WHAT DOES AN ENGAGEMENT RING LOOK LIKE

Sometimes it feels as though fashion trends are changing daily. Jewellery is no exception to that rule. There are always exciting and unique styles and designs emerging in the jewellery market. One of the most interesting trends that has slowly been emerging over the last number of years is the popularity of alternative engagement rings. People across the globe are starting to shy away from more “traditional” designs and move towards rocking engagement rings that are more tailored and individual to them and their lifestyles.

WHAT IS A “TRADITIONAL” ENGAGEMENT RING?

In order to understand what an alternative engagement ring is, let’s start by understanding what a traditional engagement ring is.

Traditional engagement rings usually fall into a category of rings that are known as Solitaire’s. They are usually diamonds set alone or with other smaller diamonds into precious metals such as yellow or white gold and platinum. This style of ring became popular in the 1940s when Queen Elizabeth II became engaged with her diamond and platinum engagement ring.

UNDERSTANDING ALTERNATIVE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Right from when I first fell in love with jewellery, I believed that it was a form of self-expression. I still believe that today and for the one piece of jewellery that you will wear every single day, I feel that it should really represent who you are and what you stand for. Diamonds and gold are still incredibly popular materials for engagement rings for people today. And who could blame them!? That sparkle is something to die for! But for many people, the style of classic engagement rings doesn’t suit them or their lifestyles. Which is what is so fantastic about an alternative engagement ring. They are made to suit you!

There are typically three “categories” of alternative engagement rings:

1. Traditional materials using unique designs.
2. Traditional designs using unique materials.
3. Completely unique designs using unique materials.

Basically, they can look like anything! They can be gold, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and amethysts. They can be anything because you can be anything. They are rings tailored to you.

I personally think this shift has happened because people who are getting engaged today are looking at it through different eyes than generations before us. Previously, an engagement ring could be considered as a status symbol or a sign of wealth. Today, I believe, the ring is more of a symbol of the love and life that your partner is promising you. If they are offering a life of adventure and excitement, the ring can reflect that that in its design – by being playful with colour and by using different gemstones and metals. It can be an expression of what you believe in and stand for as a couple. For example, if you stand for sustainability and environmental conscientiousness, you can have a ring made that uses recycled metals and gemstones in the design.

Another important factor that many people might consider “taboo” is that alternative engagement rings are also tailored to your budget. Not everybody can afford to have a giant diamond ring. But that shouldn’t be a reason to not have a ring you love that celebrates you as a couple. Engagement rings are about celebrating love. They are a celebration of the promise to grow old together and build a life together. Alternative engagement rings can give you all of that on a budget that you can afford.

Everybody is different and it is something that should be celebrated! Which is why this is a trend that I am falling in love with. Alternative engagement rings speak to who you are and what you stand for as a person. So, if you’re looking to get engaged, consider contacting JoyBerry Jewels to have an alternative engagement ring made that really represents you.