Brides Are Choosing Their Own Engagement Rings—Diamonds Are a Bride’s Best Friend

Etiquette for the modern engaged person, according to bridal experts and Reddit

When it comes to engagement ring etiquette, some new rules have cropped up, and we’re here for them. Let’s explain why. Once upon a time, it may have been considered uncouth for a bride to choose her own engagement ring. She may have dropped hints or enlisted a family member or friend to consult with her partner, but there was this notion that an engagement had to contain an element of surprise around that special sparkler. 

But long gone are the days when a proposal had to follow certain rules in order to be considered romantic. Today, many couples go engagement ring shopping together, and come to a joint decision about things like style, size, and budget. According to The Knot, today’s engagements are designed to be rule-free, and it’s a misconception that you can’t tell your partner “exactly what type of engagement ring you want.” Bridal experts at The Knot go on to explain that your engagement should reflect your own love story, and just as people are having all kinds of weddings, they can have all kinds of engagements. 

Threads on Reddit also dig into this evolving engagement etiquette, with stories of brides who not only selected their own engagement rings, but also offered to split the cost with their partner. A writer for Glamour penned an essay about buying her own engagement ring with the practical reasoning as such: “I wouldn’t expect or want my partner to choose my wedding dress for me. To get the style, the color, and not to mention the fit so right that it’s perfect. Why should a ring be any different?”

Of course there are others who enjoy the element of surprise not just in a proposal, but in the type of engagement ring selected by her financé. Whatever type of etiquette feels right for you, trust your gut. You should love your engagement ring, not only for its brilliance and sparkle, but also for what it symbolizes. It is, after all, one of the most precious pieces of jewelry you will ever own. 

Discover How to Keep Your Diamonds Forever Sparkling!

READ:

Tips on Cleaning Diamonds