diamond engagement rings

[SorenLorensen]

i was just having a conversation with a friend of mine about engagement rings.
she was commenting on mine (im not engaged but we do have the ring as it was left to me by my nan when she passed away last year) it has a beautiful emerald cut sapphire in the center with 3 small diamonds either side. my friend has a princess cut ruby for hers (its really nice, her hubby has an onyx in his wedding ring and they had a red and black wedding theme. her dress was red with a black sash...so so pretty).

as we were talking she mentioned that a friend of ours once said to her that her ring wasn't a 'real' engagement ring because it wasn't a diamond :confused:.

since when do they have to be diamonds ?
do people really believe this ?

now that i think about it some people really do put a pretty big hype on diamond engagement rings. and sometimes they seem to think the bigger the better.
i know someone who has a HUGE diamond engagement ring becuase to her it was all about the size, it had to be BIG. it has so many flaws its not funny....im talking I grade clarity
yet my aunty has a small diamond and it is flawless, just perfect in every way. she didn't care what she got and my uncle wanted to get her a ring that was with in his budget but wanted quality. this one is worth more then the huge one of the other person i know, yet they paid more :detective:.

so does anyone here really thing a ring has to be a diamond ?
i know some people woudl prefer it but does it really NEED to be to make it viewed by all an engagement ring ?

i like diamonds...i like them a lot :yes:. but my preferred stone is a sapphire or garnet and if im going to have a ring for the rest of my life i would love for it to be something that is 'me' IYKWIM...plus i like a plash of colour :p

[Herchy]

I dont think rings NEED to be diamond. I have seen plenty of people with different precious stones as the main 'rock' on their engagement ring.
I got engaged only a couple of days ago, and an O ring would have done me fine. Dp did do a bloody marvellous job picking out my ring though;)

[TwoBlue]

I think an engagement ring is just that.. a ring !!

It can have any stone or no stone....

I have diamonds because I love them but I LOVE really, really lovely emeralds and would have SCREAMED if my DH had been able to find a really nice, natural Emerald with few flaws (plus a few Diamonds with it !!) :yes:

[JenL]

Nope I don't think it has to be a diamond at all. I love diamonds so we chose a diamond. But if I loved another stone we would have chose that.

I was sensible with my ring and went for quality over size. I could have had a 5ct massive diamond for the same price and decided quality was more important.

here is a piccie hehe I love showing my sparkles!! http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/bizzybee3/Wedding/5012.jpg

[NewBeginnings]

I don't think they HAVE to be a diamond.... although most are...

I think the symbolism of it is far more important than the rock that is inside it! :thumbsup:

[JenL]

I think an engagement ring is just that.. a ring !!

It can have any stone or no stone....

I have diamonds because I love them but I LOVE really, really lovely emeralds and would have SCREAMED if my DH had been able to find a really nice, natural Emerald with few flaws (plus a few Diamonds with it !!) :yes:

Ohh I love emeralds!!

[Lastcenturymum]

Oh pooey to her!!:D Whatever happened to being an individual? You can have whatever you want as long as it's meaningful to the couple.

Just cos it might be 'tradition'....

[Lollie86]

I heard somewhere that engagement rings are meant to be sapphire or something? :confused: Princess Diana had a sapphire engagement ring....

I have a diamond one only bc I like the look of it but I also loved a ceylon sapphire one too and couldnt decide so just went with my gut which was diamond.


sapphire engagement ring speaks of enternal loyalty and devotion. Sapphires (http://engagementrings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Sapphires#) come from the Corundum family, and they are considered second in hardness to diamonds. The sapphire is symbolic of faithfulness (http://engagementrings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Engagement_Ring_Symbolism), and this beautiful stone makes an exquisite and unique engagement ring

[Chunkydunks]

Its all up to the individual IMO. If you like diamonds and are very traditionsl then go diamonds. If you have a different preferd stone then go for it. I myself love sapphires but already had a pretty little sappire ring my grandparents gave me and we got a really good deal on a diamond bridal set so we went with it. I love it. Small, simple and elegant.

[JenL]

I heard somewhere that engagement rings are meant to be sapphire or something? :confused: Princess Diana had a sapphire engagement ring....

I have a diamond one only bc I like the look of it but I also loved a ceylon sapphire one too and couldnt decide so just went with my gut which was diamond.

That is for royalty. Princess Mary also has a sapphire ;)

[Lollie86]

Cool. Thanks for that JenL. :)

[TeamAwesome]

I LOOOOVE my engagement ring as it's an Amethyst which is my favourite gem stone! :D

I like having something different to the standard I must have a big sparkly diamond ring that cost my man much more money than he really has to prove his love for me that most girls have.I much prefer that mine as it has more meaning and signifigance *to me* than a diamond would.

I too like a splash of colour and would have married in a pale purple dress had I found one. ;)

[SorenLorensen]

I have diamonds because I love them but I LOVE really, really lovely emeralds and would have SCREAMED if my DH had been able to find a really nice, natural Emerald with few flaws (plus a few Diamonds with it !!) :yes:

my nan left a ring for each of us and the one she left my sister was an emerald. its really just gorgeous. my sister will be giving it my niece(her DD) when she is older because it is her birth stone




here is a piccie hehe I love showing my sparkles!! http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/bizzybee3/Wedding/5012.jpg


oh, that is very pretty :yes:. i love older style rings...just stunning.




i really do love diamonds, and if DP had asked me to marry him with one i woudl have loved it. but its just the whole "engagment rings have to be diamond" thing i dont get....i didnt knwo there were people out there that viewed it like that. i guess im like that because mums is a sapphire too.

oh and Herchy, im with you on the O ring thing too....just the question would be enough for me(when we are ready:p).

[JenL]

I LOOOOVE my engagement ring as it's an Amethyst which is my favourite gem stone! :D

I like having something different to the standard I must have a big sparkly diamond ring that cost my man much more money than he really has to prove his love for me that most girls have.I much prefer that mine as it has more meaning and signifigance *to me* than a diamond would.

I too like a splash of colour and would have married in a pale purple dress had I found one. ;)

Ohh a purple dress!! How awesome!

I married in a pink dress hehe...

[TeamAwesome]

Sorry, I just wanted to clarify that was aimed more at some rather shallow people I know IRL (ie SIL) rather than anyone on here. I started typing when OP first posted and there were no other posts and got interupted.

[Chunkydunks]

i don't think anyone took offence to it SM

I nearly had a pink dress but when I tried it on I just looked like a big bit of cotton candy.

[Herchy]

oh and Herchy, im with you on the O ring thing too....just the question would be enough for me(when we are ready:p).

hehe DP is a mechanic so I was half expecting washer! LOL
It took long enough. I think I was pretty patient after 6 years....:laughing: Maybe he was making up for it?
lol

[SorenLorensen]

That is for royalty. Princess Mary also has a sapphire ;)

well i am a bit of a princess sometimes and my sisters always did call my royalty...i think their exact words were "your a royal pain in my a$$" :laughing:

[TeamAwesome]

Ohh a purple dress!! How awesome!

I married in a pink dress hehe...

yeah that was the plan, I couldn't find one though. The dresses at the time I found were all really dark deep purples not what I envisioned as in my head it was a just splash of colour basically white with a hint of purple so went I traditional white in the end.:laughing:

How awesome to get married in pink! Hooray for the individuals! :smiliedance::goodvibes:

[TeamAwesome]

i don't think anyone took offence to it SM

I nearly had a pink dress but when I tried it on I just looked like a big bit of cotton candy.

I know but thought I'd get in there first just in case.;)

[JenL]

well i am a bit of a princess sometimes and my sisters always did call my royalty...i think their exact words were "your a royal pain in my a$$" :laughing:

LMAO!! :laughing: so it suits you perfectly!! hehe

I love pink sapphires, I think having my time over I might have added some pink sapphires.

Honestly the stone means nothing, it is the sentiment and the symbol it represents.

Having a massive diamond ring will not make you marriage anymore perfect.

I guess it's the same as an expensive wedding. We spent a fortune on or wedding and almost 12 months later I look back and loved the day, but really the money we spent and all the little things I stressed about mean nothing. In the end I am still married and so much in love and at the end of the day that is all that matters. Now I would get married in a garbage bag in my backyard, because being married is all that matters.

The same as the ring, DH could have given me a bottle cap and I would have loved it anyway!

[SorenLorensen]

I nearly had a pink dress but when I tried it on I just looked like a big bit of cotton candy.

sorry to laugh but thats too funny :laughing:


hehe DP is a mechanic so I was half expecting washer! LOL
It took long enough. I think I was pretty patient after 6 years....:laughing: Maybe he was making up for it?
lol

LOL, well we are heading to 4 years this year so we still have a bit of catching up to do :p

[JenL]

yeah that was the plan, I couldn't find one though. The dresses at the time I found were all really dark deep purples not what I envisioned as in my head it was a just splash of colour basically white with a hint of purple so went I traditional white in the end.:laughing:

How awesome to get married in pink! Hooray for the individuals! :smiliedance::goodvibes:

Ohh that sort of purple would have been sooo pretty, I am sorry you didn't find your dress :(

here is my dress ... I love sharing pictures of anything http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/bizzybee3/Wedding/5129-1.jpg

I would love to see the dress you chose :)

[SorenLorensen]

here is my dress ... I love sharing pictures of anything http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/bizzybee3/Wedding/5129-1.jpg


aww thats so pretty, its like a real princess dress.
you look gorgeous.
oh and i think your crazy for standing that close to a horse (can you tell im a little scared of horses :o)

[JenL]

aww thats so pretty, its like a real princess dress.
you look gorgeous.
oh and i think your crazy for standing that close to a horse (can you tell im a little scared of horses :o)

hehehe thanks!!

OMG scared of horses? Is there such a thing?? i love love love them. We had a horse and carriage as our transport.

I had horse while I was growing up and just love them. I am shocked! I have never met anyone who is scared of them.

[Chunkydunks]

sorry to laugh but thats too funny :laughing:

When you're 5 foot 1 and 100kgs pink will make you look like cotton candy:laughing:. I had a good laugh about it too when I tried it on. Even DS laughed and he was only 15 months.

[Chunkydunks]

Ohh that sort of purple would have been sooo pretty, I am sorry you didn't find your dress :(

here is my dress ... I love sharing pictures of anything http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/bizzybee3/Wedding/5129-1.jpg

I would love to see the dress you chose :)

I love that colour pink. Why couldn't I find that when I was getting married. The one I tried on was that real candy pink, hence the cotton candy remark.

[Tam-I-Am]

Diamonds are the traditional stone because they are the hardest substance on the planet, therefore the most solid - symbolising steadfastness and loyalty.

However, no, I don't think that a diamond ring is the 'only' kind of engagement ring - any kind of ring given and accepted in love and as a symbol of that love is an engagement ring to me :)

[Chunkydunks]

Does anyone else find themselves nodding with Tam's AV?

Off subject I know but I had to ask

[Tam-I-Am]

ROFL! Veve's son watches it saying "Bounce! Bounce! Bounce! Bounce! Bounce!" for hours, if you let him :p Cheap entertainment :laughing:

[JenL]

I love that colour pink. Why couldn't I find that when I was getting married. The one I tried on was that real candy pink, hence the cotton candy remark.

I couldn't find it either and then decided on a Couture design.

Maybe there is a market there for pretty soft colours!!! I just love coloured dresses!!

[SorenLorensen]

hehehe thanks!!

OMG scared of horses? Is there such a thing?? i love love love them. We had a horse and carriage as our transport.

I had horse while I was growing up and just love them. I am shocked! I have never met anyone who is scared of them.

:o i was bitten once, i woke after a nap in the lounge room of a friends house when i was about 6 to find one in there staring at me (it was her birthday and it was there for pony rides, the party had been over and every one was resting and i guess the horse wanted to know where every one was :p), and i was chased numourous times by a crazy horse in the paddock next door to mum and dads house.


my fear is valid :p:laughing:

[JenL]

Does anyone else find themselves nodding with Tam's AV?

Off subject I know but I had to ask

lol yes I do!! and I can hear the elephant saying "whee, whee" haha


:o i was bitten once, i woke after a nap in the lounge room of a friends house when i was about 6 to find one in there staring at me (it was her birthday and it was there for pony rides, the party had been over and every one was resting and i guess the horse wanted to know where every one was :p), and i was chased numourous times by a crazy horse in the paddock next door to mum and dads house.


my fear is valid :p:laughing:

OMG ... ok I can see now. You're forgiven!! haha

[SorenLorensen]

OMG ... ok I can see now. You're forgiven!! haha
thank you
:laughing:

[jag5000]

it's so not like me to be all 'heavy' and post seriously, especially when it's in a lighthearted thread... but this is an issue I really believe in. I don't like diamonds in engagement rings for 2 reasons. The main one is because most of the world has been duped into believing that you must have a diamond in an engagement ring, when in fact that idea was started by a diamond cartel called debeers and an advertising agency they paid to increase their diamond sales

(copied from http://blacktable.com/bruno031030.htm)
"BT: When did this whole diamond engagement ring thing start?
JR: Diamonds became engagement stones around the end of the recession. Ernest Oppenheimer, who was in control of De Beers in the 1930s, was shutting down diamond mines to control supply and keep the price of diamonds high. He sent his son Harry to New York to meet with advertisers, because he realized that he couldn't have diamonds being bought up just by rich people. They needed something that would appeal to everyone.
Well, everyone has to get engaged. So they spent a million pounds a year (about $1.7 million) to establish the diamond engagement ring as a sacrament -- a spiritual thing. "Diamonds are forever." They invented that and advertised it at every high school at the time. They got Paramount Studios involved by having the female stars wearing diamonds and by creating diamonds films. Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" and such. That advertising campaign created the myth.
It was quite different in old times. Diamonds in India, for example, were worn for many years mostly by men. Their hardness was a symbol of fertility. They had to create a new story about diamonds for the woman."

a related problem I have is that the price of diamonds is also the work of debeers (and others, but debeers controls the lion share of the diamond trade)

(copied from http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040903.html)
"Despite the hype, diamonds aren't forever; they can be damaged or destroyed. The value of diamonds varies widely depending on grade and, despite efforts at standardization, is basically arbitrary--experts often disagree sharply on the worth of a particular gem. Sure, the same can be said of paintings or other collectibles. The difference is that the world diamond market is largely controlled by a single private enterprise, the South Africa-based De Beers cartel. The geniuses behind De Beers recognized early on that a stable, profitable diamond industry depended on controlling both supply and demand. De Beers rarely discovers new sources of diamonds; rather, it focuses on controlling existing ones, limiting production, and if necessary buying up surplus gems and stockpiling them to prop up the market. It sets prices arbitrarily and cuts off supplies to dealers who buy through unauthorized channels."

and my second issue is, what is what is now commonly know as 'blood diamonds' or 'conflict diamonds'. I think most people know about this.

"The UN formally defines a conflict diamond as a "diamond that originates from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council." In short, a conflict diamond is any diamond that is mined from an area in which there is war, or armed conflict. The idea is that diamonds are very much in demand and that they fetch such a high price in almost any market. If you mine diamonds and sell them to other countries - of which there is definitely no shortage - you can get a large amount of money for them. Where does the profit from these sales go? You guessed it - to finance wars and other forms of armed conflict in the affected areas."

and I'm not even going to go into the manner in which diamonds are mined in many countries of the world.

if you're at all interested in this issue google 'blood diamond', 'diamond conspiracy' etc and you'll get a lot of eye opening links!

btw.. I LOVE the look of diamonds and own a lot of diamond jewelry.. but only pieces that I know exactly the mine that the diamonds come from and the manner in which they were mined.

oh and my engagement ring is a white sapphire! :)

[JenL]

Hi Jo, I think they are really great points. But honestly isn't everything a marketing scheme or scam? Look at mothers day, fathers day etc. All holidays created by greeting card companies. Diamonds are over priced but so is fuel .... general rule of business charge what the market can stand plus 100%. As long as people are willing to pay for diamonds, they will be concidered an indulgence.

Also when it comes to "blood diamonds" no matter how much research you do, you will never ever know exactly where that diamond is from and how it came to be in your hands. Not everyone is honest unfortunately and we were told this by our jeweller and many other people. We researched and make the best decission we could, but in the end you are going on faith. Faith that the person you ask is telling the truth and honestly, with 80% of the worlds diamonds mined with some form of conflict and bloodshed do you really think it would be easy to find a non-blood diamond? I am sure the people who mine fairly and without harm to others will sell their diamonds at a higher price and as such I doubt any small jeweller would ever see one. It would be the likes of Cartier, Harry Winston etc who would get the first pick.

We were told by our jeweller that to the best of his knowledge and with the research he had done with his supplier etc, he could not call our diamonds clean. Because he didn't go to the mine, mine the stone, collect the rock and cut it himself. It is just something you will never know.

I think the conflict over diamonds is terrible, but like anything in the world ... oil for example. While ever our society puts such a huge emphasis on diamonds, there will always be a need and a want for them and the sad thing with needs, wants and making money - people will do anything.

I know your heart is in the right place, but honestly if someone sold you a diamond and said is was fair trade, then they are a fool. Unless they mined that diamond themselves they will never know.

[jag5000]

thanks for responding jen! :)

I really thought I'd be a thread killer bringing such a 'full on' post into a light hearted thread! haha

the point that you never truly know where a diamond comes from is exactly why I have such a problem with them! .. there are a few reputable mines around though.. australia is one of the best (YAY us!) .. and canada for 2 examples. These mines have various safeguards in place to ensure that their diamonds are 'conflict free' diamonds (and I don't mean the kimberly process - that's a crock of you ask me!)

yes, you are quite right about the price issue.. and it is very similar to oil (except the political ramifications that come into oil pricing) .. it's all a supply and demand issue. I just don't like that the 'supply and demand' isn't a real indicator of the publics buying habits but an artificial one, brought about by debeers.

but price doesn't really bother me that much - if you want it.. pay for it, regardless of the cost or why it is that price. If you want it on your finger, the price you pay is your business.. just don't think it's an 'investment' or something!

MY main reason for not wanting a diamond engagement ring was that I didn't like that the concept of diamonds in engagement rings was a result of an advertising campaign. Yes, I have fallen hook, line and sinker into some commercial ideals, such as mothers and fathers day (hey, if it means I get brekkie in bed - bring it on! :)) ... but I just like people to know where the concept comes from.

most of the diamonds I own are antique/estate pieces and a lot come from a mine in south africa that my grandfather worked in, so I know where they came from. The modern pieces I own...do I KNOW that they are conflict free for sure? no, I don't.. but I was aware of the issue, asked the jeweler and have certificates to show that they come from reputable sources. To me, that's the best I can do...and I feel good about that.

good luck with your bub and thanks for the healthy debate! :)

[naiwen]

After watching blood diamond and having been born in africa I vowed never to buy another diamond.

[MountainGirl]

Meh,..people put too much significance into $$$ and less into the symbolism behind the 'gesture',.. I would never get a solitaire diamond engagement ring because I hate other people looking at/discussing the size and therefore value of a piece of jewellery that means so much more than $$$$. I have a beautiful emerald cut sapphire flanked by diamonds that my grandfather made,..so is precious to me on many levels,... my wedding bands on the other hand have diamonds the whole way round,..look very blingy,..but the stones used to belong to my MIL and I LOATHE wearing them!

[missie_mack]

Its funny about diamonds only coming into engagement rings in the mid 30s I have a beautiful pearl ring that belonged to my grandmother- the story behind it was that she had a boyfriend who wasnt the 'one' he took her into a jewellery store and told her to find a ring she liked (meaning an engagement ring) She purposely went and picked out a pearl because it would never be construed as an engagement ring :p

But as for diamonds being a must I don't think that is neccessarily the case :no: and lets face it diamonds come in more colours than the white ones we are use to so how would you really know without looking too hard whether it was a diamond or something else :confused: I have a beautiful engagement ring and Ive never seen anything I thought would be more fitting all these years later IMO this is what an engagement ring should be about, wanting to wear it forever which is ideally what the relationship is about :)

[TeamAwesome]

Ohh that sort of purple would have been sooo pretty, I am sorry you didn't find your dress :(

here is my dress ... I love sharing pictures of anything http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j77/bizzybee3/Wedding/5129-1.jpg

I would love to see the dress you chose :)

Fabulous dress! I know what you mean about sharing;) as I like showing mine off too! This is my favourite pic of my wedding dress (http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/ellemfamily/an0385.jpg)

SJ - so true! great post!:thumbsup:

jag5000 - it's great for those who don't know. I had no idea prior to the discussions on here about it and then I looked into it. If anything has been mentioned in the news I've barely watched it since DS was born in June 2004 (well we do watch it just very, very rarely) so I wouldn't know about it.

[Yummy_Mummy]

i think an engagement ring is meant to represent the person wearing it..whether it be diamonds, emeralds, ruby etc

It doesnt matter what it looks like as its the meaning of it..one of my friends husband did things differently & got her the wedding band for the engagement ring as he didnt know what type of ring she woould have liked & they used the (traditional engagement ring) as her wedding ring! it was a pink diamond but it was gorgeous!

[reAllytee]

I dont have a proper engagement ring at this point its just a silver ring with cubic zirconias in it .... Thing is that everyone comments on it which is hilarious !

We are very funny about diamonds & will only get one when the time comes if we can source it from Aus rather than overseas.

I refuse to wear a blood diamond :no:

[JenL]

Fabulous dress! I know what you mean about sharing;) as I like showing mine off too! This is my favourite pic of my wedding dress (http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r123/ellemfamily/an0385.jpg)

SJ - so true! great post!:thumbsup:

jag5000 - it's great for those who don't know. I had no idea prior to the discussions on here about it and then I looked into it. If anything has been mentioned in the news I've barely watched it since DS was born in June 2004 (well we do watch it just very, very rarely) so I wouldn't know about it.

OMG how stunning are you!! Your dress is so beautiful!! That photos is so beautiful too.

[susmamma]

i have a $10,000 engagement ring that sits in a bowl with my hairclips and bits of string and safety pins... :p:D... cant stand the bloody thing.

i wear a plastic diamond ring from sportsgirl (when i fancy wearing a ring on that finger)... man, i luuuuurve that ring!
and the compliments i get on it..

LOL :laughing:

mostly i prefer not to wear rings... easier to pick up men that way :D


and for what it's worth, i think an engagement ring should be made from a diamond so large and so heavy that you require a lady in waiting to trapse around after you holding your hand for you

[Kangaskippy]

I have a cubic zirconia in a gold band as it's the ring I fell in love with...and that fact that my partner of 16yrs proposed at last!! now we have been married for 4 years and I still love my ring and all it means!

[Moops]

i have a $10,000 engagement ring that sits in a bowl with my hairclips and bits of string and safety pins... :p:D... cant stand the bloody thing.

i wear a plastic diamond ring from sportsgirl (when i fancy wearing a ring on that finger)... man, i luuuuurve that ring!
and the compliments i get on it..

LOL :laughing:

mostly i prefer not to wear rings... easier to pick up men that way :D


and for what it's worth, i think an engagement ring should be made from a diamond so large and so heavy that you require a lady in waiting to trapse around after you holding your hand for you

LOL I love that! So true!
I have a $25,000 Tiffany engagement ring that I hardly ever wear cos it scratches Luca!

[canberramomma]

Man, diamonds are out for me for so many ethical reasons. I don't have a ring. It just doesn't sit right with me. I'll get rings when my grandmother and mother die, but it's not something I would buy or want. Other stones are just as pretty and it's really the sentiment behind it, not how big, small or what it's made of.

[Kazamataz]

i was just having a conversation with a friend of mine about engagement rings.
she was commenting on mine (im not engaged but we do have the ring as it was left to me by my nan when she passed away last year) it has a beautiful emerald cut sapphire in the center with 3 small diamonds either side. my friend has a princess cut ruby for hers (its really nice, her hubby has an onyx in his wedding ring and they had a red and black wedding theme. her dress was red with a black sash...so so pretty).

as we were talking she mentioned that a friend of ours once said to her that her ring wasn't a 'real' engagement ring because it wasn't a diamond :confused:.

since when do they have to be diamonds ?
do people really believe this ?

now that i think about it some people really do put a pretty big hype on diamond engagement rings. and sometimes they seem to think the bigger the better.
i know someone who has a HUGE diamond engagement ring becuase to her it was all about the size, it had to be BIG. it has so many flaws its not funny....im talking I grade clarity
yet my aunty has a small diamond and it is flawless, just perfect in every way. she didn't care what she got and my uncle wanted to get her a ring that was with in his budget but wanted quality. this one is worth more then the huge one of the other person i know, yet they paid more :detective:.

so does anyone here really thing a ring has to be a diamond ?
i know some people woudl prefer it but does it really NEED to be to make it viewed by all an engagement ring ?

i like diamonds...i like them a lot :yes:. but my preferred stone is a sapphire or garnet and if im going to have a ring for the rest of my life i would love for it to be something that is 'me' IYKWIM...plus i like a plash of colour :p

No I don't think it matters at all.
I had a friend who told my other friend that her ring wasn't a real ring because it doesn't "look" like an engagement ring.
I thought this was a ridiculous thing to say.

If the meaning is the same what does it matter what kind of ring you have.

[Love is all you need]

I think an engagement ring is just that.. a ring !!

It can have any stone or no stone....

I have diamonds because I love them but I LOVE really, really lovely emeralds and would have SCREAMED if my DH had been able to find a really nice, natural Emerald with few flaws (plus a few Diamonds with it !!) :yes:

:iagree: very very true, I told DP that I don't care what ring is on my finger as long as I have your love that's all that matters...

In saying that he still wants to buy me the ring of my dreams, but I just have to find that ring :detective:, Two Blue I would love an emerald ring with a few diamonds, just haven't been able to find one.........

But that is the thing a ring is just a ring it's a materialistic representation of your love, if you don't have the love it doesn't matter how many diamonds or how big or expensive it's just another piece of jewellery...

And as for those who sit there and compare about their rings I think they have some jealousy and inadquency (I'm trying to think of the right word just can't find it) problems......:shame:

[Leisa21]

I don't think it has to be a diamond to be a real engagement ring. Nor does it have to be huge. DH proposed to me in the car lol on the way to the jeweller - suprise lol. He said I want to take you shopping and I want you to buy the one you want - oh and by the way I love you baby. I was sceptical and I said hun we cant afford to go shopping its a lovely idea tho. He said you're a silly girl are you going to marry me or what!!!! Wow I was so surprised I cried all the way there. I kept thinking OMG this is perfect I dont even need a ring. But I was excited just to look. I got there and yes we went straight to the diamonds and there it was. Just a half a carot (i think thats small) but flawless. It was beautiful high set solitare cut. It looked amazing. I didnt even want to get it tho because it was $4000 and I thought it seemed like too much when that could go to paying off the car or put in saving for a baby or house. But DH said try it on and it was a pefect fit, meant to be I didnt even look at anything else. I always get comments on it. I have friends with different coloured rings and i think they're lovely. But nothing (to me) is better than a diamond. I'm not over the top. All I have is my engagement ring and wedding ring(also with diamonds) and my earings made up of a carrot from my parents on my 21st I think they are very classy and as they say go with everything :)

[SorenLorensen]

thanks for responding jen! :)

I really thought I'd be a thread killer bringing such a 'full on' post into a light hearted thread! haha




no your post was great :thumbsup:
thanks for the info, that was really quite interesting.

i really do love diamonds but i do think other stones can look so much nicer, i guess thats because i like a little colour :D.
plus i have diamonds, i got the ear rings, the rings, bracelets, and necklaces. they kinda loose the wow factor after a while :p

[onemummmy]

if I ever get engaged(haha not going to happen) I want a princess cut pink sapphire with a diamond either side.To me you dont have to have just diamonds in engagement rings, I lik variety and colour :)

[Moops]

the point that you never truly know where a diamond comes from is exactly why I have such a problem with them! .. there are a few reputable mines around though.. australia is one of the best (YAY us!) .. and canada for 2 examples. These mines have various safeguards in place to ensure that their diamonds are 'conflict free' diamonds (and I don't mean the kimberly process - that's a crock of you ask me!)

After watching blood diamond I made sure the diamond in my engagement ring was 'conflict free', that was really important to me :thumbsup:

[WotWillBWillB]

I have Ceylon sapphire it has about 11 diamonds around it. I was the same I wanted something with colour I wanted something different! I didn’t want to be the same as everyone else.

[onemummmy]

I have Ceylon sapphire it has about 11 diamonds around it. I was the same I wanted something with colour I wanted something different! I didn’t want to be the same as everyone else.
that sounds nice! is ceylon the light coloured one?

[SorenLorensen]

I have Ceylon sapphire it has about 11 diamonds around it. I was the same I wanted something with colour I wanted something different! I didn’t want to be the same as everyone else.
oh i LOVE ceylon sapphire's they are like looking into the ocean :goodvibes:

[declansmum]

that sounds nice! is ceylon the light coloured one?
I thought it was from Ceylon the country, now known as Srilanka.!!!

[jag5000]

no your post was great :thumbsup:
thanks for the info, that was really quite interesting.


thanks mate! :D ... I've been feeling a bit weird around these boards lately ... that comment means a lot to me! :hugs:


I have Ceylon sapphire it has about 11 diamonds around it. I was the same I wanted something with colour I wanted something different! I didn’t want to be the same as everyone else.

I love sapphires, almost as much as diamonds! (aside from my previous post I do love the look of diamonds - I guess I'm just a sucker for sparkles!! hehe)

what colour do you have?

[Moops]

I lurvveeee pink sapphires! I would have loved Nicole Richies engagement ring!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb86/moops_photos/nRichieP_SM.jpg

[onemummmy]

I thought it was from Ceylon the country, now known as Srilanka.!!!

oh like the tea:o:laughing:

[declansmum]

oh like the tea:o:laughing:


Yeah;) But hey...I could be wrong:D

[WotWillBWillB]

hi thought i would try to add a pic of my engagement ring

ring (http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/susiebabes25/engagementring.jpg)

[onemummmy]

wow very nice indeed!! I thought it might have been a lighter blue! I love sapphires, I have an old natural blue one(not a created one) and its so dark and beautiful :D

[WotWillBWillB]

yeah was told that this one was not created either.

[Gumby]

I have a gorgeous white gold ring with a pink sapphire. I absolutely love it.

[onemummmy]

I have a gorgeous white gold ring with a pink sapphire. I absolutely love it.
ooh do you have a pic?

[SorenLorensen]

wow very nice indeed!! I thought it might have been a lighter blue! I love sapphires, I have an old natural blue one(not a created one) and its so dark and beautiful :D
thats like mine, i LOVE it.
my mums is like that too, it is so dark i actually thought it was an onyx until she mentioned it when i got mine

[onemummmy]

my sister has a pair of earrings that are so dark the stones look black but they are just really dark blue. They are from the same relative who gave me the ring.

[Mathermy]

I have a gorgeous white gold ring with a pink sapphire. I absolutely love it.

Me too!:) I really love it!:flowerz:

I have two rings though-my first-the pink one was the one we he proposed to me with.

Then we found a beautiful bridal set and when we considered how difficult it was going to be to match my pink one with a wedding band, we decided to buy the set.

I wear the white gold diamond on my engagement finger and my pink one on my other hand.i love both of them though-I try not to play favorites:laughing:

[xkwzit]

Nope they don't need to be diamonds. I think that diamonds are the most popular because they are very hard and wear very well on a ring that you will wear ATT. But if you look after your other stones, they stay gorgeous too. Any stone is "proper", as long as it is meaningful and desirable to YOU.

Cheers

[ealing]

hi,

There is a trend now that couples pick out their stones/diamonds and then find the ring design for it to be put into rather than getting the engagement ring already made if that makes sense.

My engagement ring is a diamond which i love as I know the value and quality of it. It is particularly special as it was my husband's grandmother's engagement ring, so pretty old, around at least 50 years ago when she first had it on her finger.

Diamonds aren't the only engagement ring; but in previous generations they would fetch a better price if one had to sell off their engagement ring in hard times. That is why traditionally wedding bands are plain rings and not flashy like engagment rings as you wouldn't really part with your wedding band and it wouldn't fetch as much money as your engagement ring if you had to sell it.

[Rating]

I would of been happy with a pink stone in my ring... But Df is one of those believers that it has to be a diamond... Id love to wear a pink ring forever!

In saying that though I LOVE MY RING!

But I dont think everyones needs to be diamond. ANd I dont see a ring that is not a diamond as any less of an engagement ring thats just silly..

You can be engaged without a ring so why ten when one is on our fingers does it have to be a certain type.

[SorenLorensen]

agh i feel violated.
someone used my thread to advertise their ummm...something :laughing: im not clicking the link to find out :p

oh, the shame, the shame of it all....for shame :shame:




:laughing:

[Chunkydunks]

saved you the trouble its an engagement ring website:laughing: At least it fits in with the theme of the thread. I've had people try sell nike's and cameras and that sort of stuff in one of my more sensitive threads.

[MamaLlama]

Of course it doesn't have to be a diamond. My mum's wasn't and some of my friends have rubies, emeralds etc. Though they did tend to the ones who married younger and before they had much money saved.

For *me* it wouldn't be an e-ring without a diamond, but I've always loved the solitaire Tiffany look. My ring is a solitaire brilliant cut diamond. It isn't big at all, in fact I wish it were bigger but we just couldn't afford it. I would love a 1ct diamond one day to upgrade it. Not enormous but big enough.

So for me yes, diamonds are more special. But I wouldn't ever look down on someone for having a different e-ring preference, or none at all. Hell, the best marriage I know is my grandparents and they had 1 ring, my grandma's wedding ring, a plain gold band, and that's it. Men didn't wear wedding rings then.

[Looshkin]

I love engagement rings that are not diamond.

But I think a ring should be something you love wearing that reflects your tastes.

I have a chunky square antique setting with 5 oval saphires set out with one in each corner, one bigger one in the middle, kinda like a playing cards with 16 tiny diamonds in sets of 4 between each stone.

I luuurrve it.

I was anti diamond but the tiny ones make it just look like the white gold around the saphires is sparkly..

My friend has an amazing one, just a big rectangle emerald in white gold. So pretty.

My sister however, wants a princess cut cookie cutter engagement ring.
I don't think it matters what anyone else thinks, if you want a tiffany princess cut diamond have that, if you want a black pearl on a ring have that...

My other friend has a platinum hand designed/moulded engraved skull with two tiny black diamonds in the eyes. It's actually really cool and less tacky than it sounds.

They did that as they went to the 2 dollar store to buy matching cheap skull rings the day they went to the registry to 'get married' and he replaced it with a 'real version'

[I love JJJ]

I don't think engagement ring has to be Diamond/s.
I think it's lovely that you have your nan's engagement ring- that's so special and if I had mine it would be worth more than any Diamond.
My is a solitaire Diamond but that's because DH and I liked the Diamond look.