Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Thrify engagement ring, or cheap fiancé?

I was on the Swarovski website looking for inspiration, and found some lovely rings. Swarovski crystal is la crème de la crème of crystals, and the price reflects its quality and design. It has stunning crystals, most often set in gold or white gold (also known as rhodium plated gold). Its workmanship certainly matches that of gemstone jewellery.

I was drooling over some cocktail rings, when I saw these three rings, two of which look like engagement rings, and one like a wedding band.

(A traditional looking engagement ring.)


(A very large ring ... one that is probably too large for most people's tastes.)


(A popular style of wedding band.)



Think of the pros of crystal:
  • Avoid diamonds, which avoids all the potential social issues surrounding diamonds (though I did this post a while back to address socially responsible diamonds, crystals are another way to ensure you are avoiding "conflict diamonds")
  • Actually be able to afford the ring (particularly a bonus for couples on a restricted budget)
  • Have something a little different without skimping on quality

The biggest con? It isn't a diamond. Or even any precious gemstone. And that is a big deal to lots of people. The diamond on our fingers is, to many of us (if not most of us) a social symbol, a status of what our fiancé can afford, the equivalent to a man's muscle car or model train collection or whatever other expensive collection or trinkets some other people (often, though not always, men) use to show off status.

So I ask ...
Do you think a crystal engagement ring would be thrifty and creative in these times, or just plain cheap?

8 comments:

The Professional Bridesmaid said...

The type of ring, whether it's expensive or not, whether it's fancy or plain, whether it's a diamond or not, should only matter to two people - the bride and groom (or the bride & bride or the groom & groom).
Who are we to judge if the couple is happy with the ring?

Great post...never knew Swarovski made just pretty rings!

Krista said...

I agree, wholeheartedly. And up until recentlky, I didn't known swarovski made such pretty rings, either!

Brandy said...

I love swaroski jewellery!
I too didn't know they made rings!

ps. thanks for the comment...I believe the top tier is brie! I guess it's too gooey to be anything but on top!

kadler said...

I totally wish I could get a crystal ring. Then I wouldn't worry about losing it!

Wedding Corner said...

I can only agree with all the comments above.
The type of ring should only concern the couple.
You can find really pretty crystal rings, and as you said, in these times, it is a creative option.

~Lilian~

AmyJean {Relentless Bride®} said...

i adore swarovski crystals :)
RelentlessBride

engagement rings canada said...

I love the designs of the rings.These rings are very much pretty.It took me 1 hour because I was admiring them.

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