Help me chose and Engagement Ring?

[MadAboutYou]

I am planning on proposing to my GF on Christmas Eve (which is sort of our anniversary although my brother told me this is tacky, so maybe you can help on that too)

I want to get her a ring but I have a shamefully small budget of around £250-300. She has said before she wouldn't be bothered about a ring but I think it would be nice for her to have something.

She doesn't like diamonds as she thinks they are exploitative so I have been googling alternatives but I have no idea what to pick.

When my twin brother got engaged last year he got his gf a ruby and diamond ring and she had said she thought the coloured stone was really nice, so maybe I would get her something like that?

If i take her with me to buy something she will just feel guilty about the money so I really want to surprise her, even though that might also be a bad idea.

help?

Why don't you purpose with a temp ring something silly or a very very cheap one and go pick one together.

Going away from standard is very risky even though she's said she doesn't like the 'norm'.

You might grab a bargain in the Boxing Day sales together aswell.

Good luck I'm sure it will be lovely regardless.

I don't gave a claw due to gloves at work.
I do have an eternity style right, and a engagement ring with a flat surface - my stone (diamond) and tge ring girm one smooth loop. Both these are fine.

She might not be keen on diamonds in general, but just wanted to say that not all diamonds are ‘blood diamonds’.

I have diamonds that were mined in Western Australia with no exploitation involved.

I think you should go for an opal and topaz ring, to combine both your birthstones. I’m sure she would really appreciate the sentiment. Something like these, as an example, but there are plenty of lovely designs.

MakeMisogyny’s link from The Diamond Store is the one. Good luck!

Not sure where you are based but have you thought about having one made? Often not as expensive as you think due using different metals and stones etc. You can then have exactly what you want e.g. the stone set into the band. That way you would avoid the 'claw' issue. I had my wedding band made to fit around my engagement ring as I'm not keen on wearing lots of jewelry.

I definitely think pick it yourself I think I means a lot to people when there spouses put in the effort to pick it yourself. In regards to Christmas Eve personally I would wait until after Christmas so that you don't 'gatecrash' an event but that's just my opinion. I like that my engagement date and wedding date were not already special days. However I'm sure anything that you do will be lovely. Good luck!

Would you consider a vintage ring? New jewellery is a total rip-off (think 500% mark-up) and doesn't hold its value so you could get something much nicer for your money if you go second-hand. Also if you're buying a Victorian ring then exploitation isn't such an issue...

These ones are all quite pretty and within your budget - obviously the estimates are just that, estimates, but they're usually pretty accurate.

opal and diamond

platinum diamond solitaire

totally gorgeous aquamarine ring

If you want something a little bit different Etsy is worth looking at. I’ve found these in your price range very quickly. You sound lovely and I’m sure she’ll love whatever you choose.

I would buy the ring from a high street store, in case she really doesn't like it, then you can exchange or return it for something else.

Defo don't buy a ring off e-bay or other such websites. They could be fake. It is not worth the risk.

She only wears a watch at the minute and it has a leather strap

What about an engraved watch with "will you marry me" and the date or something like that.

My sister is a nurse and my BiL bought her one of those 'nurses watches' that they clip/pin to their uniform and lift up when taking pulses (can you see I don't know what they're called)

I know it cost him a couple of hundred and was engraved for their anniversary so it could be an option.

That or a normal one with engraving on the back, strap, face or case depending on the style.

Congratulations. I think your plan to buy a ring and surprise her is really thoughtful and lovely, I'm sure she will be delighted that you have saved up, and I agree, NOT 'shamefully small' very thoughtful and caring. Just what a good husband should be !

www.dd2.co.uk/product/stained-glass-rings/

These are beautiful on a budget and no claws.

How about an antique ring? From what you said it sounds like she might like something like this. re Christmas Eve, my husband proposed on Christmas Eve and it was lovely as we were with my family. We have been together over 20 years and married for 11!

Wishing you every happiness!

New budget jewellery does not hold its value.

I would either get her a vintage ring or use a Haribo ring and choose something together.

A Christmas eve anniversary proposal sounds very romantic to me. Good luck - I hope she says yes!

One other thing you might like to consider. White gold is very popular at the moment, but both my daughter and daughter-in-law are allergic to their white gold wedding rings, due to the metal the gold is mixed with to turn it white.
Also maybe consider antique/second hand, as I think there is no VAT on secondhand goods.

I don't think you should rule out white gold. All my friends wear white gold and non are allergic to it. It is nickle allergy that is common.

Have a look at Carat Life London - they do beautiful ethical jewellery. Best of luck!

Just FYI I have a pink sapphire ring - its beautiful and the colour would make a really pretty alternative to a diamond

Have a look at The Jewellery Channel or Gems TV - they do have some really nice, reasonably priced jewellery.

Look for a bezel or rub-over setting - these won't have any claws and have a clean profile.

I think pink sapphire and rose gold would be beautiful.

Otherwise I like normal sapphire and silver.

And cheaper than sapphire is moonstone which is a beautiful stone and would look good on a silver band

What about this OP? [[http://www.qpjewellers.com/white-gold-0-60ct-blue-topaz-princess-prestige-ring-3977w.html?utm_source=google_shopping&cur=GBP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImczjoazm1wIVVbgbCh2shQ7NEAkYDSABEgJ7pfD_BwE
link]] (To find similar google topaz princess cut eternity ring)

Not if your GF is superstitious - pearls for tears they say.

I love the idea of a topaz or citrine. I have a November birthday too.

pink sapphire and rose gold sounds beautiful!!

O r you could try looking at vintage rings - my engagement ring was a Victorian green Garnet with 3 small diamonds each side. The effect is almost like an eye - and I have green eyes. It's very 'flat' - i didn't want anything high as I'd be forever catching it on stuff!

I think vintage is a really great idea actually, and I think maybe a sapphire?