rings (white gold - who the hell is allergic to gold) so i have to take them off every night so they are sitting at home on a shelf right now. I'd say get whatever makes you happy and don't go into to debt for something showy.
omg, I seriously could have written your post. every word. well, except my ring was lost on an out of town soccer trip.
For my birthday, Kyle got me this:
His ring is essentially the same, only without a stone. I recently told him i needed a bit more bling, so for our anniversary, I ordered this to go with:
The stones are man made diamonds, the metal is stainless steel. because they match his ring, and came from our favorite jewelry store, they are sentimentally very valuable, though together were less than $300. I seriously get compliments all the time. I think people appreciate "different" sets.
Ultimately, I plan to get a platinum set, but its not in our budget these days...
-- Edited by Erin on Monday 7th of June 2010 06:23:45 PM
omg, I seriously could have written your post. every word. well, except my ring was lost on an out of town soccer trip.
For my birthday, Kyle got me this:
His ring is essentially the same, only without a stone. I recently told him i needed a bit more bling, so for our anniversary, I ordered this to go with:
The stones are man made diamonds, the metal is stainless steel. because they match his ring, and came from our favorite jewelry store, they are sentimentally very valuable, though together were less than $300. I seriously get compliments all the time. I think people appreciate "different" sets.
Ultimately, I plan to get a platinum set, but its not in our budget these days...
-- Edited by Erin on Monday 7th of June 2010 06:23:45 PM
I love that. Is there anyway you'd be willing/able to post a picture of your set on your hand? I know that's obnoxious to ask, but the width and setting on your ring and the one I posted are so similar, that I'm dying to see it in person. Shopping online is so iffy, and things can look so out of perspective.
i love the one you posted leah but think erins that she posted looks more like a wedding band. Id go with what you picked though if you love it. Who cares if it looks like a wedding band if you and joe are both happy with it as one.
omg, I seriously could have written your post. every word. well, except my ring was lost on an out of town soccer trip.
For my birthday, Kyle got me this:
His ring is essentially the same, only without a stone. I recently told him i needed a bit more bling, so for our anniversary, I ordered this to go with:
The stones are man made diamonds, the metal is stainless steel. because they match his ring, and came from our favorite jewelry store, they are sentimentally very valuable, though together were less than $300. I seriously get compliments all the time. I think people appreciate "different" sets.
Ultimately, I plan to get a platinum set, but its not in our budget these days...
-- Edited by Erin on Monday 7th of June 2010 06:23:45 PM
I love that. Is there anyway you'd be willing/able to post a picture of your set on your hand? I know that's obnoxious to ask, but the width and setting on your ring and the one I posted are so similar, that I'm dying to see it in person. Shopping online is so iffy, and things can look so out of perspective.
i tried to take a pic with my iphonr but it didnt come out. I am traveling and will be home tomorrow and will take a pic then.
Leah I love what you have pictured there. I agree with everyone else go with what you love, all that matters is that you like it, who gives a rip about what anyone else thinks LOL!
just chiming in here :wave have you considered the vintage route? not sure if that's your style, but i've seen some pretty nice rings (with diamonds/sometimes sapphires, which are "engagement" in england i think?) - for around $300. my mom recently gave me a gorgeous diamond cocktail ring that she found in an antique shop for $250. i'm also all for plain bands - LOVE that look for real. my wedding band is a $50 white gold band and i love the look.
As long as you're wearing it on the correct finger, who cares what it is.
My friend just got remarried and she has a simple band, no stones or anything.
That's so her, I love that she wears what fits her personality.
I agree. My Dh got my engagement ring on one of his trips. It is black hills gold with a small diamond. It had a band to match but when we eventually got married I didn't need the band. Went to walmart and got a band for 20 and that is the only thing I wear now since I took off my engagement ring when pregnant with Raven. My finger haven't lost weight yet.
i also love sundance - they have some cool options (again, not sure of your personal style) http://www.sundancecatalog.com/category/handmade+jewelry/unique+rings.do?nType=1
i really love the one you posted, and that it matches his. i would get it. it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, it matters what is special to the two of you. get what YOU like.
i, like kelly, also really do love the look of a plain band. i just love the simplicity and elegance of a plain band.
My friend just got married over memorial day weekend. The wedding bands were actually WOOD!!! They were so cool and so pretty. I think she said it was Koa wood, it is Hawaiian and hers had a stripe of turquoise down the middle.
