Shopping for an engagement ring should be a joyous time, yet we’ve turned it into something way more stressful. By “we,” I’m referring to society; we’ve set certain norms or ideas that everyone believes in, which makes buying an engagement ring far harder than it should be.
Societal constructs make us think we need to do specific things or follow a set of rules when buying this special piece of jewelry. In reality, you can do whatever you want! It doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks - all that matters is that you show your partner how much you love them.
On that note, let’s debunk four of the biggest engagement ring myths out there:
It Has To Be A Natural Diamond
Everyone always bangs on about engagement rings and diamonds. You need to buy a ring with a fat, naturally mined diamond. It can’t be lab-grown, and it can’t be an alternative gemstone.
This is nonsense!
You can pick whatever you (or your partner) want. The best place to buy engagement rings will always offer many different options. You could opt for lab-grown diamonds or an entirely different gemstone, like a shining green emerald. Think more about your partner’s preferences than what society makes you think you should do.
You Need To Spend Three Months’ Salary
Arguably the greatest engagement ring myth of all time.
This whole concept came from a De Beers marketing campaign in the 1930s. It’s outrageously outdated - and you should never feel any pressure to spend x amount of money on an engagement ring.
Again, it’s all about what your partner wants. Find something that ticks all the right boxes and falls within your budget - they’d much rather you save money for a nicer honeymoon or wedding!
It Has To Be A Complete Surprise
Engagement rings don’t need to be a complete surprise to your partner. You can still surprise them with the proposal, but they should be involved in the ring-buying process. Shop together and visit different stores so they can try things on and get a feel for their ideal engagement ring.
You don’t buy the ring in front of them, but you collect their thoughts and measurements to be sure you find their perfect engagement ring. It takes stress out of the situation and is a lovely way to be even closer to your partner.
Don’t feel pressured to go at it alone and make the whole thing a complete surprise - it’ll just stress you out!
Only One Partner Needs A Ring
Finally, there’s the age-old myth that only one partner needs an engagement ring.
That’s not true! Both of you end up with wedding bands, so both of you can have engagement rings - if that’s what you want. You don’t need to give into societal constructs when it comes to this amazing part of your life. Do whatever makes you happy.
The underlying theme of this post is to ignore what everyone else says. The only opinions that matter are those of you and your partner. Listen to them, go ring shopping, and plan an amazing proposal with the ring of their dreams.
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