The proposal is the first step on your marital journey so make sure you kick the journey off right by choosing the perfect ring to offer your partner by reading our helpful guide!
A marriage proposal doesn’t require a ring. It is an offering that symbolizes your love and commitment towards your partner. If you and your partner are ready for marriage (we have a guide on “Are you and your partner ready for gay marriage”) then you have probably discussed whether you want an engagement ring or not and if so what sort of rings you like. It’s a common misconception that all women dream about a proposal & their wedding day and a big shiny ring. Some may just appreciate the declaration of love in simpler ways. For instance, matching bracelets and saving the rings for the wedding day so it’s not always necessary to have a ring. If you are looking to buy a ring then what are some things to consider?
Budget
Planning for a budget helps to avoid disappointment when stepping into a jeweller. Depending on the type of ring you want will determine how much you’re likely to spend. For example, a diamond ring with a gold band is going to be significantly more than a silver ring with a simple gem.
You’re deciding on the type of ring that you’re going to buy. It’s a good time to discuss with your partner what preferences they have and what they definitely don’t want. However, if you’re trying to keep it a secret then try using more subtle ways to figure out want they want. Tryy analyzing your partners already established jewellery and accessory collection. Ask their friends if they have mentioned any favourite gems and stones they may have. In addition, If they are big Pinterest fans they may have saved some examples of styles so digging around on their inspiration boards may help!
Style
There are so many beautiful styles of rings that it can become very overwhelming when the jeweller starts listing these bizarre words and you have no idea what they mean! To sum up, below we have listed the types of cuts, metals and stones that you will encounter when ring shopping.
- Solitaire – Classical and traditional, singular stone design usually mounted upon a simple band with a claw or prong setting.
- Cluster – Group of smaller stones, “illusion” rings as they bring sparkle without busting the budget.
- Pavé – Dainty ring embedded with tiny gems around the band to catch the light from every angle.
- Cathedral – Sophisticated style that lifts the diamond or gem of choice up from the ring using curved supports.
- Halo – One of the most popular ring styles. Typically a big central gem with smaller gems around the stone.
- Oval Halo – Same as above although the bigger central stone is an oval shape. It has a more vintage look to it.
- Split Shank – A band that divides in two or more on either side of the central gem. Wildly popular as it enhances the size of the stone.
- Bezel – The gem is set in a metal border which means it is protected on all sides. This limits damage or scratches to the stone. Popular amongst people who live an active lifestyle.
- Three Stone/Trilogy – Symbolic style that represents either past, present and future or you, me and us. Typically a larger central stone with two smaller stones on either side.
- Double Diamond – As the name suggests, it’s two diamonds next to each other. They represent you and your partner’s eternal love.
- Eternity – Formed from an unbroken chain of gems that go around the entirety of the band.
- Flush – Similar to the Bezel style. The stone sits inside the band so there is no surface around the ring.
- Tension/Floating – Unique style that uses pressure to hold the stone between the shank. Hidden grooves and spring loading keep the stone from moving. Suitable only for tougher stones such as diamond, ruby and sapphires.
- Baroque – Vintage and elaborate, using lots of intricate detailing and a combination of ring styles to create a dramatic ring.
- Swirl – The stone sits in the middle of the shank ends which almost but do not meet each other. The stone is the connection in the middle giving the illusion that the band flows around the stone.
- Acrostic – Since the 19th century, gems were assigned letters (A for Amethyst etc.). People then used to use their jewellery to send secret messages to each other. Nowadays used to spell out initials or a unique word.
- Art Deco – Geometric patterns define this style, using mostly rectangle and square shaping to create a glamorous silhouette.
- Edwardian – Floral motifs and usually a stone that has color sits in the middle. Ruby, sapphire and emeralds are stones that are widely popular.
- Art Nouveau – Fluid lines and intertwining patterns with unique gems such as moonstone, pearl and lapis lazuli.
- Shaped/Chevron – The band/shank forms a triangular shape. An oval or pear-shaped stone creates a dainty teardrop effect.
Size
In this case, size really does matter! You want to avoid getting the ring resized as it can cost a lot of money depending on the type of ring you have. Ensure you have the correct size by simply asking your partner to size up their ring finger or there are crafty ways to figure it out. They may already wear rings on the potential ring finger on the opposite hand. You can then try to take this to a jeweller without your partner noticing and have the jeweller size it. Otherwise, try getting their friends or a family member in on figuring out what their size is!
Color & Stone
The colour and the stone you choose can mean many things or nothing at all! There are meanings behind every gemstone and each colour represents something different so it’s completely up to you where you take this. A common occurrence in lesbian engagement rings tends to be subtly placed rainbow-coloured gems to celebrate the pride in their relationship but do not feel that just because you are gay you have to incorporate rainbow flags into everything you do! Choosing the birthstone of the opposite partner is a similarly common theme that is an intimate way of having a piece of your partner everywhere you go. Most people just tend to choose the stone and colour they find the prettiest so don’t feel the need to have some elaborate story behind the stone you choose.
Final Thoughts
There really are no limitations and rules on which ring is best for a lesbian proposal. It’s about the person who is going to be wearing the ring and what they like! Take in the little details that your partner has hinted towards. Go out of your way to make sure you choose something unique to them and make sure you’re both ready for this commitment are the most important rules to choosing the perfect ring.
We don’t recommend surprising your partner with a ring you personally liked the look of. Another thing we strongly do not recommend is proposing before you’ve discussed the topic of marriage. We know you’re not going to do that as you’ve taken the time to read this article! As a result, we feel confident that your ring is going to be just as perfect as your proposal. Furthermore, if you’re not sure how to plan a gorgeous proposal then don’t worry we have you covered! Find our guide on “How to plan the perfect gay marriage proposal” here!
Author: Chante Mclaughlin
Creative Executive for GayandLesbianWeddings.com
