Choosing an Engagement Ring that Aligns with Your Style & Values
Buying an engagement or wedding ring is a big decision. You want something beautiful and meaningful that also aligns with your values. This guide, in collaboration with inclusive engagement and wedding jewelers W.R. Metalarts, will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed choice – from understanding your style to selecting ethically sourced materials.
W.R. Metalarts isn’t just about crafting beautiful jewelry; they’re committed to doing it responsibly.
Finding Your Personal Engagement Ring Style and Preferences
The journey to finding the perfect engagement or wedding ring begins with understanding your personal style and preferences. Your ring is an extension of your personality, a daily reminder of the commitment it represents, and a piece that should resonate with your sense of style.
Understanding Your Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Aesthetic
Consider the type of jewelry you wear daily. Are you drawn to minimalist designs, or do you prefer something bold and intricate? Do you favor traditional pieces, or are you inclined toward contemporary, avant-garde styles? Reflecting on these preferences will help guide your choice in ring design. If simplicity is your preference, a classic solitaire or a clean, unadorned band may be ideal. Conversely, those who appreciate detail might lean towards a multi-stone design or a band with intricate engravings.
Perhaps a ring isn’t the right choice for you, and you’d prefer a necklace or bracelet instead. W.R. Metalarts offers a variety of designs that cater to different tastes – and their collection is genderless, which we love. As they put it, “Our custom jewelry is designed to reflect your individual style and story, ensuring that each piece is as unique as you are.” This commitment to personalization ensures that whatever your style, you can have a piece crafted that feels authentically yours.
Lifestyle Considerations when Buying an Engagement Ring
Your lifestyle also plays a crucial role in determining the best ring for you. If you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands, you might want to opt for a durable design that can withstand daily wear and tear. On the other hand, if your lifestyle allows for a bit more delicacy, you might explore designs with more intricate settings.
Putting Values First when Buying Jewelry
It’s no secret that the jewelry industry has a dark history. ‘Ethical sourcing’ shouldn’t just be a buzzword, and for W.R. Metalarts, it’s a commitment to ensuring that every person involved in creating your jewelry is treated with dignity and paid fairly.
The jewelry industry has a history of human rights abuses and environmental damage, but there are alternatives. W.R. Metalarts emphasizes the importance of ethical sourcing, going beyond “conflict-free” labels by working directly with small-scale miners and refiners who prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions. They state, “We believe brands have an ethical responsibility to advance the global mining industry,” and they actively forge personal relationships with miners, stonecutters, and refiners to ensure transparency and integrity in their materials.
This commitment extends to using Fairmined gold, traceable gemstones, and upcycled materials, allowing you to wear your ring with confidence, knowing it aligns with your values. Additionally, WR Metalarts carefully selects lab-grown diamonds as a cost-effective and ethical alternative, ensuring that even these modern options are sourced responsibly.
By prioritizing these values, you’re not just investing in a beautiful piece of jewelry but also supporting practices that promote fairness, sustainability, and respect for both people and the planet. For those looking to make a more conscientious choice, finding a jeweler that embodies these principles ensures that your jewelry is both stunning and ethically sound.
Symbolism and Meaning
Another aspect to consider is the symbolism and meaning you want your ring to convey. Do you want it to reflect a specific personal story or milestone in your relationship? Perhaps you’re interested in incorporating elements that represent your shared values or heritage. For example, choosing a gemstone from a specific region that holds sentimental value can add a layer of personal meaning to your ring.
Types of Rings: Engagement, Wedding, and Other Jewelry
When it comes to rings, the terminology can sometimes be confusing. It’s important to differentiate between the various types of rings available to help you make an informed decision.
Engagement Rings
An engagement ring is traditionally given as a symbol of commitment during a proposal. It typically features a prominent gemstone—often a diamond—set in a band, but it doesn’t have to. Engagement rings can be highly personalized. Have a partner who loves space? Each Scattered Stars Ring is totally unique with its assortment of 12 flush-set diamonds and is inspired by the night sky.
Wedding Rings
Wedding rings, or wedding bands, are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and are usually simpler in design compared to engagement rings, but they don’t have to be. They are often worn daily, alongside the engagement ring. Wedding bands can be made to match the engagement ring or can stand alone as a symbol of your marriage.
If you’re a nature lover, W.R. Metalarts has a collection of rings inspired by just that. You might fall in love with The Woodgrain Band or their Mokume Gane Raindrop Band.
Other Jewelry
Beyond engagement and wedding rings, other types of jewelry can also play a significant role in commemorating your relationship. Anniversary bands, for instance, are often given to celebrate a milestone in a marriage and can be as elaborate or understated as you prefer.
Wedding and Engagement Ring Styles
The style of your ring is perhaps the most visible expression of your personal preferences. Here’s a look at some popular styles and how they might fit into your vision.
Solitaire
The solitaire is the quintessential engagement ring style. It features a single gemstone, typically a diamond, set on a plain or minimally adorned band. The focus is entirely on the stone, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate simplicity and elegance.
Multi-Stone
Multi-stone rings feature two or more gemstones, which can be arranged in various patterns. These rings are perfect for those who want to add a touch of complexity and symbolism to their jewelry. The additional stones can represent various aspects of your relationship, such as the past, present, and future, or the joining of two lives.
Bands
Bands are simple, unadorned rings that can be worn alone or paired with an engagement ring. They are often chosen for their versatility and timeless appeal. Bands can be made in various metals and finishes, allowing for a range of styles from traditional to modern.
Custom Jewelry Design
One of the most appealing aspects of working with a jeweler is the opportunity for custom design. Custom rings allow you to create something that is truly unique to your relationship. Whether you’re looking to incorporate heirloom stones or design a piece from scratch, W.R. Metalarts offers a collaborative process where your ideas and their expertise come together to create a one-of-a-kind ring.
Custom designs also allow you to ensure that every aspect of your ring aligns with your values. From the ethical sourcing of materials to the final design, you have control over every detail, making your ring a true reflection of your style and beliefs.
Remember, this is a piece of jewelry you’ll wear for the rest of your life. It should resonate with who you are, what you believe in, and the love story it represents. By taking the time to understand your preferences, considering the symbolism behind your choice, and prioritizing ethical practices, you’ll end up with a ring that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
W.R. Metalarts is a family-owned business based out of Brattleboro, Vermont whose work is non-traditional – just like them! They are LGBTQIA+ inclusive, poly inclusive, and size-inclusive. At W.R. Metalarts, they understand that the wedding industry can be extremely discriminatory and patriarchal, and this is something we are working hard to change.
They work with lovers in a personal and collaborative relationship with skilled artistic vision and unconditional support they create beautiful one-of-a-kind experiences and work of art you will enjoy forever.
