Help picking an engagement ring for a non-traditional bride...

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CoralRhapsody

...***...
O.G.
Aug 7, 2011
164
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Hello!

(Phew, I can finally make threads! I've been dying to ask this question, hehe)

I have a friend whose boyfriend will be proposing to her within a few weeks. She's given him the liberty of picking a ring, which is where I, her best friend, come into play. She's not fond of diamonds at all. She loves jewelry of all kinds, but I'd say her tastes definitely aren't classic. I found a ring well within the BF's budget, but I'd like to get some outsiders opinions. This is the ring:

https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=17814&cat=312&page=1

While she isn't into classic styles, she'd prefer something tasteful. Is this gaudy? What do you think?

Thank you! :)
 
Yeah, I don't think that ring works. I don't think it's an e-ring but more a fashion statement ring.

Non-traditional brides may like a nice sapphire ring. Go with clean, simple, modern shapes but a non-diamond stone.
 
One of my brother's best friends is engaged and asked me to help him pick a ring and he sent pictures of some she picked out and she doesn't like diamonds either and wants something with a black pearl or another darker stone so I would say also a non-traditional bride in her ring choice. I think the fact that they are more like solitaires make it a tad more engagement ring "ish" rather then a solid band ring, so I would look at some rings with different solitaire stones. I think that would be more tasteful personally without being a traditional engagement ring. What types of stones does she want? or color preferences?
 
I don't think the ring looks like an e ring to me either. Why doesn't she (or you) go to pricescope.com and look at the colored stones forum- there are some absolutely gorgeous e rings on there that don't use diamonds. That may give you some ideas
 
I love that ring. It doesn't look anything like an engagement ring, but I don't think an e ring always needs to look like one. So long as you're sure she would like it. The only thing I would say is that it's more of a wedding band to me.
Have you considered any of the pearl rings on the mikimoto website? They're incredibly soft though, so she would need to save it for special occasions.
Something to consider is that if she wants a gemstone ring, lots of these aren't practical for everyday wear due to softness. However, Sapphires would be hard enough if she wants a ring she's going to wear everyday.
 
I actually think that ring is cool and if you flank it with two plain yg bands or even yg bands with some white diamonds flush-set, it would be a very pretty and unique wedding band. Not everyone needs a solitaire or 'engagement' ring. However, I think it is priced high for what you are getting. Good luck with the hunt. I agree with Ame.....is there noway you can pick your friends brain a bit to see if she actually has an idea of what she wants other than the traditional?
 
Yeah, I don't think that ring works. I don't think it's an e-ring but more a fashion statement ring.

Non-traditional brides may like a nice sapphire ring. Go with clean, simple, modern shapes but a non-diamond stone.

I appreciate the honesty! The rose gold and pink sapphire is a stunning combo, I'll definitely look into that. Thank you :)


fancy diamonds (pinks, yellows etc..) in unique gold tones like green gold or apricot gold?

Wow, I didn't even known know about green or apricot gold. Rose gold is a favorite of hers, perhaps she'll like those too. Thanks!

One of my brother's best friends is engaged and asked me to help him pick a ring and he sent pictures of some she picked out and she doesn't like diamonds either and wants something with a black pearl or another darker stone so I would say also a non-traditional bride in her ring choice. I think the fact that they are more like solitaires make it a tad more engagement ring "ish" rather then a solid band ring, so I would look at some rings with different solitaire stones. I think that would be more tasteful personally without being a traditional engagement ring. What types of stones does she want? or color preferences?

You've brought up an excellent point in regards to the cut and setting. She's said that she doesn't want too light colored stones, such as yellow or pale green. More jewel toned and deep colors.

I don't think the ring looks like an e ring to me either. Why doesn't she (or you) go to pricescope.com and look at the colored stones forum- there are some absolutely gorgeous e rings on there that don't use diamonds. That may give you some ideas

Awesome resource, thank you!

Try the Pomellato Sabbia, Nudo, or Baby rings - luxe but modern!!

Those are gorgeous rings! I just about died for the Nudo ring. Thank you so much, I never would have taken a look a Pomellato.

I hate that ring. There is nothing tasteful about it.

I like some of the things other posters have suggested. I didn't want a traditional e-ring either, and decided on not having one at all, but what I did end up thinking I would want if I got one was some kind of solitaire.

Maybe something like this:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/jane-taylor-twinkle-cushion-ring/3215261?origin=related-3215261-0-0-1-1

What a stunning ring O_O. We really don't see enough of the other side of engagement rings, ie other than diamonds. Thank you! :D

I'm totally new to all of this, would a three stone setting ring be appropriate for an e ring?

I love that ring. It doesn't look anything like an engagement ring, but I don't think an e ring always needs to look like one. So long as you're sure she would like it. The only thing I would say is that it's more of a wedding band to me.
Have you considered any of the pearl rings on the mikimoto website? They're incredibly soft though, so she would need to save it for special occasions.
Something to consider is that if she wants a gemstone ring, lots of these aren't practical for everyday wear due to softness. However, Sapphires would be hard enough if she wants a ring she's going to wear everyday.

What if the band I posted were paired with a sapphire solitaire as the e ring?
Hmm, that's a good point; How well do smoky quartz and emeralds hold up?. Pearls are a no no, she's not into them at all. Lovely rings, though, I'm getting a little tempted :P

Is there NO way for you to ask her about rings as if it's for you to get her input?

The plan, now, is to pick out a few rings, and have her pick from those selections. It's too much of a risk to go solely off of what her BF picks, even though she says she'll be happy with anything. We want her to LOVE it.


That ring doesn't look like an engagement ring. It might make an ok wedding band, but not an engagement ring. It also seems ovepriced for what it is.

A jeweler I talked to said something similar. He said that he could make an identical ring for half the cost. I wonder what makes the ring so much more expensive on catbird..

I actually think that ring is cool and if you flank it with two plain yg bands or even yg bands with some white diamonds flush-set, it would be a very pretty and unique wedding band. Not everyone needs a solitaire or 'engagement' ring. However, I think it is priced high for what you are getting. Good luck with the hunt. I agree with Ame.....is there noway you can pick your friends brain a bit to see if she actually has an idea of what she wants other than the traditional?

She'd like a stone other than a diamond or a pearl. Setting and cut she has no preference on, but I know she loves round and cushion cuts. Staying away from light colored stones, like super pale pinks, yellows, and light greens. Not blinged out with different stones and cuts or settings. She really just wants to be surprised, but hopefully in a good way! =/

Yup, in her own words, she doesn't need to have an engagement-y ring and a wedding band. Having a single band, eternity style or like the one I posted, isn't an issue for her. I really like your idea, I'll see if I can get a mock up made by local jeweler.
 
I am totally of the mind that no man should ever do this on his own. I get the sentiment and surprise, but you can propose without a ring, and then get one together. It's going on her hand, she should be totally involved.

I like this idea of selecting a few to pick from.
 
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