June 27, 2015
More Random Thoughts:
Now that gay marriage is legal in the USA, the gay community is finding itself breaking into the wedding ring market at an accelerated (and welcomed) pace. When it comes right down to it, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with choices while the big day approaches. Choosing the perfect rings may seem a bit daunting, at first, but keeping yourself armed with some up-to-date info can help to make that trip to the jeweler a little less intimidating. Here are a couple considerations to help you out.
Believe it or not, one of the most common questions among same-sex couples has to do with whether or not they should purchase engagement rings. It’s a personal choice. Some do and some don’t, and it’s left up to you.
If you don’t want to go with traditional engagement rings, choose another piece of jewelry in their place. Bracelets, pendants, heck, get a toe ring! Again, it’s all about what makes you and your fiancé feel comfortable.
In cases where “popping the question” is a surprise, it’s not uncommon for the person who receives the proposal to then go out and buy an engagement ring for their soon-to-be husband or wife after the fact.
Another popular question, in regard to wedding etiquette, deals with whether or not both individuals need to wear diamonds and if the rings should be identical. Again, it all comes down to personal choice. There is no “set in stone” rule on the matter.
Rony Tennenbaum is a popular jewelry designer who has made a name for himself in the LGBT community. He suggests that if you both want to wear diamonds, consider the idea of opting for something a little different. That is to say, one of you choose something along the lines of a diamond band and the other, a matching diamond solitaire.
Some couples forego the diamonds and replace them with an alternate gem or gems. As you might imagine, birthstones are a popular choice. If you want jewelry representative of gay pride, I’ve seen multi-gemstone rings that produce a brilliant rainbow effect. Choose symbolism that is meaningful to you.
Which hand? Many same-sex couples make the decision to wear their rings on their right hand. This is typically the norm. However, if you both feel like wearing your wedding rings on the left hand, then by all means… do it! If you each have a different preference, you each get your own ring, so there’s nothing to worry about there as well
When push comes to shove, there isn’t much (excuse the pun) set-in-stone in terms of wedding ring etiquette; you’re both ultimately there to show your love for each other, and can do it in any way you please.
