Our brides and grooms-to-be are choosing vintage engagement rings as their “something old.” 

As the saying goes, you can’t look to the future without embracing the past. Vintage engagement rings perfectly encapsulate the glitz and glamor of the time, transporting the wearer to a place of romance. Thanks to modern setting techniques and materials, the durability of these rings has greatly improved, allowing for more intricate craftsmanship.

Who doesn’t love a sparkly throwback? Our customers certainly do, which is why they’ve lavished the most praise on these vintage engagement rings. Let’s bring on the nostalgia and see why these antique beauties are making their way as the newest craze. 

Do Vintage Engagement Rings Have A Meaning?

True vintage engagement rings are usually recycled and passed down from generation to generation. That in itself holds significant meaning and symbolism for families and those who receive these stunning heirlooms.

You’re probably wondering if that means any ring can be a vintage ring if it’s 50 years or older. While any ring can be a family heirloom, vintage engagement rings are inspired by different eras from the past, and so the vintage title goes exclusively to these styles.

We’ll explain which era inspired your favorite vintage ring styles and how the designs have changed over time.

Eras And Inspiration For Vintage Engagement Rings

Aside from age, there’s not much to dictate style for vintage engagement rings. Even relatively modern rings from the 1990s can be considered “vintage.” But if you’re looking for a specific era’s inspirations, here are the four ages that modern vintage styles frequently emulate. See what catches your eye.

Victorian Era (1835-1900) 

In the Victorian Era, engagement rings vary widely in design and materials. Most Victorian rings were generally yellow or rose gold and often included diamonds. Rows, halos, and clusters of diamonds became popular during this era. So, in some ways, a yellow gold double-halo ring could be an example of a Victorian-inspired vintage engagement ring.

Edwardian Era (1900-1920)

If you’re into intricate, lacy designs, you’ll love jewelry from the Edwardian Era.

Rings from this period were generally platinum and included intricate metalwork called filigree in designs featuring scrolling, ribbons, and vines. Floral motifs were also popular. Although diamonds and pearls continued to be popular, colored gemstones appeared in jewelry more frequently. Old mine cuts, old European cuts, and rose cuts were the most common cuts for diamonds in this period.

Art Deco Era (1920-1940)

In contrast to the lacy lightness of Edwardian styles, Art Deco was all about bold geometry and repeating patterns. Instead of curvy, flowing filigree, Art Deco rings often included metalwork with repeating, sharp angles and tiny beads called milgrain. This style has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. 

Step-cut diamonds like emerald and Asscher cuts became fashionable, and colored gemstones, especially rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, were especially popular.

Related post: Obsession-Worthy Art Deco Engagement Rings

Retro Era (1940-1960)

Before World War II, a few engagement rings featured a center diamond. However, after the highly successful De Beers diamond marketing campaign (to spend a month’s salary on the diamond center stone), which began in the 1940s, engagement rings almost exclusively featured diamonds. Unlike earlier rings, engagement rings from this “Retro Era” featured simpler designs. 

Solitaire rings and baguette side stones were quite popular, and the typical size of the center stone grew larger once the Depression ended.

Are Vintage Engagement Rings Expensive?

Authentic vintage or antique engagement rings can be seen as highly valuable, given some may be rare in design. However, they might still be considered second-hand and therefore not as desirable as a new engagement ring.

So how much will you spend on a vintage engagement ring? You’re looking at anything between $2,000 – $20,000. It all comes down to the 4C’s of your center stone and, of course, the ring setting itself (metal, added diamond accents, etc.)

If an authentic vintage engagement ring is too much maintenance or doesn’t fit your budget, we suggest buying a new one. There are plenty of stunning vintage-style rings available that will give you the aesthetic you want and can be customized to fit your exact preference. Buying your ring online can really get you the best ring for your buck with more options than in-store jewelers.

Vintage Is The New Modern

Vintage rings are appealing to many modern-day customers because they offer a wider range of styles. From Art Deco to Edwardian engagement rings, a vintage design on your finger will leave you feeling like you’re wearing a one-of-a-kind jewel. These 20th-century-inspired rings are a classic expression of the Victorian romantic era with their floral designs and lacey frames.

Alternative engagement rings are in fashion now more than ever. Why, you may ask? It might be the growing need for a sparkling ring that speaks to the wearer’s individuality, or perhaps because antique and vintage engagement rings are more sustainable overall. Both of these are true, but our favorite reason is that these period pieces are simply irresistible. 

Related post: Style Series: Inspired Vintage Engagement Rings

A Unique Aesthetic

Rare and timeless are just a few words to express just how unique your vintage engagement ring will appear, no matter the timeline. Whether your style changes in the future, the diversity of your ring’s personality and character will evolve with you. 

We all have our own tastes, and that is why you deserve to wear an engagement ring that embodies your unique traits through its detailed designs. 

More Than A Diamond

We know we’ve gone on and on about how unique vintage engagement rings are. However, when you take into account what your engagement ring means to you and your partner, there really isn’t a better way to express just how special and rare your love is than the very thing you’ll be wearing to show off that promise of forever. 

That being said, if you love the idea of a truly antique engagement ring, play around with different eras and do your research before you make the big decision. While a dazzling diamond sparkler might seem like the perfect choice, know that vintage engagement rings are also the ideal designs for gemstones too. 

Glamorous Beauty

Vintage jewelry tells a story and can be presented as a small piece of art on your finger. There’s something intimately appealing to the fact that your vintage engagement ring was created not only with the elements of the romantic era it is influenced by but the imagination behind its craftsmanship. 

Vintage-inspired jewelry certainly takes us back to a more glamorous time. We just need to watch films like ‘The Great Gatsby’ to be reminded of just how well a vintage engagement ring encompasses the very essence of what it means to be glamorous and in love. 

Your Style Statement

In a world where trendy engagement rings like sparkle-filled halos are becoming the norm, it’s breathtaking to stand out amongst the crowd with an embellished antique. 

Stars like Katie Holmes and Miley Cyrus have all worn stunning vintage engagement rings, with excerpt scrollwork, intricate detailing around the band, and center stones that would make anyone jealous.

Pros and Cons of a Vintage Setting

A vintage-style ring provides immense beauty and unique details. However, it’s always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right style for you.

Pros:

• Provides remarkable beauty and character
• Enhances the prominence of the center stone when well-designed
• Matches a time period or personal style preference
• Unique and intricately built

Cons: 

• Can require more cleaning and maintenance due to design details and crevices. 
• The setting can distract from the beauty and sparkle of the stone (if poorly designed.) 
• With an actual vintage setting (different from a new vintage style ring), additional time and expertise are necessary to ensure it’s well-maintained and securely holds the diamond.

FAQs About Vintage Engagement Rings 

1. What is considered a vintage engagement ring? 

A vintage engagement ring is a ring with an antique style, such as one that’s designed with inspiration from the Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco time periods.

2. Are vintage-style engagement rings popular?

Because of their timeless beauty, vintage engagement rings have always been popular.

3. What makes a ring vintage style?

Put simply, vintage rings are rings that have lasted through the years due to their beauty, craftsmanship, and distinct originality. While “antique” rings are generally defined as over 50 years old, the term vintage is thought to have a looser definition and can include rings from eras made after that threshold.

Closing Thoughts  

Inspired? We hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane and have come to love and appreciate the real vintage-inspired classics as much as we do. We’d love to let you in on a secret:

At James Allen, you can design your very own vintage engagement ring using our Ring Studio. Visit us here and have the time of your life customizing your unique sparkler. 

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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Fancy color diamond engagement rings are rare and unique, not usually part of the traditional engagement ring styles category. If you have your heart set on a fancy color diamond and want to know more about your chosen color’s symbolism, perfect shape, and metal setting, keep reading to find out!

What Are Fancy Color Diamonds

Fancy color diamonds are rare precious gems that come in an array of different colors. There are only 12 different fancy colored diamonds. However, each color has nine levels of intensity and 90 secondary hues. This means you can purchase a colored diamond from a faint color grade to an intense and vivid color grade.

Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

Yellow diamonds have a higher market demand than other fancy color diamonds, making them slightly more common. Depending on their color grade, they may be less expensive than their colorless counterparts. To get the best value and look for your yellow diamond engagement ring, you need to have the perfect diamond cut and metal color.

Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

If you’re considering a stunning yellow diamond engagement ring, here’s what your ring will symbolize. Yellow diamonds represent love, happiness, and optimism, while yellow diamond engagement rings mean the beginning or the continuation of a long and happy relationship.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Yellow Diamonds

Fancy yellow diamonds shine their brightest when cut into the cushion and radiant shapes. These particular diamond cuts maximize the saturation of the color while still maintaining a fiery brilliance.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Yellow Diamonds?

Fancy yellow diamonds can look incredible set in yellow gold or lighter metals like white gold and platinum. For darker metals, it’s better to use a faint to intense yellow diamond, whereas lighter metals look exceptional with vivid to darker yellow diamonds.

Fancy Pink Diamond Engagement Rings

Unlink other fancy color diamonds; gemologists still aren’t sure what makes pink diamonds pink. Pink diamonds are one of the rarest colored diamonds that exist, rarer than every type of colored diamond, apart from red diamonds. Their rarity means pink diamonds are exceedingly valuable. But what makes them perfect as center stones for engagement rings?

Pink Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

A pink diamond engagement ring speaks volumes about the beauty and rarity of the love you share with your partner. Pink diamonds exhibit the qualities of love, creativity, and romance. There’s also a level of mystery and intrigue about these colored diamond engagement rings because the exact reason for the pink color is not completely known.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Pink Diamonds

In order to enhance the color of a rare fancy pink diamond, these diamonds will often be found in fancy shapes like emerald, cushion, radiant, oval, and pear shapes. Some of the most sophisticated pink diamond engagement rings are set with emerald cut pale pink diamonds.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Pink Diamonds?

Choosing the metal for your pink diamond engagement ring depends on the color grade of your pink diamond. However, one quick trick of the trade is knowing that any light metal, like platinum or white gold, will make a paler pink diamond look more intense. Deep-colored pink diamonds can be set with darker metals for a bold look.

Fancy Blue Diamond Engagement Rings

Natural blue diamonds are far rarer than one might imagine. A fine blue diamond of any carat size can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If a blue diamond is the dream center stone for your engagement ring, remember, you can always invest in a lab created blue diamond. Lab grown fancy color diamonds are just as real as mined diamonds but will likely always be the more budget-friendly option.

Blue Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Blue diamond engagement rings are said to represent faith and trust, two very important elements in any relationship. Blue diamonds are believed to help protect against misunderstandings and unnecessary fights- also a huge plus for a newly married couple.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Blue Diamonds

Blue diamonds, like most fancy color diamonds, are cut to achieve the best color possible. But that doesn’t always mean diamond buyers want the most intense or dark blue tones for their diamond engagement ring. For a softer hue, go for a round cut blue diamond. If you want a more vivid blue, definitely aim for fancier shapes like pear, radiant, and cushion cuts.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Blue Diamonds?

The most popular metal color for blue diamonds is white metals like white gold and platinum. As we mentioned before, these lighter metals will always help to highlight the color of the diamond and make it appear more intense.

Given that blue is a dynamic color, darker blue diamonds can be set in yellow gold without the metal diluting the color of the diamond.

Fancy Orange Diamond Engagement Rings

Pure fancy orange diamonds, which are extremely rare, are also referred to as “pumpkin diamonds” because these diamonds occur in the same tone and intensity as the color of a pumpkin. If you love fall colors, an orange diamond engagement ring may be just up your alley.

Orange diamonds have less than a 25% saturation of the color orange, which makes the orange a secondary hue. The primary color for these diamonds is often yellow, brown, pink, or, more uncommonly, the much sought-after red.

Orange Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Having an orange diamond engagement ring means you’ll own a diamond that represents courage, good energy, and enthusiasm.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Orange Diamonds

Like most fancy color diamonds, having them cut into fancy shapes is the best way to enhance the stone’s color. If you want a show-stopping orange diamond engagement ring, try to set your ring with a pear, radiant, cushion, or marquise cut orange diamond. If you’d prefer a softer orange tone, go for the ever-popular round cut shape.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Orange Diamonds?

Pairing white gold with an orange diamond creates a unique effect. The diamond and metal create a stunning contrast which makes the diamond stand out.

Orange diamonds are flexible and can be paired with yellow gold, too. The diamond and darker metal blend easily, with the transition from metal to diamond occurring smoothly.

Fancy Purple Diamond Engagement Rings

Natural fancy purple diamonds can vary across the color spectrum from a very light shade of lavender diamonds to much deeper shades of purple, including violet diamonds. The deeper the shade, the more valuable the loose diamond or center stone is likely to be.

Purple has been associated with nobility, wisdom, and power for centuries. Purple diamond engagement rings are one of the more popular choices for the upper echelons of society.

Purple Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Purple is a color that symbolizes passion, mystery, magic, and royalty, making it the perfect addition to any engagement or promise ring. It is also said that purple jewelry can bring a feeling of calm and help bring balance to your life or relationship.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Purple Diamonds

Purple diamonds are often light and pastel in tone, even with intense and vivid grades. A fancy shape cut is encouraged to keep your diamond’s value as high as possible. Like pink diamonds, purple diamond engagement rings look exceptionally chic set with an emerald cut center stone.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Purple Diamonds?

Purple diamonds can honestly look incredible in light and dark metal ring settings. But we believe a truly royal-looking purple diamond engagement ring deserves a bold yellow gold band with added diamond accents.

Fancy Green Diamond Engagement Rings

Green diamonds rank among the rarest and most valuable of diamonds. Green diamonds get their color from additional exposure to atomic radiation during their formation, which only occurs in a tiny portion of natural diamonds.

A green diamond engagement ring may seem an odd choice, but these diamonds are as rare and magnificent as your love.

Green Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Green diamonds are symbolic of the natural world and harmony. There are many variations of green diamonds, as some have blue or purple undertones. Green diamonds also symbolize abundance, long life, prosperity, and strength. To wear a green diamond engagement ring is a sure way to bring this beautiful and positive symbolism into your relationship.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Green Diamonds

The most popular shapes for green diamonds include princess, emerald, Asscher, pear, radiant, round, oval, marquise, heart, and cushion. If you’re looking for the most recommended shapes, try radiant and cushion, as they complement the diamond’s color for your engagement ring.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Green Diamonds?

Fortunately, green diamonds are highly versatile and go well with any metal color. Green diamonds can have a contemporary look when styled with lighter metals and a more vintage feel when paired with rose or yellow gold.

Fancy Red Diamond Engagement Rings

The rarest of all the rare fancy color diamonds are red diamonds. These diamonds are highly sought-after and often only found a handful of times a year. Given that they are so incredibly rare and expensive, many diamond buyers will opt for a lab grown red diamond to set with their favorite piece of jewelry or their dream engagement ring.

Red Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Red diamonds are a symbol of intense passion, power, creativity., and eternal love. They also represent repetition and ritual, a lovely nod towards commitment and perseverance in a relationship. A red diamond engagement ring would be a perfect match for someone who wants to live life boldly and to its fullest.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Red Diamonds

As a rule of thumb, choose a cut that would maximize the light that passes through your red diamond to reflect its fiery color better. Shapes like Asscher, emerald, radiant and oval cuts will emphasize the red color best.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Red Diamonds?

You can finish the warm color of a red diamond with almost any metal color. Try a yellow gold setting to give your red diamond a timelessly elegant look. White gold and platinum are also great options if you want your red diamond to have a more modern feel.

Fancy Black Diamond Engagement Rings

Black diamonds have a bold, captivating look. Their rich, captivatingly deep color lends an air of mystery and passion to every piece of black diamond jewelry. Black diamonds have paved the way as a non-traditional engagement ring trend, offering their wearers an alternative or edgy look. These diamonds are unique, with the same hardness and shine as colorless diamonds.

Black Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Black diamonds have all the same meanings as white (colorless) diamonds, like love, strength, and faithfulness. However, their color gives them additional meaning. Black diamonds also symbolize certainty, passion, and longevity, all unique and powerful characteristics in an engagement ring.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Black Diamonds

The most popular choices for black diamond shapes are round, oval, and princess. A round cut black diamond engagement ring is perfect for someone looking for a timeless look. Whereas princess or oval cut is ideal for those looking to emphasize the unique beauty of this dark gem.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Black Diamonds?

There are really no rules for which metal will look best for your black diamond engagement ring. White metals, like white gold and platinum, compliment the diamond and give it a cool look while enhancing its boldness. Warmer metals, like yellow and rose gold, will contrast the diamond’s color and really enhance the depth of the diamond.

Can You Get A Lab Grown Fancy Color Diamond? 

Yes! Lab grown fancy color diamonds are available in every color and are usually the more effective alternative to natural fancy color diamonds. We’ve mentioned before how some of the rarest fancy colored diamonds are too exclusive, rare, and expensive to get without a massive bank account and the right connections.

So, if you’re set on a specific diamond color, and you want to choose your favorite cut, size, and metal setting, all while staying within your engagement ring budget, give a lab created diamond a try! 

We’re Here To Help

Finding the perfect engagement ring comes with stress, questions, and a lot of second-guessing. At James Allen, we offer you 100% free advice and will assist you in understanding the best diamond quality for your budget and unique preferences. 

Contact our customer service team and chat with non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts 24/7 regarding any questions you have about buying an engagement ring online and the process around it. 

Happy shopping! 

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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Find out everything you need to know about morganite engagement rings and fine jewelry, from the stone’s history to its romantic symbolism.

What Is Morganite?

Morganite is a pink semiprecious stone and belongs to the beryl family, along with emerald and aquamarine. This stone is a stunning diamond alternative and comes in hues from orange to coral to salmon to subtle pink, although you’ll notice light peachy pink is the most common. 

This stone is relatively free of inclusions, given its desirable clear appearance. Morganite is essentially colorless, but the presence of magnesium creates its pink effect while the presence of iron impurities gives a slight yellow or orange hue, combining for the iconic peachy color.

Morganite Origin & History 

Morganite was first discovered on the coast of Madagascar in the early 1900s. It is currently mined mainly in Afghanistan, Brazil, and Madagascar. It was first named pink beryl- but later renamed by a famous gemologist, George Frederick Kunz who wanted to honor his patron, John Pierpont Morgan.

Morganite Characteristics

Morganite owes its beautiful salmon pink color to the presence of manganese. Usually, Morganite is eye clean, which means that no inclusions are visible to the naked eye at a distance of about 15 cm. 

Primarily subtle and pale in color, some of the larger specimens demonstrate deeper saturation. Skilled cutters can also elicit richer colors by cutting the stones a little deeper than the norm.

When he first discovered it, George Kunz conducted several different experiments with morganite to examine all of its unique properties. One such characteristic is its intense red fluorescence upon exposure to x-rays. 

Morganite Symbolism 

With its soft pinkish hue, morganite is often associated with innocence, sweetness, romance, and love. In general, morganite is connected to the heart and is attuned to the heart chakra– talk about a perfect engagement ring center stone. Morganite is believed to bring healing, compassion, and promise to those who wear it. 

Morganite is said to open its wearers to unconditional love while dissolving the ego. Though not an actual birthstone, morganite is said to be an excellent stone for fine jewelry and non-traditional engagement rings. 

How Valuable is Morganite Jewelry?

Morganite fine jewelry is often scarce, which is why many avid collectors are on the lookout for high-quality morganite pieces.

A morganite carat can cost between $200 and $400 and remains an affordable option for couples who want this stone as the center of their dream engagement ring.

When shopping for morganite fine jewelry or your morganite engagement ring online, remember that cut, color, carat, and clarity are essential for consideration.

Morganite Necklaces 

A morganite pendant necklace will be a stunning gift for anyone who has a refined sense of style. This gemstone’s peachy radiance is even more captivating when paired with a sparkling halo setting.

Morganite Earrings

Morganite earrings are not something you hear about every day, but it has grown in popularity across the world due to their brilliance and appealing feminine colors. Their durability and affordability also make them great for daily wear. Their beautiful, demure hues offer an excellent centerpiece to anyone’s gem collection.

Morganite Fashion Rings 

Whether the occasion is a birthday or an anniversary, this piece of jewelry will never fail to gain attention or make a unique statement. When crafted in rose gold or yellow gold, a morganite’s elegance magnifies. 

With a variety of options available in shape, setting, and design, you will certainly be able to find something that complements your personality.

Should You Buy a Morganite Engagement Ring?

Morganite has become a popular choice for brides looking for an alternative to the traditional diamond. Of course, the primary allure of morganite is its pink and peachy hues. If you’re attracted to color gemstones, it comes as a refreshing alternative to a colorless diamond or a beautiful and affordable alternative to a pink diamond. 

Morganite stones offer intense brilliance and sparkle and are low-cost which makes them perfect as budget-friendly engagement ring options. Because the gemstone is fairly soft, it’s important to have your morganite stone set in a four or six-prong setting to avoid unwanted chipping. 

FAQs About Morganite

1) Is morganite a durable gemstone?

Morganite is a fairly durable gemstone having a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Moh’s scale.

2) Morganite vs pink tourmaline, what’s the difference?

Morganite has a peachy-pink hue, whereas pink tourmalines can range from pale pink to bright pink. Also, morganite is a member of the beryl family just like emerald and aquamarine, whereas tourmalines are made of boron silicate minerals.

3) How to clean morganite jewelry?

Like most jewelry, the best way to clean your stone at home is by using lukewarm soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

4) What are the major sources of morganites?

Morganites are mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Namibia, China, Madagascar, and Mozambique.

5) What does morganite symbolize?

Morganite symbolizes love, passion, romance, and innocence. It is believed that morganites are connected to the heart chakra and can bring unconditional love to couples.

Final Thoughts

Morganite is a stunning vivid center stone and at James Allen, we have all the tools and convenience you need to browse and design your own engagement ring online and find the wedding ring of your dreams. Visit us for all you need to know about diamond options, ring settings, your fine jewelry favorites, and more! 

Read on for more about this year’s top trends:

• Your Guide To Rose Gold Engagement Rings
• Unique Engagement Rings for the Non-Traditional Bride
• Fine Jewelry Trends To Look Out For In 2022
• 2022’s Top Engagement Ring Trends

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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When it comes to popping the question, anything goes. But what about the ring? Something as personal as an engagement ring needs some extra thought, and that’s where we come in. Join us as we explore the perfect engagement ring duos for same-sex couples! 

We’re grateful that love is anyone’s game, and each player gets their own unique story. What better way to express your personal love story and style than with your engagement ring?

But first, the usual questions. Who proposes to who? Are you both jumping on the trend of wearing engagement rings together? If yes, are you going the cute route with matching rings? 

Overwhelmed? Don’t stress. There’s really no right answer on how to propose or what engagement ring to get. All we can do is inspire you. 

Here’s a look at our top engagement rings for same-sex couples. 

Same-Sex Engagement Rings For Women

Now, it’s important to remember that anything goes with your unique proposal and the same should be said about your engagement ring. Here are a few categories we’ve outlined about engagement rings for same-sex partners. 

Traditional

For a classic proposal, one person would have a desire to be proposed to while the other would like to be the one who pops the question. If you and your partner fall into this category you’ll both appreciate the more traditional approach. 

Traditional rings are anything but boring. Classic solitaire engagement rings are a style that will be around forever. What we love about these rings is that you can pair this setting with just about any diamond shape and metal color. You can also opt for different prong settings to suit your individual style.

In the past, it was customary for women to wear the engagement ring as men would be the ones who typically proposed. However, for same-sex couples, there are really no hard and fast rules about this.

If you’d like to keep it within the traditional standard then your partner to whom you proposed to will be the one sporting the diamond ring you picked especially for them. Then you will get your wedding band once you’re married. 

Dual Proposals

In today’s society, it’s super normal to have the marriage talk as a couple and to decide together that it’s time to get engaged. That being said, it’s not completely uncommon for same-sex couples to propose to one another. In fact, it’s a growing trend that both partners will wear an engagement ring and we’re absolutely loving it! 

So what kind of engagement ring should you and your partner choose if you both plan to propose and be proposed to? 

We’ve got two answers. First, you could always do matching rings to make the moment even more memorable. Picking out matching rings is a process the two of you won’t easily forget. Also, knowing your partner has a ring exactly like yours will always remind you of them when you catch a glimpse of your sparkler. 

If you don’t want to match completely, you can always keep them similar by choosing the same type of ring setting and then adding in your preferred center stone of choice. 

Second, you can both buy rings that showcase your significant other’s personal style and preferences. Going with this option means that you both have more options to choose from in terms of ring styles and also customization. Say you love halo engagement rings but you’d prefer a gemstone center stone instead of a traditional diamond- your partner can make that happen by designing your ring online. 

P.S. If you love the idea of creating a customized ring from scratch, try out our ring studio for the ultimate ring designing experience. 

Same-Sex Engagement Rings For Men

Men’s engagement rings are a little more tricky than womens since they’re only just now becoming increasingly popular. That’s not to say they aren’t a thing yet, because they very much are on the rise. It’s more of a question of their style and what that’s supposed to look like.

Do men’s engagement rings keep up the concept that a diamond or gemstone needs to be involved in the ring’s design, or does anything go? 

We’d like to think it’s up to the individual. And for same-sex couples, the sky is the limit to the type of engagement ring style you wish to present your partner with. If you want to keep it traditional- diamonds really are for everyone! One of the most popular styles are comfort fit rings with added diamond or gemstone accents. 

Men’s Eternity Rings

Diamonds already symbolize love, commitment, and above all, strength. Now when they’re fitted in an eternity ring, your partner will know you’re in it for the long haul!

Eternity rings can be customized to suit your significant other’s personal style, from diamond cut preference to favorite metal color choice. The best part, they’ll be shining from every angle. 

An eternity ring is also the perfect style for matching same-sex couples’ engagement rings as they represent not only the time you’ve already spent together, but the long life you’ll enjoy together as a married couple. 

Alternative Metal Men’s Engagement Rings 

Gold may be the most popular metal but alternative metals like tantalum offer a more rich and masculine color which is extraordinarily appealing.

Tantalum rings for same-sex couples offer durability, comfort, and it’s a low-maintenance metal. This metal is also a budget-friendly option as it’s cheaper than platinum and hypoallergenic. As an engagement ring option, they’re perfect for easy customization. 

How Do I Find Out My Partner’s Ring Size?

Getting your partner’s ring size is probably one of the most nerve-wracking exercises before your actual proposal. Lucky for you we have a few easy tips and tricks to help you get it right the first time round. 

At JamesAllen.com you can request a free ring sizer from us which we’ll have sent to you to ensure you get the perfect fit! Or you can have a go at our virtual try-on, which should come with disclosure because it’s highly addictive!

Same-Sex Engagement Ring FAQs

1. Do we need matching engagement rings? 

The short answer is no. Matching engagement rings for same-sex partners is no more mandatory than it is for heterosexual couples. Matching rings is a personal choice you and your partner can make together. 

1. Which hand do we wear our rings on?

Same-sex couples have been known to wear their rings in a number of different ways. From the traditional way with the ring worn on the left hand, to both partners wearing their rings on their right hands. In the end, you should decide on the hand that is most comfortable for you. 

3. Should we shop together for engagement rings? 

You can shop together if you’ve both planned the style of your engagement rings or you’d like to be there to choose your own. Of course, if you want it to be a surprise you can always drop a hint to your partner and hope for the best. 

4. Do we have to buy each other engagement rings?

You and your significant other don’t have to buy engagement rings. Whether you don’t believe in the symbolism or you’re not jewelry folks, it’s always up to you! There are no right or wrong ways to propose, and it can certainly be done without a ring. 

What Are You Waiting For?

When it comes to picking the right engagement ring for you, your partner, or both of you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to find the perfect fit. Visit our site for all you need to know about the different metals, styles, designs, and more!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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