In brief: 5 alternatives to an engagement ring
A ring isn’t compulsory. Nothing says an engagement has to be sealed with a band of gold, and plenty of other pieces carry exactly the same promise. The five options set out in this article: the eternity bracelet (welded around the wrist, with no clasp), matching tattoos (an inked band around the finger, for instance), an engraved pendant (or a pair of earrings, or cufflinks), a watch — ideal for men, who are rarely given a ring — and a beautiful piece of leather.
- Most symbolic: the eternity bracelet, put on once and for good.
- Most committed: matching tattoos, permanent by definition.
- Classic, without being a ring: a pendant engraved with your initials or the date of the proposal.
- For him: a watch or cufflinks, engraved too.
Ah, the engagement ring. The promise of forever, in a single circle of metal.
Quite the symbol.
Today, though, we’d like to suggest a few alternatives.
Why?
For a start, because in 98% of cases — however carefully you’ve gone about it — you’ll have got your other half’s ring size slightly wrong. And we can all agree that not being able to show the ring off to your colleagues within the first few hours (minutes?) is deeply frustrating.
And then there’s the pleasure of doing something differently. We’re not going so far as to call the engagement ring dated (besides, dated is SO 1990). But a little change never hurt anyone, so here are our alternatives to the engagement ring.
1. To infinity and beyond: the eternity bracelet
More than a piece of jewellery, this one is a promise of an unbreakable bond. Giving your other half an eternity bracelet — and wearing one yourself into the bargain — is a guaranteed way to surprise and move them.
So what is an eternity bracelet? It’s a permanent bracelet, welded shut around the wrist with no clasp at all. Once it’s on, there’s no taking it off.
A growing number of independent jewellers now offer welding sessions, either in the studio or at home for a small group — worth looking for one near you.
2. In indelible ink: a tattoo
What could be more romantic than a permanent mark, to show someone you have them under your skin?
Matching tattoos make a wonderful alternative to an engagement ring.
And if you’d still like to keep the symbolism of the ring and of infinity, why not have a band inked around your finger?
3. Set in stone: a pendant
Plenty of fine jewellery houses make pendants. The rule is to choose a well-made piece, on the discreet side, that your other half can wear as easily and as often as possible.
Given with or without the chain, this option wins on elegance and understatement.
One extra touch: have it engraved (the date of the proposal, the date of the wedding, your initials — be creative).
In the same spirit, a beautiful pair of earrings works just as well, to be worn on the wedding day itself.
And for him? Have you thought about cufflinks? You should.
4. A sign of the times: a watch for him
Tradition gives the bride-to-be an engagement ring, but when it comes to men, most of us draw a blank. And yet a watch is the gift for your husband-to-be. The ultimate representation of time passing: the symbolism could hardly be stronger.
All that’s left is to choose from the huge range out there, from the smartest dress watches to something more urban, by way of the sportier models. Many jewellers and watchmakers will engrave the case back for you.
5. Something in leather
Leather is a strong, hard-wearing material, and a fitting stand-in for a couple built to last.
A bag, a pair of shoes or a wallet: a good leather piece makes a lovely alternative to an engagement ring. Look for full-grain leather and a maker who offers repairs — the point, after all, is that it lasts.
Those, in our view, are the best alternatives to an engagement ring.
If you’d like to push the originality further but you’re short on inspiration, don’t hesitate to bring in a wedding planner to help you plan the proposal itself. They’ll know exactly how to make the moment unforgettable.
Find a wedding planner near you on Planners.
