How to Buy Non-Traditional Engagement Rings
Traditionally, a man buys a diamond engagement ring and then proposes to a woman. Typically, the man doesn't wear a ring until he exchanges rings with his bride on their wedding day. More and more, however, couples are foregoing this practice and purchasing non-traditional engagement rings. This is especially the case with same-sex couples, where traditional wedding etiquette often does not apply. Choosing a non-traditional engagement ring comes down to your personal taste and style, as well as the message and bond you'd like to express with your partner.
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Instructions
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Contact a local custom jewelry maker or silver or gold artisan. Arrange a meeting with her and your fiance. Discuss what you're looking for in a ring, including the kind of metal or wood you'd like to use, any engravings or special designs, and the type of stone(s), if any. Sign a contract for the work and pay a deposit, if required.
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Visit ethnic and international jewelry stores, including those selling African, Native American, Mexican, Latin American and African-American jewelry. Tell the sales staff what have in mind and let them know you're looking for rings that complement each other. Also browse the inventory of online ethnic and international jewelry retailers.
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Drop by flea markets, antique stores and estate jewelry shops to find vintage engagement rings, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Edwardian. You might not be able to find matching rings, but you can probably purchase rings that were produced in the same era or have matching or complementary elements.
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Visit online dealers of rings made for same-sex couples, if you and your partner are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Many sites also create custom rings for same-sex couples, so explore this option to make your rings truly unique.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're buying a ring for your partner, find out his ring size before making your purchase. Take a ring he already owns and have it measured at a jewelry store, or ask his friends or family members for help in determining his ring size.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit the ring for thumb and the rings for marriage image by laviniaparscuta from Fotolia.com
