Engagement Rings Without a Diamond
While diamonds are the gemstone of choice, there is nothing in the traditional engagement ring manual which makes them compulsory. There are many other gemstones which can be used, and indeed have been used for centuries before diamonds became popular in the middle of the last century. In particular, some gemstones have a specific meaning which will add to the appeal of using them, for instance:
* Emerald – a beautiful green emerald is perfect either as a solitaire or flanked by small diamonds – the gemstone represents Spring, peace, hope and renewal;
* Pearl – available as natural or cultured, pearls have a lustrous, delicate beauty – they represent beauty, integrity, wisdom, wealth and faithfulness;
* Ruby – a deep red color, similar to claret and they also work well as a solitaire or within a diamond setting – they represent beauty, happiness, love and security;
* Amethyst – comes in a range of different colors (it is basically colored quartz) and represents wealth, sincerity and a very deep love; and
* Sapphire – a deep blue gemstone – they represent the truth, calm and tranquillity, continuous love and affection.
Engagement Rings without a Gemstone
Some cultures have embraced the all-metal ring as being symbolic of an engagement. There are many styles you can choose, and in particular, if you look into her ancestry or culture, you may be surprised at what you find:
* Irish Claddagh – these are metal rings made with a pair of hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it – many are worn by women who are not engaged but they symbolize their love status – if the bottom of the heart is on the side of the finger closest to the body, they are in love, if it faces outwards they are not;
* Hawaiian Name ring – have your loved one’s name translated into Hawaiian and used in the construction of an intricate ring design;
* Russian Trinity – these are closely related to the Russian Catholic church and are made from different colored metals entwined together; and
* Turkish Puzzle ring – these are made with and without gemstones but it is the intricate lacing of the metalwork which gives these unusual rings their name.
A marriage proposal should be memorable, but the everlasting reminder of that proposal will be the engagement ring itself. Expand your horizons and think outside the box because this will demonstrate in more than words how much you truly think of her and how much effort you are prepared to put into your marriage.
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