It should represent you. You’re wearing it, not them

Earlier this morning, I came across this article where the author gave her opinion that purchasing a Harry Potter engagement ring is not the way to go. In doing so, she tried her best to not single out etsy shop owner Miranda Scott’s beautiful work, but did anyway.

The design is lovely, and starting at $150.00, with your choice of beautiful golden gem surrounded by wings hugging your finger, this could be the ring you give that special someone in your life. My only question, for the author and not the artist behind this ring, is this:

Who pissed in your cornflakes?

Marriage is a bond where those who love each other promise to devote themselves to each other until death (or divorce) should come into their lives. We both agree on one thing: this is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life. It’s a huge responsibility, and huge change for both of you. You’re taking steps in solidifying your future together as a couple. Does that mean it has to be stuffed and filled to the brim with outdated, and often boring, traditions?

De Beers has us trained, thinking that the bigger the diamond, the more our partners love us. This shiny piece of glass shown off to our peers to prove how important we are, was often the center of most conversations when chatting about marriage. However, times are changing. More and more people are thinking with creativity instead of being herded into the nearest jewelry store – like “sheeple” – to grab the biggest rock they can find. There are several things I’m seeing that are trending and have more and more couples thinking that going bigger isn’t always best.

Some Couples Are More Money Conscious

As more of my friends get engaged (myself included), we’re thinking more about our futures. The topics in my circle have changed from focusing on how big our rings are, to the purchase of a house or a second car. To hoard your money for something that’s going to sit on your finger instead of putting it towards bigger things is just impractical. If you really want it and can afford both, go for it! Just don’t knock anyone who decided to spread their money a little thinner than you. Are you going to spend $9000.00 on a ring, or do you want to spend that on the entire wedding and pay off a nice chunk off of those school loans?

This Is A “Couple’s Thing”

You know what I’m talking about. Almost every couple has something they share that both people are passionate about. It’s centered around something they can treasure together. Seeing this ring, I could think of a few of my friends for whom it would be perfect. To the couples who, until midnight in the cold, waited for Barnes & Noble to open so they can get one of the first copies of the latest Harry Potter book, this ring is for you. To the couples whose first date was to go see Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the amazing actors go on crazy adventures at Hogwarts, this ring is for you. To the couples who just plain love Harry Potter, or even to the person who really loves Harry Potter, this ring is perfect for you.

Non-traditional Is Becoming Common

I hate to break it to you, but as someone who is engaged, I’m not a fan of a lot of traditions when it comes to weddings. As soon as you let slip that you’re engaged, the price range hikes up, everyone follows the same cookie cutter formula, and you feel pressured into not stepping out of line. The bridal culture plays it off as a level of standards that every bride must have, when in fact, every couple is different.The ring should be dictated by what the couple themselves feel, and not what everyone else thinks.

When it comes to getting married, your wedding is going to be the biggest and most expensive party of your life. Or, you may have a little get-together with some of your close friends and family. It’s about you being together as a couple taking the next step. A wedding is a celebration, so why can’t it be fun? You’ll be wearing this ring for the rest of your life, so why can’t it be just as fun as the other things you wear? We’ve all seen the Harry Potter themed weddings on Pinterest, so why get bent out of shape over a ring? It’s your choice. It’s just a ring; a symbol of your love for someone with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. Don’t get me wrong. Rings are awesome, and if your partner spent a lot on your ring, that’s amazing. I will celebrate you just as much as the girl who shows up with this ring; because you’re engaged in a healthy relationship and that should be celebrated, no matter what. You’re an adult. You have adult money that can buy the ring. Buy the ring and don’t let anyone sway you from the fact that you know this will fit your partner’s personality. Do you want it to represent what other people think you’re marriage should be? No. It should represent you. You’re wearing it, not them.