Okay, let me tell you, searching for an engagement ring can be a wild ride! When my partner and I decided to get engaged, I dove headfirst into the world of rings, and quickly realized that the traditional styles just weren't "us." We wanted something that felt authentic to both of our personalities. The typical ring designs felt too gendered, leaning heavily towards either overtly masculine or overly feminine styles. The journey to find the right engagement ring was definitely more challenging than I expected, but it was absolutely worth it!
It felt like every ring I looked at was either too delicate and sparkly or too bulky and plain. Nothing seemed to strike the right balance. My partner is someone who is masculine, bubbly, kind, and goofy, and the ring needed to reflect all of that! I was starting to feel discouraged. Where do you even begin when you're looking for something that defies convention?
That's when I started exploring some alternative approaches, and I'm so glad I did! Here's what I learned:
One of the first suggestions I came across was to propose with a simple gold band. This is a fantastic option because it's classic, timeless, and completely gender-neutral. The beauty of this approach is that it allows your partner to then choose their own ring. We ultimately didn't go this route, but I loved the idea of making the ring selection a collaborative process. Ring shopping together can be a really fun and bonding experience. I know someone who was very happy that their fiancé proposed first and then went ring shopping with them, so they could get a ring that's exactly what they wanted, since they'll be wearing it forever!
I also discovered Automic Gold, a jewelry company whose founder is nonbinary. They have a fantastic selection of engagement rings that span the spectrum from traditionally feminine to traditionally masculine. What's even better is that they also do custom designs! This was a game-changer for me because it opened up the possibility of creating something truly unique and personal. Exploring jewelers with a focus on inclusivity can really broaden your horizons.
This might seem obvious, but it was a real eye-opener for me: rings don’t really have a gender! Anyone can wear any ring they want. I started looking at rings in a whole new light, focusing on what I personally liked rather than what was "supposed" to be for men or women. It really comes down to personal preference. Consider what metals they like – platinum or yellow gold? Do they prefer a simple band or something with stones? Asking their preferences directly can save a lot of guesswork.
I'm AFAB, and I didn’t want a traditionally feminine ring. We ended up going the custom route with a local jeweler, and it was the best decision we made. They were able to bring my vision to life, creating a ring that perfectly captured my partner’s personality and style. Local jewelers have access to a vast catalog of rings and often do custom pieces for a price that's not much different than what you'd pay at a big box store. Plus, they're a fountain of information and can guide you through the process.
I even learned about a male friend who is married to another man, and he wears a diamond bridal set traditionally marketed for women. It's an absolute showstopper – a radiant cut lab diamond on a diamond and platinum band, with a matching wedding band. It’s gorgeous! This really hammered home the idea that there are no rules when it comes to engagement rings.
While searching for unique jewelry, I stumbled upon SumsFashion and their fantastic collection. They offer a wide range of styles, from classic to edgy, and I was particularly drawn to their themed pieces. I think that adding a small unique necklace can add a special touch to the proposal. I know it’s not a ring, but it’s a fun way to add a touch of personality to the event.
I was browsing the SumsFashion website and found this 2023 New Halloween Red Blood Choker Necklace. While it's definitely not an engagement ring, I thought it could be a fun and unexpected addition to a Halloween-themed proposal or as a gift to wear during spooky season. It's definitely a statement piece! As someone who loves Halloween, I think it's a cool way to add a bit of fun and personality.