Not a Jewelry Person? How to Get Used to an Engagement Ring

Some people fuss over jewelry like it’s the most precious thing in the world. From celebrities to “average Joes,” there are certain camps of people who believe you can never have too much “bling.” 

On the other hand, there are plenty of people who aren’t interested in jewelry at all. Those people often insist that they don’t wear jewelry and never will. But, jewelry really is a part of life. It’s used to celebrate special events, it’s used to symbolize different things, and it’s even used to show someone you care about them. Plus, let’s be honest – accessories like jewelry are what make an outfit!

One of the most symbolic pieces of jewelry you can wear is an engagement ring. You might be head-over-heels for someone and even excited to get married. But, if you’re not a jewelry person, you’re probably going to be less excited about wearing a ring 24/7. 

So, what can you do to accept this part of life? How can you go with the flow and adopt this tradition comfortably even if you’re not into jewelry? 

Pick Something You Actually Like

Many people think that an engagement ring has to be a complete surprise. But, that’s not the case. In fact, 62% of couples now go ring shopping together. Is it a bit more romantic to be surprised? Maybe. But, if you don’t like the ring your partner picked out, it’s going to be hard to get excited about it – especially if you’re already not a jewelry fan. 

When you’re looking for an engagement ring, consider your own personal sense of style. What will you feel most comfortable wearing, and what will go with your lifestyle? You don’t want a ring that’s going to distract you or make you feel uncomfortable. 

It’s also a good idea to do your research on everything from stones to settings. For example, if you’re choosing a diamond ring, familiarize yourself with the four C’s: 

• Cut
• Clarity
• Color
• Carat

Knowing as much as possible about a ring will help you to understand its value, so you’ll be just as happy with its quality as its looks. 

Seek Out Alternatives

Traditional engagement rings are still one of the most popular options for couples getting married. But, if you’re truly not a jewelry fan, talk to your partner about it and consider an alternative approach. 

Not liking jewelry doesn’t mean you don’t want to get married. So, how can you symbolize your commitment without a traditional ring? The possibilities are endless, but some of the most popular alternatives other couples have gone with include: 

• Getting a banded tattoo
• Donating as a couple
• Announcing your engagement by going on an adventure
• Putting the ring money toward a house down payment

Many couples also choose to go with alternate jewelry options. If you don’t want to wear a band around your finger, consider a charm bracelet, earrings, or a necklace. Yes, a diamond ring on your left hand is traditional. But, you should be able to look at that ring in a positive light all of the time. If you know you won’t be able to do that, it’s not worth going along for the sake of tradition. 

Don’t be afraid to get creative with alternative ideas. At the end of the day, committing to your partner is the important thing. Whatever you use to symbolize that to the world is up to you. 

Getting Used to a New Ring

Even if you’re not a jewelry person, you might be okay with the idea of an engagement ring. Maybe you aren’t crazy about a big diamond or silver band. But, you like what it represents. If you’ve never worn a lot of jewelry before, having a ring on your finger day and night can take some getting used to. 

Give yourself some time to get comfortable with the stone and band. Additionally, make sure you understand how changes in your body can affect how the ring feels. Your body fluctuates all day and night, which can make the band seem tighter or looser at any given time. For example, if you deal with night sweats or tend to feel extremely hot while you’re in bed, it could cause your fingers to swell. That might make the ring seem tight and uncomfortable, as well as nearly impossible to get off. What you eat and drink can also impact how swollen your fingers get. 

If you’ve never had to deal with a “stuck” ring before, you might start to panic. But, it’s all part of getting used to it. There are several effective ways to remove it safely without damaging the ring or your finger, including: 

• Gently twisting it back and forth
• Squirting Windex on your finger and the ring
• Using a lubricant like petroleum jelly or vegetable oil
• Finding ways to reduce the swelling in your fingers

By taking care of yourself and taking care of your ring, it likely won’t take as long as you think to get used to it. You can still be in the “non-jewelry” camp and enjoy wearing your engagement ring. When you consider what it means and how much you love the person who gave it to you, you can appreciate the ring for what it is as you prepare to get married.