If you want to step out of the traditional engagement ring style and veer more towards something with a personal touch, then take a little time out to give your special symbol of love some extra careful thought. An engagement ring is a symbol of love between two people and their commitment to each other to marry and spend the rest of their lives together. It is not something to be taken lightly, nor purchased in a hurry. It should be a deeply personal and meaningful piece of jewellery that reflects the wearer's personality and taste, and is something to be cherished for the rest of their life (or beyond, if it becomes a family heirloom and is passed down through generations).
The circular shape of a ring symbolises eternity and a bond that knows no limits, and the traditional stone of choice in an engagement ring is a diamond. However, diamonds can be controversial, especially if they come from unknown origins, making them unethical both for humanity and the environment. There are lab-grown diamonds today, which are a far more suitable ethical choice for those of us wanting to stay in line with tradition. But if you want your engagement ring to say something a little more individual, then you should select a gemstone that reflects your love story or represents a milestone in your relationship, and if a diamond doesn't cut it, there are plenty of beautiful gems that will!
Selecting A Gemstone, Symbol or Motif
Your love story is unique to you; nobody can replicate it, and no two love stories are the same, so why should engagement rings be? Think outside the box when trying to customise your engagement ring, and think of those extra-special moments in the relationship that really mean something to you or your partner. If you met on a beautiful spring morning, then the pale blue colour of an aquamarine gemstone may evoke the clear skies and fresh waters of spring, symbolising renewal or clarity, or the vibrant green of emeralds may reflect the lush growth and new life that happens in spring.
Every month has its birthstone, so this could also help you decide on a gemstone choice. For example, the birthstone for July is a ruby, and its deep red colour is associated with passion, love and courage. Sapphire is the birthstone of September, and while it is traditionally known for its rich blue colour, it can also be found in colours like pink, yellow, green or orange, which may be a more preferred colour choice of your partner.
Secrets, signs and hidden jokes between couples are common, highly romantic and personal, and significant to only them, and this insider knowledge can easily be incorporated into the engagement ring through simple engraving or symbolic details. Incorporating a small emblem or motif into the ring to represent a shared interest, such as a hobby or sport, a flower for nature lovers or a moon for astronomers, all helps to make the ring more personal to your story.
Reflecting Your Partner's Personality
A great way to show your partner just how unique and special they really are to you is to incorporate their personality into your ring design. For someone classic and timeless in style, a traditionally cut round diamond is both classic and elegant. A less traditional cut, like a pear shape, may show they have a more individual style. There are obviously a lot of different shapes out there that may symbolise something more personal to your partner.
The metal for the band is a choice to be decided on, and it will speak volumes about your partner. A more contemporary choice is white gold or platinum, while rose gold or yellow gold may be a more suitable choice for a nature lover or someone who prefers more colour in their clothes. Also, using bold coloured gemstones can reflect your partner's love of all things statement or unexpected!
Custom Details and Messages
Personalised engraving on an engagement ring will give a deeper layer of meaning and cement an even greater level of connection to that ring. Engraving special dates is a highly romantic way of keeping that memory alive forever - think of your first date, your first kiss, a special anniversary or even the time that a memorable event happened. Engraving coordinates of a place that holds importance to you both, where you first met, where you first proposed, your favourite holiday, etc, makes that special ring even more important.
At Vinny & Charles, we are experts in helping you customise your engagement ring to reflect your own personal journey of love. We can help you create a stunning ring that will stand out from the rest and show your partner how serious you are about love and commitment!
