The months of December and January record an upsurge in the number of proposals made, owing to the all-pervasive festive ambiance, dreamy winter, and the cheer of the holiday vibe around. The period between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day is considered the best time to propose, as the weather presents an encouraging backdrop to pop the question and bask in the warmth of love.
While you plan the details of your big moment, a pertinent question may cross your mind – is it okay to propose without an engagement ring? While it may sound absurd to a few, in all honesty, it is not completely out of context. All marriages may be made in heaven, but not all proposals are made with a ring. Let us dig deeper into the topic, deconstruct all the aspects of the thought, and help you decide whether or not to buy an engagement ring at all.
What Makes an Engagement Ring Sacrosanct to a Proposal?
The engagement or proposal is a milestone moment in a relationship, as it embarks the couple's journey to a lifetime of love and togetherness (if she says a YES, of course!). Being such an intimate, joyous moment, it is only fair to eternalize the proposal's significance with a luxurious gift. Nothing surpasses a precious, dazzling diamond studded engagement ring to serve the honor and seal the bond forever.
Presenting an engagement ring to your beloved as you go down on one knee is not a transient trend or a recently embraced tradition. This time-honored practice began in Ancient Rome, with ivory, flint, copper, and even bones being fashioned into a ring (yes, we have our jaws dropped, too) and gradually evolved over the years, engaging not just the nobility or privileged class but also the masses. As per the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), it was in 850 that Pope Nicholas declared the official sentiment underlying an engagement ring as the intent of the man to marry the ring's recipient lady. The ring’s popularity journey took off by leaps and bounds from thereon. With a jewelry style manifesting such long-held history and meaning to its existence, it leaves no reason not to include it in your ceremonious proposal, too, no matter how grand or minimal it may be. (We mean the proposal setting, not the ring, ladies!)
Is It Inappropriate to Propose Without a Ring?
While the sole purpose of getting engaged is to pledge your love for one another, it's simply beautiful to seal your commitment with a ring.
While you can choose to do away with it and go for an unconventional choice, such as gifting an adorable pet, an airplane ticket denoting an exciting journey together, or simply confessing your love over candlelight dinner, a ring has its own significance and attached sentiments.
Ever since the Roman, Egyptian, and Greek eras, the engagement ring has been an outstanding element of a fairytale proposal. The ancient Egyptians exchanged reed-plaited rings during their engagement to show that their relationship was profound and infinite, much like the ring's circular nature.
Since then, designed and produced in different forms, shapes, stones, styles, and metals, rings have become an integral part of proposals. An engagement ring is undeniably beautiful, evokes plenty of positive moments, and is a tangible reminder of your love.
Also, with the ubiquitous presence of social media (especially the hot-as-cakes Instagram reels), your fiancé must be waiting to flaunt her engagement ring, too, on her Instagram, and otherwise, to her friends, and it is only fair to give her the opportunity to do so.
Why an Engagement Ring, and Not Any Other Jewelry, for Proposal?
The reason why rings are chosen over any other jewelry style to mark an engagement is their circular shape. It denotes infinite love, unrelenting fidelity, and a promise to have each other's back through everything. Also, if you wonder why engagement rings are more ostentatiously designed than wedding bands and exude much grandiose, there is a reason behind that as well; they mark the onset of an exciting phase in a couple's life – an upgrade from the relationship status to a soon-to-be-married couple, hence, the prominent ring design.
Generally, women love to wear their engagement rings (along with the wedding band) daily into their post-married life, too. Stacking both rings is more convenient than including any other jewelry style in your everyday looks. And no denying, diamond rings look exceedingly romantic like no other! Even before saying the wedding vows, the engagement ring embodies the couple's love for each other in the most spontaneous, heartfelt way, as both partners experience the emotions together.
Also, most engaged couples have six months to about a year from their proposal to the wedding day. During this intimate, exciting, emotional rollercoaster phase, the ring reminds them of their relationship days and the promise of the beautiful future they both collectively look forward to.
Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring
While it is one of the most heartwarming purchases of one's life, it need not necessarily be an exorbitant lavish spend. Whether the man decides to keep it a surprise for his beloved or both the partners shop for the ring together, both uphold this jewelry piece's sentimental significance. Gabriel & Co. offers a wide range of engagement rings; browse and pick your favorite that suits both your preference and budget.
Budget Conscious Choices
It is common knowledge that jewelry prices vary based on the metal used and the featured diamonds’ quantity, quality, and size. In the case of an engagement ring, you don’t have to adhere to the age-old tradition of spending two months’ earnings on the purchase; the rule is redundant; choose practicality over conventions. Pick a ring that you find attractive and authentic to the wearer’s personality. Here are a few economical options:
If your partner’s choice inclines to a classic silhouette, paired with sublime simplicity, this solitaire ring is your go-to. Crafted in 14k white gold, the ring boasts a glorious hidden halo encircling the resplendent, oval 1ct diamond in the center and 0.26ct worth of diamonds accentuating the tapered shank. This gorgeous ring should perfectly complement your idea of a dreamy daytime proposal or a night proposal in a romantic setting. Do not be surprised at the ring’s retail price – $1,825 (center stone not included).
This timeless round-cut solitaire ring, with a touch of royalty, is an all-time favorite among women. The white gold metal, bejeweled with diamonds just below the crown area, aptly reflects her love for the classic while retaining her modern-day personality of defying dated conventions. Symbolically, the majestic solitaire at the center, capturing all the attention, signifies her paramount importance in her man's life. The retail price of the ring is $1,075 (center stone not included).
This classy 18k white gold ring is a wonderful choice for a woman with refined, graceful tastes but still appreciates glitz and glamor in her jewelry. As the 1.5ct solitaire diamond in the center steals the spotlight, the 0.51ct diamonds on the shank further add to the bling. Drop the ring in her wine or champagne glass and stun her with a surprise proposal. There is no way your gesture will not be met with an ecstatic ‘yes’ from her. The retail price of the ring is $3,250 (center stone not included).
With a round solitaire diamond highlighted by a cushion halo, this sparkling engagement ring has all the elements to fall in love with at the very first glimpse. The 14k white gold ring is richly embellished with diamonds, with 0.37ct of accent pavé diamonds along three-quarters of the shank and on the prongs beneath the halo. If you are indecisive about buying an engagement ring, this stunning design will instantly make up your mind in the affirmative. Modestly priced at $2,350 (center stone not included), this ring is a steal.
The three-stone setting in this engagement ring is imbued with the symbolism of a memorable past, an exciting present, and the promising future of your relationship. Alternatively, the three stones also represent three fundamental pillars of your relationship – love, trust, and respect. The retail price of the ring is $3,350 (center stone not included).
If the elegant minimalism of this yellow gold solitaire ring reminds you of the delicate femininity of your sweetheart partner, you must pick this engagement ring for her. The shank of this 14k gold ring is crafted in shimmering yellow gold, while the prongs holding the 1.5ct center stone are in neutral white gold, bringing together the best of both metals to this single ring. This sophisticated design marries tradition with modern-day aesthetics and is priced at $750 (center stone not included).
What If She Likes a Different Ring Design?
It is not unusual to wonder what if your partner doesn’t love the gifted engagement ring. If you want to keep the entire proposal (along with the ring) a surprise and do not wish to involve her in the ring purchasing, then we recommend taking the help of her mother, sister, or a close friend to be confident of her choice. The rings at Gabriel & Co. are highly customizable so that you can modify them to her liking. If she still prefers a different design, Gabriel & Co. offers you the choice of exchanging your ring within one year of the purchase. This is to help relieve all your dilemmas, ensuring a stress-free purchase.
Maintenance Made Easy
Gabriel & Co. also ensures to take away all the ring maintenance woes. All Gabriel & Co. jewelry come with a complimentary cleaning twice a year, which you can take at any of the brand’s retail jewelry partners nearest to you.
Conclusion
Nothing compares to the beautiful smile on her face and the glint in her eyes as she sets her sights on the gorgeous engagement ring. And nothing can replicate the warmth that the man feels in his heart on seeing his fiancé flaunting the ring on her finger to her friends and family. With many engagement ring designs to choose from, Gabriel & Co. takes you a step closer to your dream proposal. This way, the brand, too, becomes a part of your fairytale love story as you pop the question, “Will you marry me?” to her and glide the ring onto her finger.
