Self-care is a hot topic these days. The #treatyoself mentality is fun and carefree, and I’m all for special splurges and events to celebrate any old thing. For me, self-care is also a daily practice of nurturing myself. It’s taking 20 minutes to breathe and walk around the block. Many times I need a physical reminder to tune back in and see how I am doing. 

What if you want to show your commitment to yourself in a more lasting way? An object, like a ring that warms to your skin, moves with you, and is sculpted by daily life just as you are can be a perfect way to honor yourself.

The notion of being somehow obligated to create opportunities for self-care can feel like too much at times. But focusing on continual, intrinsic self-love and appreciation can be part of daily life without any obligation at all.

In the Ringed studio, I am passionate about celebrating love of all kinds, including self-love. Society wants to tell us you need an engagement or wedding to get a stunning piece of jewelry for your finger. But I wholeheartedly disagree. 

Creating a ring just for yourself is a powerful way to acknowledge and commit to your worthiness just as you are. No relationship necessary! If you’d like to learn more about this ring-making experience, let’s connect and start planning.

A Ringed Self-Love Story

Oregon wedding officiant Emily Sterling is the owner of Rooted and Wild Spirited Ceremonies. We have been part of each others’ spheres for several years since we both work in the wedding industry. We’ve had the chance to get to know each other during this time, so I was ecstatic when Emily chose me to help create a love and commitment ring for herself. 

Emily shared that she created her ring “as a symbol of self-love, rather than waiting for a relationship status to define when I could wear a beautiful ring.” Cheers to that, a thousand times over! 

Society likes to be all up in our business, asking us to define our relationship status at every turn- social media, the IRS, and credit card companies all seem to care if we’re partnered with someone. Annoying!

Crafting a ring to last a lifetime isn’t only for romantic partnerships. This privilege and journey belong to everyone regardless of whether they are in a relationship with another person. Because the fact is, we are all in relationships with ourselves, and this self-love deserves to take center stage any time we want it to. 

Creating the Piece

In deciding to make her ring, Emily said she “knew that one day I would love to wear one of Allison’s works of art. When the chance presented itself, I had to say yes!” 

Needless to say, I was so honored that she chose me! Collaborating on such a memorable and meaningful piece was a highlight of the year, and it made me recognize how crucial these outward displays of self-commitment are. 

If a wedding ring symbolizes the choice to stick with someone through thick and thin, then a self-love ring should do the same. It shows that the person chooses to honor and love themselves regardless of circumstances.

Emily chose a gorgeous ruby for her piece, and we worked together to develop the ring’s design. Rather than having a studio experience, Emily decided to have me craft the ring for her. But that doesn’t mean I just took over! My work is always collaborative, so I sent frequent updates to Emily as the work progressed:

“I loved that Allison would send updates via video, photo, and text at significant milestones in the process: when the stone arrived, when the stone was set, when the metal was cast, so that I could follow along even though I wasn't making the ring myself.”

The finished piece is breathtaking and powerful, presenting a bold statement of self-love and commitment. I’m thankful for Emily’s trust and thrilled with the results.

Self-Love for Any Reason

First, let me be clear. No one needs a reason to celebrate themselves. Existing in this world is reason enough. There’s no need for a specific event to make a self-love celebration “appropriate.” It’s always appropriate!

Having said that, I recognize that many life changes bring a new level of reflection and empowerment. In these moments, doing something bold and beautiful for ourselves can feel incredible.

Here are some of the top occasions that prompt my clients to create their self-love rings:

• Graduation

• Divorce

• Starting a business

• Buying a home

• Birth of a child

• Death of a loved one

• Finding release from a traumatic event

• Professional achievement

• Meeting a personal health goal

• Sobriety anniversary

• Financial milestone, such as paying off student loans

This list could go on for quite a while, but you get the gist. You are worthy of love, deserving of love, and capable of love. But love doesn’t only have to come from or flow to external sources. You can be a perfectly contained packet of love.

Ready for Your Ringed Celebration?

You certainly don’t need anyone’s permission to express love and respect for yourself. But if you’re looking for it, here it is - you have unfettered permission to show yourself the honor, commitment, and love you deserve! And how you choose to do that is up to you.

If creating a one-of-a-kind ring sounds like the right fit for you, let’s talk! I’d love to work with you to craft something special and beautiful to celebrate you. (And speaking of fit, be sure to grab your downloadable ring sizer here!)

When I asked Emily how she feels about her ring now, her response made me teary. This is exactly what I hope every Ringed client will feel:
“The ring is gorgeous. I'm wearing it right now. When I look at it, I am reminded of my strength, my bravery, and the love that I can always give myself. I feel glamorous, powerful, and strong when I wear it. It's a reminder to give myself love and compassion, first and foremost.”