Is it really that bad?

[NeedingAdvicePlease]

Long story short bf was going to propose next week while on a holiday in a special location. I had an idea this was coming and had suggested rings when asked.

So turns out my cousin got engaged tonight and the rings are nearly identical. Emerald with diamonds either side, so quite unusual.

Is it going to look awful getting engaged a week after her with a very similar ring?

It might. Did she know at all about your ring ideas?

Not at all! Most engagement rings take a bit of planning so I'm sure people won't imagine that your DF chose it in the last few days after seeing your cousin's.

A friend of mine got engaged a few weeks after me and with a very similar ring (quite an unusual design) and no-one thought it weird.

Congrats on your engagement!

To be honest, and meant most kindly, most people don't really notice or remember the design of the ring, they ask to see it because that's what you do but it's only really meaningful or memorable to you & your intended.

So people will just think 'ooh pretty ring', maybe notice the stone (emerald, unusual & classy choice imo) and be happy for you.

If your cousin notices just say it shows you both have the same impeccable taste etc, make light of it. Please don't let it spoil your lovely ring and your exciting moment for you.

I can see this is annoying but it’s really not bad at all. If you make a joke of it it will be forgotten very quickly. Congratulations to you! Enjoy your holiday and wedding cx

All you need to say is that both of your partners have wonderful taste in rings. Then enjoy your engagement! Trust me, this doesn't even matter.

Aren't you already engaged? You've agreed you are getting married and have chosen rings, is there a chance he might decide not to ask you or that you might say "no".

Thank you for all the reassurance. I don’t really mind but I think the bf is a bit upset.

I had told what ring I liked and showed her photos of some back around Christmas. But the whole thing was overshadowed by the fact that we wanted the same date.

I had a 3 stone ring made for my engagement. My best friend's boyfriend liked the design so much he had one made to propose to her with...and years later as a complete coincidence my sister's boyfriend had one made to propose to my sister with! My sister actually wanted a solitaire so she was a bit shocked she ended up with a ring like mine! But the thing is - despite all these three rings being made with three round diamonds with four 'prongs' on each to give them a squarish look...as rings they all look completedly different. The bands are different thicknesses, the 'designs' of how the diamonds fit into the band are slightly different...and the fingers the rings are on look completedly different. I was a bit surprised at first everyone chose the same ring design as me - but actually I was quite flattered they all liked my taste! I think you will hopefully be wearing this ring for the rest of your life - if you like it - makes sense to keep it.

Honestly, most people's rings are practically identical anyway (solitaire diamond in a gold or platinum band anyone?). It's more noticeable for you because it's a more unusual ring but she doesn't have unique rights over that design. Maybe once you're back make a wee jokey comment about how great minds think alike to her or something - but I know if it were me I wouldn't be annoyed if a cousin had a similar ring.

No, I doubt anyone will give it a second thought. I couldn't tell you offhand what any of my friends/family's engagement rings look like. Relax and have a lovely holiday!