How Millennials ‘Put a Ring on It’
Love Meets Budget
Millennials are redefining engagement rings
After months of searching for the perfect engagement ring, she closed her laptop, looked at her boyfriend, and was reminded that they’re love was priceless. It didn’t matter how big her diamond was, or if her ring had a diamond at all. Their love story was their own.
Millennials are changing the definition of engagement rings, literally! Commitment rings, also known as engagement rings, are as unconventional as the generation that’s purposing them. These innovators are personalizing their commitment to reflect their values and choosing rings that symbolize their personality. Amongst celebrities like Kate Middleton, Blake Lively, and Emma Roberts, millennials are making the traditional diamond engagement ring a thing of the past, Instagram feeds are flooded with nontraditional engagement rings, #engagmentringselfies.
Non-traditional rings have a non-traditional price tag. Although many millennials believe that engagement rings should cost less than $2,500, they will likely spend about $3,000. But this price tag is not because they’re stingy. “We both have student loans and I was not going to add to that debt”, said newlywed Vi Preston, 27, a Brooklyn-born pharmacist, who decided on a morganite stone instead of a diamond. Although cost conscious, this age group is willing to splurge a bit more if the materials are ethically sourced.
Known for being socially conscious, three quarters of millennials would change their buying habits for environmental concerns, according to a report from Jefferies Financial Group Inc. Alternative engagement ring styles are becoming more popular with this cost-conscious generation. Fake diamonds are on the rise because they contribute to environmental and social preservation. They aren’t tied with the controversial blood diamonds. “If we put profits over the environment, we all end up participating in things that are no longer morally justifiable”, said newly engaged Ann Heartly, 27, a senior at FIT, who’s engagement was anything but traditional, “Consumption today is not justifiable, our whole way of life is not.” Ethically mined or conflict-free diamonds are popular amongst these trendsetters. Brilliant Earth and Do Amore amongst other brands are combating climate change by using recycled gold.
Real or fake sometimes diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend. Colored gems are a popular alternative. Sapphire stones have been trending on social media, ever since Kate Middleton’s heirloom engagement ring flooded the news feeds. And for those who opt for a neutral look, opals and pearls are on the rise! When actress Emma Stone posted her beautiful saltwater pearl engagement ring on Instagram last December it became the “perfect winter engagement ring”. Many New Yorkers visited Catbird, the Brooklyn NY., boutique, where the ring was purchased. “My engagement ring is two stoned, two pearls on either end”, said Aleks Smith, 28, Brooklyn resident, who was amongst Catbird’s admirers.
Stones aren’t the only part of commitment rings that millennials are revamping, bands are equally as versatile. You don’t have to wait for your big day to decorate your left ring finger with multiple rings, stackable wedding bands are also engagement rings, and they’re dominating Pinterest pages. Not only does this style show off your personality, but millennials also enjoy this trend because the rings can be stacked over time instead of one large purchase. Celebrities like Kaley Cuoco like to mix and match the color and design of their bands. “This made my life so much easier because I always have the perfect anniversary gift”, said newlywed Scott Norris, 34, a Brooklyn-born EMT, who purchased stackable rings for his wife Vi Preston, for their 1-year anniversary,
But engagement ring trends amongst millennials doesn’t stop at jewelry. The once popular wedding ring tattoo is back with a twist, dermal piercings! Millennials are permanently customizing the symbol of eternity by implanting a diamond into their finger. Tattoo and piercing shops offer a unique way to tell your significant other that you are in it for the long haul. “I liked the idea of a tattoo on my finger instead of a ring, but I know my girlfriend wants some bling”, said Jay Wexler, 34, Bronx-born security guard, who plans on purposing to his girlfriend next month, “now we can both get what we want”.
Although millennials are known for their non conform lifestyle, they still value the tradition of unifying love. “A load of opinions will come your way”, said Norris. “Just remember to make it about the two of you”.