If you think it’s only celebrities who get the joy of having several engagement rings, think again! Having a back-up ring is actually becoming a serious and financially sound option for a number of brides, for both practical and emotional reasons. Some women opt for a second ring identical in every way to the first, some opt for a lookalike ring with an imitation stone in the place of the diamond, while others make the most of it and choose something quirky for ring number two.
While we aren’t all wearing multi-million dollar diamonds that deserve their own armed escort, we should all be considering having a second ring in a drawer somewhere. After all, we all worry about being parted from our rings on a night out, or damaging them living our day-to-day lives. Read on for the top three reasons why a young woman in Britain today should seriously consider a back-up wedding band or diamond engagement ring, and factor the cost into her ring-shopping budget.
Hobbies and jobs
First and foremost, there are some solid practical reasons to consider having more than one ring. If your hobbies include working with your hands, with chemicals, with power-tools or hazardous materials, your ring might not be safe. Even innocuous hobbies can damage jewellery, leading to staining, scratches, and loosening or loss of the stone from its setting. Surprising things can damage your ring, particularly if it’s antique, tension-set, or contains ‘soft’ stones like pearls. Even painting the house might call for a professional clean, while gardening, DIY, martial arts and even crafts can lead to knocks and scratches. Similarly, if you’re a keen traveller and like to get off the beaten path, a glittering rock on your hand might not be an option. Rather than worrying about your ring, or taking it off and risking losing it to an opportunistic thief, invest in a cheap second ring in a fun modern design, and leave the real thing safe at home.
Safety first
On a more serious note, theft is a real worry, and not only for women who wear glitzy designs with big stones. Rather than going ringless on nights out, consider a cheap replica of your ring. Opt for a cheaper metal in the same tone, since you won’t be wearing it too often, and replace the diamond with a glass or imitation crystal in the same cut. You’ll get the joy of wearing your engagement ring, for its symbolic value, without the worry if it is lost or stolen.
One-of-a-kind
Finally, what if your ring is a one-of-a-kind design? Those who wear unique engagement rings have a unique concern: that their ring, if lost or damaged, could never be replaced. This is true of bespoke rings, antiques and heirlooms, and is a real worry regardless of their monetary value. A skilled jeweller will be able to make an exact replica of your ring. Whether you make a faithful copy or a cheaper version, whether you wear the replica or the real thing, holding on to a copy means that your ring can always be replaced.
Author bio
The author is a fashion and lifestyle blogger writing personal and sponsored content about clothes, cosmetics, beauty and the wedding-industrial complex. She often browses the Marlow’s Diamonds site for pictures and inspiration.
