I’d better start this post with a disclaimer: I’ve never been the kind of girl who daydreams about her wedding, whether it be the dress, location, decor or even the groom, really. I figure that’s a bridge to be crossed when I come to it, and I currently have plenty of other things to plan out in my life.
There is one exception to this wedding apathy, and it comes from me really, really freaking loving jewelry. Especially rings. You can’t imagine the hours I’ve spent on Etsy drooling over vintage art deco rings with pretty stones, trying to come up with an excuse to drop big money on a shiny accessory.
But since nice jewelry ain’t cheap, I kind of assume that I’ll only get to have a super fancy ring when I get engaged. Which is why I may or may not have the above black diamond ring bookmarked on my computer…just in case I may need to pull it up someday. Yeah, I know it’s kind of weird to have an engagement ring in mind when you’re single. But is it even weirder that it has a black diamond? Apparently not, according to Glamour.
While the magazine hasn’t yet done any official studies on the trend, they did recently publish a piece entitled “Engagement Rings in Every Color of the Rainbow! Which Would You Wear?”. As you’ve probably garnered, the accompanying post features an array of non-traditional rings set with stones like amethyst and ruby.
The commenters’ responses to the post seem quite favorable; while many of the women comment that they would like a diamond, there’s also mentions of pearls, sapphires and yellow diamonds as second choices. I personally find white diamonds to be pretty, but a bit lacking in personality. Hence the dirty little black diamond secret I told you about above. If I ever come into money any time soon, I’ll snatch it up first thing. Until then, I’ll just have to covertly peek at it every once in a blue moon. [via Glamour]
What do you think about colored engagement stones, Lovelies? Which non-white diamond stone would you get?
daisy / 617 posts
I would love to have a black pearl. They’re gorgeous.
I love this one.
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Definitely not.
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@clumsyandunaware@xanga -
That’s purdy, changed my mind.
sunflower / 291 posts
Well Glamour is the authority of these things…I guess I should give back my ring and demand one in a pretty color!
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Hey there! I’m not the type that daydreams about weddings and all that either. I have considered what it is that I would want though. I wouldn’t want a diamond at all, to be honest. I would want a nice crystal quartz with my fiance’s and my birthstones on either side. I think that would be so special and gorgeous. I’m just not the type for diamonds, but quartz is special. It holds a lot of energy, and thus a lot of meaning. The birthstones would have to be from the sun zodiac though. I’m an aquarius so mine would be amethyst… I don’t like purple though, so maybe I can get a green amethyst. ^.^
I love the idea of non-traditional engagement rings. I think it’s cute.
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Considering it’s something I plan to wear for the rest of my life, and that fact that I as a human being have a personality, I don’t really need my ring to be dramatic. Simple white diamond will do, for me.
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sapphire or emerald :3
lily / 5148 posts
Kind of too late for me. Lol
orchid / 248 posts
@ShimmerBodyCream@xanga - I actually dislike diamonds in general and don’t want a diamond engagement/wedding ring at all. I also dislike roses to be honest. THIS is the ring I would want, or one similar to it
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I don’t like diamonds (they’re too boring to me), so I’d like for my engagement ring to feature a ruby, sapphire, or emerald.
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I’d like to think that most women are reasonable enough to go for a low-priced engagement ring (In other words, who gives a shit what kind of rock it does or does not have) and save up the extra money for things like a down payment on a house or a car – you know, things that actually CONTRIBUTE to a life together besides feeding into your own egos…
Emphasis on “like to think.”
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I’ll admit that I enjoy fantasizing about a future wedding (I met a guy who makes me think about that kind of thing, so…) Honestly if it’s from the right guy I will love any ring he gives me. That’s just the kind of girl I am. If the love of my life spends time deciding on what he thinks is the perfect ring and proposes to me, the sentimental value alone is enough to make me love it.
I’m not the kind of person who wears fine jewelry every day-I’ve got a GIANT collection of jewelry but I rarely wear anything “fine” unless it’s from someone special. I like a lot of things as far as potential engagement rings (I also enjoy cruising etsy for gorgeous art deco and Edwardian rings…) I like this one, and I also love pearls. But really, as long as it’s not some giant rock or something gaudy (or ridiculously expensive!), what matters to me is the guy holding the ring, not the ring itself =)
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When I buy an engagement ring, I just want to be sure it’s a conflict-free stone. Preferably artificially-created. Other than that, it’s up to mah woman and my bank account.
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@QuantumStorm – if it’s not possible then sure inexpensive should suffice… But if it is at all possible splurging a bit on a once in a lifetime gift that shows how much you love her is a great way to start a marriage. To assume it is an ego boost I think is to miss the point.
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I wouldn’t mind something other than a white diamond.
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@Hinase@xanga - See, this is why I like you so much.
lily / 5148 posts
@QuantumStorm@xanga - I know my fiance got my engagement ring for about 200 dollars (it was normally 400). Though I know I chose an apartment and freedom over a wedding. Something more important and vital.
lily / 5148 posts
@QuantumStorm@xanga - Thanks
It’s always good to know what is important in life and what isn’t.
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I love the diamond engagement rings from Verragio. I prefer a white diamond engagement ring.
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@MrTrololo@xanga - I think in a lot of ways an engagement ring is an ego boost, much like splurging on a fancy luxury car when cheaper alternatives exist. Except in the case of a luxury car, it actually has some utility in terms of getting me from point A to B, and in some cases they’re better-designed to handle crashes, making them a safer, if more expensive, bet.
I do understand the importance of showing your love for someone via these things; I just don’t think this should be the primary way to show it. A real lifetime gift in my opinion would be more like a house.
orchid / 106 posts
Green spinel is my gem of choice !
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my boyfriend refuses to buy me the huttese decoder ring for my engagement ring. he will rue the day he said no to a $14 token of eternal affection.
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While my engagement ring has white diamonds, I wouldn’t have minded if I had received a ring without diamonds, or no stones at all. I particularly like sapphires and rubies. Or even amethyst. Any woman who makes a huge deal when they are proposed to with a ring without diamonds, probably doesn’t deserve any ring at that time. A more expensive ring does not mean your SO loves you more than if he proposed with a less expensive ring.
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@QuantumStorm – who said anything about it being a primary way though? A good ring costs onlt 1-2k a house costs 100k and up. For the little comparatove effort it takes, its a pretty good way to show your affection. It’s time honored too, so i think to chalk it all up to female ego is a over reaction to feminism. Like the 40 year old feminist that no man ever wanted to marry, so also shalt thou be trololol…
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@MrTrololo@xanga - I think it comes down to personal preference because I don’t really see the justification, even in that case, of doling out 1-2k for a ring when that can go towards the house, or a car, or other, far more useful things. You’re definitely right in that it’s not all about female ego; part of it has to do with the male ego too, by being able to prove to her (and others, by extension) that you can provide nice baubles for the missus.
It could just be that the boundary I draw between a nice, meaningful gift and frivolous spending is different than where others would draw the line. I wouldn’t go so far as to say every investment I make into a marriage has to have some utility besides the emotional component, but I do eye things like jewelry and other luxury spending (that includes spending for both men and women) a bit harsher than others would.
As for being the guy no woman wants to marry, I assure you, that would make my life a LOT easier to manage bahahaha
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@QuantumStorm – If that’s what you’re going for, this is an excellent way to do it
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@QuantumStorm – I think also the crucial point you miss is that women ascribe sentiment and emotion to certain things where guys do not, and you strain to percieve it’s value and thus cannot see the justification. There are some women who may see things like you however… we cannot put women in a box. But generally it is a trait they share. If you do ever find yourself in a position to get married rather than just thinking like a guy according to a guy’s perspective will not cut it. Men have to be listeners and respond to women’s needs. This is not being a slave to a woman, but rather looking out for her needs and trying to make life pleasant for her. Who with any compassion would want a woman to be miserable? in a marriage it’s easy to do by missing to do simple things. You can fight against it because it doest’t make logical sense, or listen to the need and respond to it. That’s my take on it bro, based on my experience… Maybe you can make some other way work bit if it does i would chalk it up to a unique situation, person, or luck.
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Two words: Blood Diamond. I’d rather get a GTR-R32 or Audi R-8. =D
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@MrTrololo@xanga - Well I understand that there can be a difference in the things we value, but there is a point at which sentimental value transcends into selfish greed or vainglory. As for the other stuff, that’s all fine and dandy and I don’t dispute the value of learning to be more accommodating of the needs of others. I’m just pointing out that there’s a limit, that’s all. We wouldn’t want to keep her miserable, but there’s also no need to treat her like a spoiled child either.
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I wouldn’t want a white diamond because everyone has them. Un-unique rings lead to more bragging and comparison and that’s pretty ugly.
I think they are meant as a gesture to show the woman how much she means to the man, and to reflect her worth to him. (That’s why sometimes people hold to traditions like x% of your monthly wage), but that meaning goes awry thanks to Hollywood and the inherit ugliness and competiveness of human nature. I watched some TV series (csi probably) a few days ago where a woman had a small stone in her ring. someone said “well looks like she didn’t marry him for the money” in a dismissive tone. In a movie I watched a guy gave a woman a self made ring and he was displyed as the total loser. I’d be so pissed off if my richer friends would make such remarks.
I think I would like to get a ring bc I love traditions, but it should be somewhat personal. Reflect the love. It would be cool if it was self made or our names were carved in for example. And if it had a turqoise stone bc that is my favourite color. Or red. I don’t like golden jewelry.
If someone wants to show their appreciation with money they can also donate it to doctors without borders or or some organization that helps disabled people or promotes a more “pro-life” philosophy than most have…that would show how *I* am appreciated (my values and the belief that the world can be made a better place). An overly expensive ring that I’ll lose or step on anyway isn’t exactly congruent to my values. Someone who really loves me knows this. I mean I wouldn’t throw it away, but if it was a totally obvious brag-ring, I’d be a little dissapointed.
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I want either rubies, sapphires or emeralds in mine
I honestly don’t think diamonds are that pretty.
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I don’t really like diamonds. I want a sapphire ring.
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This is my wedding ring/engagement ring. The rose gold/pink diamond band in the middle is the wedding band, the white gold/white diamond part is the engagement ring. I like that it’s all one piece. He likes that the diamond is big enough to be, very obviously, a symbol that I’m taken.
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@QuantumStorm@xanga - gem preference =/= price preference. I spent more on my ex-fiance’s ruby ring than he did my diamond. I think most people who like jewelry will probably have a gem preference.
sunflower / 413 posts
I used to want Blue Topaz with diamonds on it too. Emerald cut. But I think I do just want one with a traditonal white diamond. Although when I was at Tiffany’s they did have some gorgeous ones with black diamonds.
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I’d love a pearl or a black stone. I’ve never liked diamonds. I know they’re supposed to be so beautiful and when someone buys you a diamond it’s a BIG DEAL, but I just find them almost ugly. I feel like less of a girl for even saying that! Hah. If someone didn’t know that and bought me one, I’d still be happy of course. I’m not that picky :]
sunflower / 282 posts
I’d rather the traditional diamond but I also like the idea of a pink diamond.
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@QuantumStorm@xanga - I would agree there’s a limit, I can deal with that. As long as a limit is not forcing a woman to have no ring at all or a very cheap one when you can afford an average decent one.
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My engagement ring is a yellow citrine. (It’s supposed to signify optimism) It was a remarkably reasonable price (something I really wanted.) It was perfect for me because I love the look of it and I don’t need an expensive ring to be happy.
I feel the same way about my wedding dress. I could care less if it costs $6 at GoodWill. In fact, I’d prefer it to be much cheaper.
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I want a blue diamond so badly! But all the rings I have seen with a blue diamond (with a white gold band) are so expensive I would never expect it. I do know that I will be happy with whatever I do get, because I know it will be picked out especially for me by the man I will marry one day.
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Absolutely! But I would want my boyfriend to pick it out, so if you got just a “regular” diamond, it would be fine too!
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That black diamond is way cool looking. I think a lot of those nontraditional rings are gorgeous, but I’d rather have rings like that as fashion accessories and have something a little more traditional. However, I would want blue topaz (my birthstone) on either side of the white diamond. I don’t prefer the white diamond because it is more expensive. I just think it is classic. Would I say no to a ring that wasn’t what I wanted? No, that is a shallow reason to turn down a proposal (I know girls who claim they would say no to an “unworthy” ring).
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Never been a fan of bling. My engagement ring is turquoise, and has a lot of symbolism for me, that a diamond never would. My wedding ring is going to be sterling silver celtic knots. Oh, and my dress is not going to be white, either, but more of a violet color, and something I plan on wearing to special occasions. These “traditional” wedding things are merely leftovers from the Victorian Era. My grandmother wore a black hat and a navy blue church dress when she was married in 1946.
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I loathe diamonds. My engagement ring is moissanite. Compare them here: http://diamondssuck.com/
I actually considered many different stones before I decided I wanted moissanite though: boulder opal, alexandrite, indicolite, herkimer diamond (actually a quartz), celestite, etc.
rose / 812 posts
I’d defiantly love a ring with onyx instead of a white diamond. They’re way too expensive anyways.
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I want an amethyst engagement ring if I ever get engaged. They are prettier, IMO, and less money. Any diamonds would be tiny additions. This would makes me 1000x happier than any white diamond ring. And it’s $53. But in my mind, it’s beautiful and as someone who doesn’t wear jewelry often, worth wearing all the time.
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I want a sapphire.
sunflower / 499 posts
Never thought of it.
I don’t think I would unless it was a family heirloom.
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Well, yeah.
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fo sho! white diamonds look like glass, in my opinion..
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@QuantumStorm@xanga - @MrTrololo@xanga - for the record, i’m a female and i know there are a LOT better things to spend $1-2k on than a ring. i told my SO i don’t want him spending more than $500. it’s just a piece of jewelry, after all. money is better spent on experiences, not material goods.
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@flapper_femme_fatale@xanga - It’s something I believe that should be discussed between two people, that is the most important thing. What I am getting at is that it is not something that should be forced on a female just because a man fails to see it’s worth. If a female wants an inexpensive one, or none at all, that is more than fine. I’m all for that.
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If I ever get engaged (I’m actually anti-marriage given the divorce rate), I don’t want a diamond. They’re so typical and expensive. My favorite mineral also tends to be a gemstone: amethyst. Give me a mid-sized, dark purple, nicely cut amethyst. I’d place more money into the metal band it’ll go on. I’m allergic to metal so only the real expensive, pure metal bands won’t lead to rashes. Unfortunate but what’s the point in buying it to begin with if you can’t wear it?
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I have a very dark sapphire in my engagement ring because I didn’t want a diamond. I actually got more negative reactions about not having a diamond from men than women. Women understood that I wanted what he gave me. Men thought it was weird and “not really an engagement ring”. They saw giving a big rock as a way to lay claim and prove financial status.
http://wholiedtotheblind.xanga.com/photos/b6827283059190/
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