My journey started off in reverse to yours. I loved rings first because VCA between the finger rings were so unique back then (I am talking quite a few years back). My journey continued with earrings and now I am gradually moving towards bracelets (the whole COVID sanitisation thing has made me rethink wearing my rings).
In terms of BTF rings, I have a few, but they are all full pave ones because I find them lower maintenance than semi precious stones. My first ring was the socrate - this is still one that I wear often.
My favourite ring is the Noeud - I don't wear it often because it is a little too flashy but I adore it to bits
My least worn rings are the Lotus & Frivole - I don't wear them as much because I feel they are quite flashy for day to day.
Another ring I wear often is the two butterflies ring - it is a bit blingier than the socrate but still quite wearable.
The newer Frivole BTF ring with the mixed pave and WG is very similar in style to the socrate so I think you may want to consider something a little more different. I feel that the frivole design is great for someone who wants the socrate look without the price of full pave. I also think the frivole ring looks slightly chunkier vs the socrate, which looks more delicate when worn.
I have not really taken to the flowerlace design so I can't comment on it. But if you want something more comfortable, I think the 2 butterflies would be a better bet. The Lotus is more like a collector's must have but I am not sure if it is one that you will be able to wear often. Generally, the bigger the ring design, the more restrictive it will feel. If you lead a very elegant and glamorous life, then any ring would be okay. If you have kids or a working life that may not allow such big pieces, then you will have to consider whether you are buying to wear or to collect. HTH.
How interesting to find that our directions of journeys are different!
Thank you so much for the extensive information based on your experience. It really helped me to revisit my whole thought process. Also, it seems a valid point that rings could be challenging to Covid era as you mentioned.
I have small Lotus earrings and medium Lotus pendant but I don't really wear them much so I didn't think of Lotus ring. But, when I showed a few ring pictures to my husband, unexpectedly he liked the Lotus the most lol. VCA changed the Lotus design a bit so I'm not sure the new Lotus ring will match well with my old Lotus items. I agree that it could be a collecting item sitting on my drawer.
I like the Frivole BTF ring but my husband likes Flowerlace better. But my Flowerlace earrings are also old version so I'm not sure the new ring would match well either.
I see your point about butterfly. Thing is....I have Lapis/ YG pave butterfly earrings pair + a WG pave butterfly earing and I'd like to have a WG pave butterfly ring which wouldn't be a good match with my current butterfly items.
Actually I'd like to have a bird of paradise BTF ring (actually bird shape one). It'll be a great match with my bird of paradise pendant which I adore. But it seems discontinued.
So....things are complicated. These days it's not easy to visit the shop and try items. Even if I visit the shop, it's almost empty and my SA is not that helpful (I've known her more than 15 years and nowadays she seems a bit sensitive - I totally understand. Everyone does including me- so I'm afraid to ask her to bring in the items to try, which I might or might not buy)
The price-increase comes and I'd like to make a sensible decision based on very limited information on time.
Now I'm not even sure if buying rings is a good idea. lol
the second picture is mine
