Help! GF does not like "traditional" engagement rings...

[rideut]

Having no clue about what my GF would like for an engagement ring, I raised the issue and she told me that she does not like traditional engagement rings. She does not wear rings, and said that a diamond solitare type ring would "drive her crazy." When I mentioned the idea of wearing a wedding band and an engagement ring together, she was clearly not enthusiastic about that either. She said that she would prefer to have only one ring. So I am at a loss. I''ve seen diamond eternity bands that might work since they are low profile, but they look like wedding bands to me. If she only wants to wear one, do you use that as the wedding band? Thanks in advance for your help or suggestions! Clueless in DC.

 

[purduephotog]

Sapphires? Ask if it's the diamonds that bug her......

Pendants too. Get a clear sapphire for the ring ceremony and then perhaps a necklace or something.....

If she doesn't like rings, find out what adornments she likes

 

[oldminer]

I may be way off base, but maybe your GF would think a band made with the gemstones facing the inside of the ring and hidden from view on the outside pretty neat. There is an American Indian maker, Charles Laloma.

http://www.blueraingallery.com/DisplayLarge.php?aid=142&pid=2000&SpecialPage=

Many other links exist if you do a search with his name.

He works in gold or silver, but I would recommend a daily use ring to be gold for durability and lasting appearance.

Some of his work is off-beat, but the wedding rings I saw 20 years ago were among the neatest ideas I ever saw. Very creative and well executed. Not inexpensive, but neither is traditional jewelry when well done.

 

[valeria101]

Some wedding-band-like rings have diamonds inset without being "eternity" (tension settings like THIS qualify, I would think) and some are sophisticated enough without.

If you would not ask her what exactly she wants, maybe just get a diamond and let her choose what to do with it... this seems to be a popular option, for what's that worth.

 

[JHeebner]

She can wear whatever style she likes best and call it a "bridal ring," encompassing engagement and marriage. It's all about whatever she's comfortable wearing.

You might try looking at wide anniversary bands that feature lots of melee (small diamonds) and a "center stone" of sorts. Some bridal manufacturers make versions of diamond-studded bands with a .20 pt or so "center stone" meant to be shown as the focal point, of course.

I have pictures of a few, as I just got back from the Vegas show, and I'll see If I can dig them up and post them later today. None of the well-known designers are doing this, just lesser-known, but reputable nonetheless, bridal jewelry companies. And you'd have to find out what jeweler in your area carries their line (simply by calling the vendor directly or looking on their web site for a directory).

Or maybe she'd like a three-stone diamond ring worn solo?

 

[Hest88]

If her look is modern and sophisticated, I'd agree with Valeria that a tension set or a bezel set is the way to go. Plus, the ring would be wide enough so it would stand better on its own.

 

[glitz&glam]

Rather than running the risk of getting her a setting she might not like, I agree with Valeria, a loose diamond could be the way to go. That way you can pick out the setting together and be sure she's happy since she's going to wear it every day.

 

[rideut]

Thaks for the feedback! She does like diamonds, she just does not like rings, esp. rings that are not low profile. Basically, she says she finds them obtrusive and tends to "fiddle" with them too much. I like the idea of purchasing a loose diamond, and letting her decide what to do with it. FWIW, I do not know the right ring size, and she's away on a work assignment, so I may need to deal with that after the fact as well. Do/can you get a "temp" setting to propose with?

 

[chialea]

One ring I really liked was from Hearts on Fire. It was a white metal band (probably white gold) with a v-shaped slit in the top, with a line of little diamonds set in the slit. It was low-profile, practical, non-traditional, elegant, and pretty. I was really, really tempted, but my SO wants an engagement ring "that looks like an engagement ring".

I can't find it online right now, but something like that might give a nice bit of sparkle, while being something she would like as well.

 

[valeria101]

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On 6/16/2004 2:25:29 PM rideut wrote:



Do/can you get a 'temp' setting to propose with?

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Cheap generic settings (that's under $100) or a "holder" ( = crossing between paper clip and ring any diamond seller can provide) usually do the trick...

 

[Robyn12]

I would think something like this could double as an e-ring and wedding band...

It's also not traditional, and is low set so maybe it would not annoy your gf!

Good luck.

 

[glitz&glam]

Hi Rideut,

We ship our loose diamonds in a spring ring (the “holder” valeria mentioned). That way the loose diamond makes a nice presentation within a ring box. But this is NOT a secure way to hold a diamond (it’s just held in place by a spring) and could easily fall or shoot out. We never recommend anyone wear their diamond like that. It is solely for display purposes and to be worn in a secure environment.

A relatively inexpensive way to go is to get a 14K setting for under $100 so your gf can wear the diamond to show her friends and then upgrade to the setting of her choice.

 

[researcher]

Have you seen the ring juniorpatch is considering? It's the same (or should I say similar) as the T&C ring and is, in my opinion, GORGEOUS!

http://www.whiteflash.com/Wedding_Bands/Platinum-Eternity-Band_710.htm#

 

[bling]

I have a coworker who recently was married..she was not one who particurly liked rings either..but she did wear necklaces. so, her then fiance (now husband) proposed to her with a solitaire..but in a pendant! it was truly stunning..just a beautiful stone, around her neck. It was a great idea and she loved it! well..i guess she still loves it! just another idea...

 

[quaeritur]

Hi rideut-

I personally think Niessing makes some gorgeous designs (among them lovely tension settings). Their website seems to be down at the moment, but here is something your GF might find interesting. You can rotate it so the diamond shows, or rotate it in for a plain gold band look. I think it's a way cool design!

 

[hoorray]

I think you have a million great options, but clearly your gf has strong feelings. Maybe you should propose with something instead of a ring (a gift meaningful to her or even a rose -- just something thoughtful), and then ring shop together since she only wants one.

 

[diamonddoll]

I agree a necklace is a good suggestion. My father can't stand wearing rings and was given a wedding necklace.