I’d like to make the case for having a stone other than a diamond in your engagement ring. We’ve all known and worn other precious gems (rubies, emeralds, sapphires, amethyst, onyx, etc.) on all our other fingers, but for some reason, when it comes to engagement rings, we just want that crystal-clear diamond. I admit I fell prey to the de Beers hype, too. But for me, that was a long time ago. If I had it to do all over again (and I have a super husband, so that won’t happen,) I’d choose something like the amethyst beauty to the right—and not just because it’s my birthstone. It’s gorgeous, it’s different, and it would make a statement about who I am. So what’s the deal? With all those other fabulous stones waiting for us, why do most of us keep picking those same boring, colorless stones for our engagement rings?
My Personal Theory
Here’s what I think. We’re so vested in the clear diamond as the accepted symbol of betrothal, that we believe no one will think we’re engaged if our ring doesn’t fit this universally acknowledged motif. And since we want to get out our “I’m engaged!” message LOUD and CLEAR—I guess clear diamonds will win out much more often than not.
New Millennium, New Mindset
I think some traditions, like some rules, were made to be broken, and this is one of them. Think about it—how often do you see an engagement ring with anything other than a clear diamond? There’s actually a new trend toward black-diamond engagement rings, and like any other stone, you can have them put into any setting. Black diamonds (left,) also known as carbonados, are generally more porous than other diamonds–and they’re just plain cool. I’d love to know why you think engagement rings with stones other than diamonds are so rarely seen, and why you would or wouldn’t pick out an alternative to the old, tired, clear-diamond engagement ring.
While we’re thinking out of the box, I’d also love to know what you think about these two out-of-the-box wedding favors–the Getaway Car Favor Box and the Palm Tree Favor Box. The Getaway Car Favor Box (left) has an expandable hood and two tiny “tin cans” trailing off the back of the car. The Palm Tree Favor Box is perfect for a seaside or beach-themed wedding. Fabulous! These days, I’m for anything out of the box! It makes life much more interesting!
