To ring or not to ring?

Most every engagement is proposed with a ring of the to-be-bride's choosing. And that's just fine, although I would prefer if my ring was a surprise. That's just me, though. It's always the couple's choice  on whether or not they want to pick out the engagement ring together. That, however, is not the point of this post. Let's get crackin'.


Ladies, please take into account that if your boyfriend cannot buy you the $10,000 Tiffany's ring you saw online, it is not because he a) does not love you, b) he should get another job, or c) YOU DESERVE IT AND HE'S JUST BEING STUBBORN WAAAAH! No, it is not any of the above. It's because a $10,000 ring is ridiculously, outrageously overpriced. I don't care if the diamond was found in the midst of Pompeii being clutched by a small, preserved infant who happened to be a king. Most people cannot afford to spend $10,000 on a stinking ring. Buy yourself a car. Get yourself a nice apartment. And let me tell you, I could find a ring that looked exactly the same on Amazon for $40.

I beg of you to find the difference between those two rings. Not much of one, is there? Another thing that bugs me is that so many brides insist on the diamond and the princess cut. How crazy overrated can a ring get? Go for something different! Try a marquise. I see those so rarely, and they're gorgeous. Instead of a diamond, look for your favorite gemstone. If diamond is your favorite stone, then by all means, carry on and scroll past this. But do not feel like you have to get a diamond because that appears to be the only thing available to you. It isn't! There are so many options that go unnoticed because of this stupid diamond-princess-gotta-have-that-only trend. I would much prefer an emerald or a pearl.

Really, though, the engagement isn't about the ring. Who says you need one? Get a necklace, a bracelet, a toe ring, an anklet, a pair of earrings. Don't get anything. Get a Ring Pop. Get something that means something to you. Better yet, save the money if you can't afford to spare it and just be thrilled about being engaged. Getting married is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Why waste your time whining and being picky about a ring your boyfriend cannot possibly afford to buy you, or a ring he hates? I know that you have to wear it for the rest of your life. However, that doesn't mean it has to be a ring you don't like. The best option if you're very picky IS to go shopping with your boyfriend. You can choose something you both think is pretty, affordable, and very much to your taste. 

To sum up:

1. Don't be ridiculous. Don't expect your boyfriend to shell out thousands of dollars for a ring.
2. Don't feel like you have to go with the trends. Try something new and something that you love. Go traditional, go crazy, go silly - whatever you want. Just make sure it's you. 
3. Most importantly, don't feel like you HAVE to have a ring to be engaged. That is not what an engagement is. If you want a symbol that you're engaged and don't want a ring, or can't afford one, try something cheaper but still tasteful and pretty. 
4. Choose something that looks good on your hand and that you love, not something all your friends got.
5. Buying an expensive ring isn't necessary. (Can you tell this is one of my wedding pet peeves?) You can find the same ring online somewhere for much cheaper. Spare your bank accounts a little pain, eh?
6. Frankly, you don't even need a ring. Keep that in mind!

DIFFERENT ENGAGEMENT OPTIONS: