When shopping for jewelry before a marriage proposal, it is common to shop for an engagement ring.  Whether adorned with diamonds, covered in gemstones, or a simple metal band, the ring is the most popular way for people to symbolize that they are engaged to be married.  For people who prefer not to wear rings, or who are unable to, there are alternatives to engagement ring choices that abound in every jewelry store.  From bracelets and earrings to pendants and more, alternative engagement jewelry is becoming increasingly common, and can be a stunning alternative.

There can be many reasons why a person would choose not to wear an engagement ring.  From a career that requires constant use of gloves or machinery that could catch a ring, to skin sensitivity, hand deformity, or even a tendency to misplace rings, there are many reasons why many people prefer alternative engagement jewelry.  For some people, alternative jewelry is more practical, and for others it is a necessity.  In some cases alternatives to engagement ring selections can simply be a way to show that a relationship stands apart from all others.  No matter the reason, alternative engagement jewelry can actually be a beautiful and more personalized way to express emotions.

While there are certainly romantics that feel only a diamond ring can express the commitment that comes with a pending marriage, as times change people are becoming more open to other expressions of love.  Common these days is a bridal pendant.  A bridal pendant, as the name implies, is a pendant that is worn around the neck to symbolize love, marriage, and commitment.  While there are many reasons to wear a bridal pendant, from job restrictions to convenience, there is little argument that these pieces can be remarkably stunning.  These pendants make excellent alternatives to engagement ring options commonly presented to prospective newlyweds.

Bridal pendants come in virtually infinite shapes and sizes.  Some are in the shape of hearts and engraved with names, dates, or phrases that symbolize the engagement of the couple, while others take on unique shapes, styles, and compositions. Many people use diamonds in the creation of bridal pendants, helping to keep the pendant following in the same tradition as the engagement ring.  Still others choose to utilize actual engagement rings, having them redesigned into beautiful pendants.  In many cases, a matching wedding band is soldered or welded to the engagement band for the wedding, creating an even more unique and exquisite piece of jewelry and providing one of the more unique alternatives to engagement ring choices as we commonly think of them.

Other unique bridal jewelry includes bracelets and earrings.  While typically not thought of as engagement jewelry, both of these jewelry types can be used to symbolize an engagement.  While many people look to the ring finger to determine a person’s relationship status, any piece of jewelry can represent pending nuptials provided it is given with the right intention.  While many people consider a diamond ring a sign of a pending wedding, there are many modern couples who instead mark the occasion with diamond earrings or a diamond bracelet.  These certainly serve as unique alternatives to engagement ring pressure from many people while still serving to express the heartfelt emotion that they are designed to symbolize.

Alternatives to engagement ring choices for men also abound.  While pendants, bracelets, and earrings are all options and can be designed for men, there are a number of other alternatives offered to help men symbolize pending nuptials as well.  Perhaps the most common option for men is the customized diamond watch.  Created with diamonds similar to those in recessed men’s engagement bands, these custom watches are a stylish and functional way to symbolize one’s relationship status.

Also popular are personalized money clips, tie tacks, and cufflinks.  While certainly not as common as the engagement ring, for many men these are becoming alternative ways to symbolize a special relationship.  There can be many reasons why a ring can not be worn, from a desire to avoid hand jewelry or hand attention to a need to have free hands at work.  By using these engagement ring alternatives, men can find a way to symbolize their relationships though the use of other jewelry.

In all, there are really an infinite number of alternatives to engagement ring jewelry.  From beautiful diamond engagement pendants to earrings, bracelets, and more, there are many options to choose from.  The numerous options available for men ensure that everyone has a stylish option to help them symbolize their engagement without the need for a traditional ring.  It is unlikely that the engagement ring will ever go out of style, but for the people who elect not to wear them or who are simply unable to, there are plenty of options to help ensure that they are still provided beautiful, diamond adorned symbols of commitment and love.