Anonymous
08/14/2013 17:30
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Oops I meant two bands that go together nicely , not complimentary as in free. 
Anonymous
08/14/2013 17:27
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
What about getting just a pretty band? Then when you get married you can get a complimentary one and stack on top of one another. Stacking rings looks really nice , IMO.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 16:52
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
I think it's great when people buck the wedding industrial complex. Hope you find something really nice.
We got our nontraditional engagement ring at Mia Gemma in Penn Quarter - it was about $2k. They had some less expensive options, too. Etsy is also a good option - just stick in some price parameters and see if anything turns up that you like.
The Brooklyn store Catbird also has lovely rings in a variety of prices.
https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/home.php?cat=297&sort=title&sort_direction=0&show_all=1
And I lust for just about all of these rings - some are more than you want to spend, some less:
http://satomikawakita.com/488/rings
We got our nontraditional engagement ring at Mia Gemma in Penn Quarter - it was about $2k. They had some less expensive options, too. Etsy is also a good option - just stick in some price parameters and see if anything turns up that you like.
The Brooklyn store Catbird also has lovely rings in a variety of prices.
https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/home.php?cat=297&sort=title&sort_direction=0&show_all=1
And I lust for just about all of these rings - some are more than you want to spend, some less:
http://satomikawakita.com/488/rings
Anonymous
08/14/2013 16:34
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
I'd go with a different stone or no stone.
Ones to avoid in a ring you plan on wearing every day: emerald (brittle, crack/chip easily), opal (delicate); pearl (should not be exposed to soap & water)
I'd go with tsavorite - rarer than emeralds, yet much more durable. http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/cocktail-rings/platinum-tsavorite-diamond-ring/id-j_90241/
If you are of Irish ancestry, a claddagh ring would be appropriate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claddagh_ring
Ones to avoid in a ring you plan on wearing every day: emerald (brittle, crack/chip easily), opal (delicate); pearl (should not be exposed to soap & water)
I'd go with tsavorite - rarer than emeralds, yet much more durable. http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/cocktail-rings/platinum-tsavorite-diamond-ring/id-j_90241/
If you are of Irish ancestry, a claddagh ring would be appropriate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claddagh_ring
Anonymous
08/14/2013 15:57
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
I had a small teardrop shaped ruby ring made in Peru. Cost less than $100 (the band is quite thin and we got a good price on gold). You could go to Peru and get a ring made for less than $1000. Alternatively, go estate. There is something kind of souless about a new ring bought out of a catalog, and diamonds are cruel anyway.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 14:32
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
I have a friend who is a really earthy type, new age type. She collects rocks and loves nature. She got a ring like this (Herkimer diamond (quartz):
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111231849/herkimer-diamond-crystal-ring-in-rose
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111231849/herkimer-diamond-crystal-ring-in-rose
Anonymous
08/14/2013 14:30
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Opals are too delicate. Go with engineered stones - beautiful for fraction of the cost. What colors do you like? Gems (or fake gems) come in every color under the sun. In addition to etsy, checkout www.ice.com. Pawn shops and vintage stores are great places for discounted jewlery.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 14:20
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Is it for you? What stone/color do you like? Get a simple solitaire design of whatever suits you in your price range.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:13
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
My roommate in grad school had an opal.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:12
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Why not get a cubit zirconia? No one will ever know.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:09
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Anonymous wrote:Mine is black pearl.
Was going to suggest this but thought maybe it would be too different.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:08
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Mine is black pearl.
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:03
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Anonymous wrote:Remain single?
Huh?
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:02
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?
Anonymous
08/14/2013 13:01
Subject: Cheaper alternatives for an engagement ring?