She Strengthens

Embracing Unconventional Engagement Rings

When my fiancé proposed to me on our cross-country road trip, he did so with a simple white gold band. It wasn’t flashy, but it was perfect for me. However, not everyone shared my enthusiasm. Friends and family bombarded us with requests to see the ring, and I was taken aback by the scrutiny.

The Pressure to Conform

Why did everyone need to see my ring? Was it because they were genuinely excited for us, or was it because they wanted to judge the quality of the ring? I knew that many people were expecting a sparkling diamond, and I didn’t have that to offer. My ring was a humble white gold band that fit my middle finger on my right hand, and I was thrilled with it.

Breaking Free from Tradition

After returning from our trip, my fiancé gave me the freedom to choose a new ring within our budget. I had always dreamed of a pearl engagement ring, but I was deterred by the typical designs that featured a pearl surrounded by diamonds. I wanted something unique. While searching for my dream ring, I continued to wear the white gold band on my right middle finger, which sparked even more curiosity and criticism.

The Judgment of Others

People would often ask where my “real” ring was, and women would react with a mixture of surprise and disapproval. Men would smile smugly, as if they didn’t believe our engagement was legitimate. One coworker even told me that no one knew I was engaged because I didn’t wear the ring on the “right” finger. It was astonishing to me that people felt so strongly about something that was none of their business.

Finding My Dream Ring

I finally found my perfect ring on Etsy – a vintage, art deco pearl ring from the 1920s. It was reasonably priced, and I knew it was meant to be mine. When I showed it to friends, I was prepared for them to love it as much as I did. However, their reactions were lukewarm at best. They couldn’t understand why I would choose a pearl over a diamond.

Loving My Choice

In that moment, I felt a pang of disappointment. But then I remembered that my ring is a symbol of my love and commitment, not a status symbol to impress others. I don’t need anyone else’s validation to love my ring. To all the women out there who are considering an unconventional engagement ring, be prepared for criticism. But most importantly, be true to yourself and your personal style.

Rethinking Traditional Expectations

It’s astonishing that in today’s society, we still place so much emphasis on the type of ring and finger it’s worn on. It’s time to break free from these outdated expectations and focus on what truly matters – the love and commitment behind the ring. I’m proud to wear my pearl ring, and I’m grateful that my fiancé and I didn’t succumb to the pressure to conform.