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Gabrielle
Just Said Yes October 2020

Ring Judgement

Gabrielle, on July 26, 2018 at 8:22 PM

Posted in Family and Relationships 122

My fiance and I recently got engaged and I've been getting some pretty opinionated feedback about my ring. We are not a super traditional couple and he ended up not going with a traditional diamond ring, and instead the main stone is an opal. I am absolutely in love with the ring, but many of my...
My fiance and I recently got engaged and I've been getting some pretty opinionated feedback about my ring. We are not a super traditional couple and he ended up not going with a traditional diamond ring, and instead the main stone is an opal. I am absolutely in love with the ring, but many of my friends and family members are giving pretty negative feedback about it. For example, "that's not a real engagement ring" or "oh so he couldn't afford a diamond, huh?".
I honestly don't really care if they like it or not, but it does tend to be a little offputting when they are being blatantly rude about it. How would you suggest dealing with a situation like this without coming across as a serious jerk?
I've attached a photo of the ring for reference.

cfb_1006456.jpg

122 Comments

  • kala&isha
    Dedicated November 2019
    kala&isha ·
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    I think it’s stunning . Who cares what people say , if you’re happy that’s all that matters 💕
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  • Tynika
    Savvy July 2018
    Tynika ·
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    Girl it don't matter about the ring, you. Don't pay them people any mind, I know it's you family but if you and your fiance love each other that's all that matter. That's what's wrong with people today worry about the next... I'm sorry for going in but do what works for you and him. Just be happy😘 Stay true love bug🤗
    • Reply
  • L
    Expert October 2018
    Linda ·
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    Gorgeous ring. I am afraid any advice I would give would skip over the jerk line straight into being a big B. People doing that annoys me to no end and I am sorry you are having to deal with it
    • Reply
  • KiwiDerbyBride
    VIP May 2015
    KiwiDerbyBride ·
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    Diamonds are only thought of as engagement stones because of a very, very successful marketing campaign by De Beers a few decades ago. Personally I like the "why would you say that?" question if someone makes a comment about it - then watch them splutter and backpedal as they try to explain the horribly offensive comment they've just made.

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  • Rachael
    Expert October 2019
    Rachael ·
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    Personally I’m the type to shut anyone down who would say something negative to me about something my fiancé put his heart and soul into, choosing something he knew I’d like more than a diamond. I’m typically pretty relaxed, but this is one of a few things that could turn me into a bridezilla. If my fiancé picked it, and I love it, everyone else can keep their mouths shut, to put it nicely
    • Reply
  • AJ
    VIP September 2018
    AJ ·
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    Your ring is beautiful! My FH couldn't afford a fancy ring for me (and I'd always said I wouldn't want a big diamond ring because that money could go elsewhere). He bought me a $17 moonstone ring, and it was perfect. Anytime someone asked to see my ring and I saw a look on their face I cut them off by expressing how much I loved the ring, how appreciative I was that he kept my tastes in mind, etc. Never got a negative comment after that Smiley winking
    Unfortunately I lost it in a lake recently... he replaced it for me today with this $10 zirconia ring from Old Navy and again I love it lol it's much sparklier in person. Price and style don't make your ring any less. It's what it represents and the only one who has to love it is you.

    Ring Judgement 1

    Ring Judgement 2
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  • NikNak
    Master September 2018
    NikNak ·
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    FH and I were just in a jewelry store deciding on our brands today and I was admiring an opal ring in the case... I think your ring is stunning. If someone has an issue with it, let them know that their opinion is not welcome, no one should make you or FS feel less than because you aren't traditional. You're wonderfully unique and that is something great.
    • Reply
  • K
    Devoted August 2019
    Kayla ·
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    I definitely didn't want to spend so much on a ring. We got a white sapphire set in platinum and it's literally my dream ring. I'd rather spend that extra $2,000 on my venue or something!

    Ring Judgement 3
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  • Mrs. Britton
    Dedicated October 2018
    Mrs. Britton ·
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    I absolutely love your ring! It’s gorgeous. ❤️ Definitely ignore the haters. It’s about what you love and what you’re going to enjoy wearing for the rest of your life. Just tell people this is what you always wanted and couldn’t imagine anything else.

    Unfortunately, there is this “stigma”/idea that enagagement rings need to be diamonds and/or these huge carats. I have a 1/2 carat diamond ring and I can’t tell you how many times I heard “Why is it so small” or “Awww I guess it’s cute.” Meanwhile I absolutely ADORE my ring and know that my fiancé not only decided to choose a better quality diamond over carat, but he also put his heart and soul into picking it out.
    • Reply
  • Cara
    Expert July 2019
    Cara ·
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    First of all, that ring is gorgeous. Your fiancé did a fabulous job and I’m so happy you love it! If anyone makes a rude comment I would simply say “I actually love it but thanks for your opinion”.
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  • Tessa
    Savvy May 2019
    Tessa ·
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    Non traditional rings are becomin more common. My engagement ring is garnets and diamonds as I wanted the bling without the huge factor. Had it for two years now and the silver has gotten damaged apparently bad enough that my $200 ring will cost $400 to fix with the right laser equipment and 10 day weight. I found this out from the second jeweler I saw cause the first stated "it's not worth it to fix unless it has sentimental value."

    Sooo keep your chin up and take care of your pretty cause the judgements are still there. I'll wear mine again and fix it one of these days but keeping it safe for now to not lose stones. In market for wedding band afterall. 🤑
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  • Jessa
    Devoted September 2018
    Jessa ·
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    I love your ring! Haters gone hate! Tell them it’s your style and only matters that you love it. And it’s none of their business if they don’t like it. Why do we have to be constrained by societal expectations of what an engagement ring “should” look like? You do you girl!
    • Reply
  • B
    Devoted September 2018
    Bri ·
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    Mine is an opal too! My FH knows I don't like diamonds, I think they're ugly. He chose the perfect ring for me. I'm sorry people are being so negative to you. It's a beautiful ring.
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  • M
    Dedicated May 2019
    Melissa ·
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    Omg I love your ring! Opal is my favorite stone, too! Honestly, FH told me after we got engaged, that if I hadn't liked his mom's ring that he gave me, then he would've given me an opal engagement ring. When people give you crap about not having a diamond, just tell them that he loves you more than just a diamond because he gave you exactly what your heart wanted! That means more than just going to the store and picking out something that someone ELSE has decided what an engagement ring should look like. It is a symbol of your love and promise, which what your engagement is all about, no matter WHAT the ring looks like!
    • Reply
  • MrsV1027
    Master October 2018
    MrsV1027 ·
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    View Quoted Comment

    YES I love this response!

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  • MrsV1027
    Master October 2018
    MrsV1027 ·
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    I don't understand why people can't just be happy and say congrats. It's SO rude to make a comment like the ring isn't good enough because it's not a diamond. You love it and he proposed with it. That is ALL that matters. I love my less than a carat diamond but it fits me(I love how some people balk at the smaller diamonds like they are also not good enough). My FH actually told me how he was debating between a pink diamond(that was a no with the price lol), coffee diamonds, black diamonds or an aquamarine which is my birthstone. He almost went with the aqua but I wear an aquamarine ring on my right hand that I've had for 20 years so he wanted to get something different and a clear diamond is the only color stone I didn't have lol. The ring should fit the person. My ex SIL picked out a dark blue sapphire and people gave her crap about it but the ring was so her and it was beautiful on her finger.

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  • NVV2B
    VIP January 2019
    NVV2B ·
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    They're being jerks to you so you have every right to be a "jerk" back to them.

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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    It's a beautiful ring! The next time someone says it, I'd either ignore it or say something like "well good thing it's not your wedding!". People need to just be quiet with negative opinions.

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  • HayMrsO
    Master October 2018
    HayMrsO ·
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    Your ring is beautiful!

    Unfortunately, people feel like they can voice their opinions about anything these days. FH and I are older, have been together 5 years. He has had all that time to save for a ring. I am blessed that he was able to afford my dream ring (2 carat cushion cut diamond, rose gold band). He is very handy and did a lot of buying and selling on Craigslist to earn the extra cash over the years.

    We had huge (and I mean HUGE) financial obstacles to overcome from his previous marriage. My parents knew this was the reason we were waiting to get married. First thing my dad says when he sees my ring is "He must be rich" I mean, what?!?! He knows how hard FH works for a living to give us the life we have and to get to where we are today. My dad was in the same line of business, for goodness sake. Could he not have said "That's beautiful" or just "Congratulations"?

    I had another friend who said "Of course you got a huge rock, at your ages, there might not be time for an upgrade" (we are 44 and 51, not DEAD, FFS).

    So don't feel bad....people will talk no matter what!

    • Reply
  • ArwenToHisAragorn
    Expert October 2018
    ArwenToHisAragorn ·
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    Opals are BEAUTIFUL! Next time someone asks or says something, just say "I can't tell if you're kidding". Usually that'll straighten them out right there, they'll realize you're not dealing with it.

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