Is an “alternative” engagement ring right for you?

When you picture an engagement ring, what comes to mind? Do you picture a large center stone diamond ring, the bling that you can find at pretty much every jewelry store these days? If you can’t envision you or your partner wearing that, you’re in the right place. I’m guessing you’re here because you want something different. Maybe you’ve looked around and nothing quite fits your partner’s style. Maybe you don’t see your love celebrated in the mainstream wedding industry or you want to infuse a deeper meaning into these symbols of love. 

 My clients define their own view of what an engagement ring is. I believe that rings and personal style don’t have a gender. I’m here to listen to your story and your vision so that we can design a ring that feels authentic to you and your partner. What’s more meaningful than creating a one-of-a-kind ring to honor your unique love story? 

Here are some of my favorite ideas for creating an alternative engagement ring with Ringed:

1. Pop the question and then design a ring together

The most stressful part of choosing a ring for your partner is probably knowing what style of ring they’d like to wear for the rest of their lives. Take the guesswork out of it and propose with a 24k engagement ring that is meant to be melted down and made into a custom design during a Ringed workshop. Not only will you share an unforgettable experience together but you’ll also guarantee that they love their custom ring because, well, they designed it.

2. You’re both proposing

Times are changing and many couples are choosing to propose to one another at the time that feels right for each of them. Goodbye outdated patriarchal norms, hello intentional commitment and consent. If that’s the case, you might need two rings. You could choose to purchase the 24k gold melt-down option, make your engagement rings together in a couple’s workshop before either of you propose, schedule a private workshop to surprise your partner with a custom engagement ring, or commission Allison to craft a custom engagement ring for your partner. There are so many possibilities!

3. One ring to rule them all

Who says you have to wear two rings? What if your engagement ring is also your wedding band? What if you want to wear a stack of 5 rings, one for each person in your family? All the more reason to craft the ring(s) with intention. I’ll say it again...there are no rules when it comes to your wedding rings. Honor your style and your story. All love is valid, whether you and your partner wear five, two, one or no rings at all.

4. Diamonds aren’t your thing 

Maybe you love emeralds or rubies or sapphires. Maybe you love gold or two-tone metal. Maybe you want to hide a pin-prick diamond on the inside of the band, just for you. Forget what an engagement ring “should” look like and make it yours. 

Whatever you choose, the reality is that all of these materials have an environmental and humanitarian impact. I think about this a lot and that’s why I am committed to only using ethically sourced, vintage and lab grown gemstones, and recycled precious metals. You can rest assured knowing that your symbol of love is part of a more sustainable jewelry industry. Read more about my commitment to ethically sourced materials here.

5. Your ring can tell a story

Where did you meet? Did you fall in love next to the ocean or amongst the tall trees of the Pacific Northwest? Maybe the texture of brick will always remind you of the city streets you walked together in your first year of dating or maybe you fell in love bonding over sci-fi and video games. Whatever your story, your ring can celebrate these details through the form and texture of your custom design.

6. Choose your method

There are two main techniques used in Ringed workshops to bring your ring, and your love story, to life. Just know that if either of these sound intimidating, that’s totally normal. I promise that you can do it. I’ve taught 100 couples how to make their own rings and you’ll have me, a professional jeweler and teacher, with you every step of the way. 

• A wax carving workshop allows you to create organic textures and ring forms that can mimic things like tree bark, mountain peaks and ocean waves. Your wax model will be professionally cast in metal after you carve it in the workshop. You’ll mainly use wax and hand tools in this workshop.

• A fabrication workshop allows you to forge a precise metal band. You’ll mainly use metal, heat and hammers in this workshop. You can opt for a professional engraver to add details like ferns, flowers or your favorite sci-fi symbols after fabrication. 

With either of these methods, a professional stone setter can add ethically sourced jewels to your rings after they have been cast or fabricated.

Say goodbye to the days of having to pick from a few generic engagement rings at a jewelry counter. Together, we can design and create an engagement ring (or two) that reflects your journey in love and your partner’s personal style, while not compromising on your ethics. 

Let’s talk! Reach out for a consultation to start designing your alternative engagement ring(s) today.