5 Same-Sex Engagement Rings Dos and Don’ts You Need to Know
Many same-sex couples had been in loving, committed long-term relationships long before same-sex marriage became legal. With the struggles to achieve marriage equality, same-sex couples sometimes skip a very important relationship milestone – the engagement. Yes, engagements are important; they stand as symbols of your commitment and your readiness to take the relationship to the next and final level – marriage! Now, choosing the right ring for same-sex couples can be a bit tricky, and that is why we are here to make the selection as easy and stress-free as possible and help you find a ring you will love and cherish forever.
Away with tradition
With straight couples the routine is pretty cut and dry; the man is the one who buys the ring, gets on one knee (or bakes the ring into a cake), pops the question and the girl gets to wear a sparkling something. Same-sex marriage is a game changer, which brings the question – who gets to wear the ring? The answer is simple – both of you! You can exchange rings in an act of mutual proposal, or you can take the engagement game to the next level and have two proposals. That way you can have not one, but two stories and you get to ask the question and say the wonderful ‘yes’. You can have your cake and eat it too.
To match or not to match?
The eternal question since Hamlet – should you wear matching rings or not? There is no right or wrong here. Straight couples usually don’t go for matching wedding bands, and even if it was mandatory for them, it definitely isn’t for you. Each person should get a ring that they love and want to wear, a ring that showcases their individuality, unique style and tastes. However, if you both fall in love with the same ring, there isn’t a single reason not to take the matching route.
Don’t simply pick a ring
As this is a unique opportunity to let your style truly shine through, don’t pick an existing ring – have one made! There is nothing more special than bespoke custom diamond engagement rings – you get to choose everything from the cut, color, design, to platinum or gold setting. The best part is that you know it’s one of a kind, it represents you and your beloved perfectly, and it’s a ring you’ll love and proudly wear for years to come.
Away with tradition pt.2
Again, with straight couples the issue of which finger should the ring be placed on is simple – it’s commonly on the fourth finger of the left hand. You, on the other hand, have the luxury to make your own rules and new traditions. You can place it on the right hand, or make a statement by showcasing rings on any matching non-ring finger. Still, there is something sweet about the traditional ring finger – according to The Knot ancient Romans believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart—the Vena Amoris, or “Vein of Love.” Although we now know that there is no such vein, the story is still quite beautiful, so if you want to err on the side of tradition, that’s perfectly fine too.
Consult or surprise?
If you’re certain of your knowledge of your partner and his taste and preferences the element of surprise is definitely something to consider. Everyone loves to be caught off-guard by the proposal, and there is something incredibly romantic about the ‘unexpected’. There are even super-sneaky ways to figure out the ring size, so you are all set. If, however, you aren’t so clairvoyant when it comes to your beloved’s taste, then consulting is the way to go. After all, you want them to love the ring and wear it proudly, so sacrificing the element of surprise for the sake of long-term contentment is a small price to pay.
Peter is a gay lifestyle writer at The Authentic Gay and My Wedding Mag from NZ. By sharing unique perspective on what you might call a perfect gay wedding, his future plans are in finding the one with whom he is gonna organize one. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.