Wedding band/engagement ring

[Danini]

DH and I married with short notice, not the conventional one year in advance type of wedding. He's not the romantic type in regards to gifts but shows love in other ways, and I'm the same. We were never engaged, so there was no engagement ring. I wore the wedding band until my eczema came back, but now that it's improved I'm starting to think it would be nice to wear something a bit fancier than just a plain wedding band. The problem is neither of us like to splash money on it. Personally I'd be fine with something that looks expensive but isn't but I'm worried others will tell. We're considering the CZ rather than a real stone. Will people around me be able to tell the difference?

Well I wouldn’t notice at all.
I don’t think you should give a shiny shite what anyone thinks. I wouldn’t. Get what you think looks nice.

No, they won't be able to tell the difference just from glancing at your ring.
You could get a very economically priced second-hand/antique rings, that would have real stones in, if you were so inclined. Also, coloured stones are very' on trend' again, so if you like them, you have a wide range to choose from.

Thanks - yes I know I shouldn't care but I do anyway...

Would this look too expensive hence unrealistic? www.accessorize.com/uk/sterling-silver-bling-encrusted-band-ring-white-49469449.html

That really doesn't look expensive OP...it's pretty for sure, but sorry, it looks what it is 🤷‍♀️

Not sure why you're bothered about what anyone else thinks though! If you like it, wear it 👌🏻

I temporarily lost my £7000 diamond engagement ring for a while. I bought this set from M&S for £23. Now I wear it all the time! No one else cares about your own jewellery, as long as you're happy that's all that matters.

www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-platinum-plated-engagement-rings/p/clp22581415#intid=pid_pg1pip5g2r2c1

For the price, I would be concerned about how hard wearing it is. It’s priced for an occasional night out, not the rigour of daily life. You may well have bits falling out too easily.

I think a little investment in quality (but it still can be reasonable) will be an investment in you.

Seconding the antiques market. Love an antique ring.

Look at moissanite rings 👍🏻

Thanks, it doesn't need to look a million pounds, as long as it looks more than 17 pounds... does it?

I think I'd go for sterling silver rather than something plated. Etsy has some lovely things but you do have to be careful.
I bought this a few years ago - looks expensive but isn't - the 'diamonds' look very good.
Also Vinted can be with a look but there's no returns policy so examine photos carefully. I bought a very sparkly 'diamond' eternity band for about £30.

Could you go for moissanite? Very hard wearing, beautiful stone, quite colourful and doesn't have the white fake look of CZ- but a fraction of the cost of natural diamond. If you're going to worry about it looking fake then CZ will always stress you out a bit when wearing it so I'd spend slightly more (not loads more!)

If you like it and think it looks pretty then that’s all that matters. £17 highstreet Made in China jewellery is unlikely to last well though and I think there are nicer rings out there, especially if you look at antique and secondhand. You’re just buying a piece of jewellery you like, it isn’t an engagement ring per se so it doesn’t need to look like one (and even actual engagement rings don’t need to look like typical engagement rings, anyway.)

Edit: it also says to avoid contact with liquids, probably because the gems are just stuck on with glue, so you aren’t going to be able to wear it full time.

Depends how much you want to pay but I have something like this.

https://www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/0009879/Entwine-18ct-White-Gold-Diamond-Twist-Wedding-Ring/p?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADxLjNccAS8LHvgQCzSi4z9CWt3wF&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgvPE1piEiQMVGpmDBx355gO4EAQYASABEgIuOfD_BwE

I find it substantial enough to wear as a single ring and it has a bit of sparkle and interest to it with the twist. Not £17 though!

I would worry the stones might look dull irl and that will make this look cheap in my honest opinion, sorry. I think you’d have to see it in real life to know for sure. But for £17 it would be worth a try I reckon! It’s pretty.

What's your budget op?

Carat London do some nice rings, as do Claro jewels.

Have a look in antique shops. I have a lovely ring from one local to us that was about £100 but worth more. They resized it for me too.

I own some very pretty sterling silver and cubic zirconia rings from Accessorize and other stores... they look fab, but do be warned that they don't stand the test of time... sterling silver is a very soft metal compared to gold/platinum/etc. and will wear down/lose shape easily. You'd probably be better off going for either vintage or a more expensive metal paired with a cheaper cubic zirconia/moissanite stone. Alternatively, if you're not sentimental (AKA don't mind if the ring(s) don't last), stick with the silver and have fun replacing it every so often!

Etsy have some very pretty gold and cubic zirconia rings at the moment and they'd be a tempting option if I was in your shoes.

I think you need to spend a bit more than £17 if you're planning on wearing it/ keeping it for a few years.

Not tons but I'd get real stones and precious metals just for quality/ longevity/ ability to repair. As everyone says look at mossanite/ coloured stones/ vintage rings.

Also lab grown diamonds arr very cheap.

Depending on your budget it might be worth looking at lab grown diamonds.

Silver can tarnish and CZs are softer and can scratch/rub after time which will make them seem dull in comparison to diamond, but of course depends on how frequently you are wearing the ring

@Chocdown crikey that is lovely!

I would probably go for an eternity ring rather than engagement ring style but pick something you like and will wear.

That ring is very pretty. Enjoy wearing it if you like it - don’t worry what others think.

I know someone who wears accessorize rings in their stack - I had to ask if they were real. They’re very pretty

Have you considered Pandora?

Semi precious metals and lab grown diamonds so much more hard wearing and much nearer your price bracket.

That accessorize ring isn't going to last long and I'd worry that if you suffer with a skin complaint, this cheapie ring might irritate you and cause you more issues.

77 diamonds are worth a look too, if you end up splashing out, I can definitely recommend them. X

I don't think it matters at all. Get what you're happy with.

I lost my wedding and engagement ring.

I replaced with what's in the picture it was £70. I also got a band that fits around it.