Rings have been steeped in tradition and symbolism for millennia. The custom of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand originated in ancient Egypt, as they thought a special vein ran directly from this finger to the heart. In the Victorian era, both men and women would wear pinky rings until wedding rings to indicate that they were not interested in marriage. And did you know that the “traditional” diamond wedding ring was invented by the DeBeers company in the early 20th century? Now, more than ever, these traditions are falling away and couples are free to choose from a variety of alternative wedding rings.
Do You Need a Diamond Ring?
The fire of a well-cut diamond may catch your eye, but some people feel strongly about bright or deep colors. Rubies and garnets have long been treasured for their beauty and certainly spark an association with love and passion, and sapphires can be found at every spectrum along the rainbow.
Some people choose to look at vintage rings for the price, aesthetic, or ethical reasons. There are gorgeous topaz, opal, and emerald rings from the last century that may only need some sizing finesse to complete your need. Many people find high-quality vintage wedding bands on eBay or Etsy, but you may want to look at estate sales and hold the item before you purchase.
One of a Kind
Custom wedding rings continue to be trendy in 2019 as brides and grooms alike choose to express their individual personalities. You could even have several metals twisted together or place several stones in a design with a meaning unique to you. There are probably several jewelers in your area that specialize in custom wedding rings who would be able to guide you through the process.
Money-Saving Wedding Rings
White sapphires are a classic alternative to diamonds and their price point is far lower. These rare gems are completely colorless, meaning they are completely untouched by trace elements. Their glitter, fire, and sparkle is a bit different than diamond’s, but with the right cut and set, the ring will still bling.
Synthetic diamonds have been on the market for a long time, and are still gaining popularity. Also called man-made or lab-made diamonds, these gems are identical to mined diamonds physically and visually. They carry no occlusions and the price point is great – they can be purchased for up to 40% less than mined diamonds.
Beyond the Stone
Sometimes the stone choice is not the biggest decision when choosing a ring. Now more than ever, creative and expressive shoppers are looking beyond the diamond and gold band, and are choosing multiple stones with a variety of cuts, plating, and settings. With the right support in make-up, hair, and all other preparations, your unique alternative wedding ring will be a glittering centerpiece to your unique wedding.