These days, many couples are opting for non-traditional wedding rings instead of those made from expensive precious metals. Some women no longer desire or anticipate their partner to allocate an equivalent of three months’ wages to purchase a diamond ring for them.
A few would rather avoid inadvertently acquiring a conflict diamond or further endorsing the wedding industry. Some seek a wedding band symbolic of their unique relationship and the profound affection they hold for their partner.
Whatever your reasoning is, there are many wonderful alternatives to traditional wedding rings for you to consider before your big day. Here are a few of the most popular.
Wooden Rings
Rings made either from wood or with a wooden inlay are an excellent choice for non-traditional wedding rings, especially if you want everyone to know that your union is based on love and not material possessions.
They’re also unique because wood grain patterns vary significantly from piece to piece, even from the same tree. Additionally, since they’re less expensive than gold or diamond jewelry, you can save that money and use it for the down payment on your new home.
Silicone Rings
In addition to being popular choices for traditional wedding rings, gold and silver have another thing in common: they’re exceptional at conducting electricity. Suppose you or your future spouse is an electrician, a construction worker, or works in another field involving electrical wires.
In that case, silicone is a great alternative that won’t put them at risk of electrical shocks (or at risk of losing the ring when they have to take it off!)
Mokume Gane Rings
In Japan, Mokume rings have been used for hundreds of years. The technique was initially used to make swords, but after they became more ceremonial, its usage was expanded to make various forms of jewelry, like rings. The process involves mixing two different metals that are bonded together but maintain their original colors, making them a perfect metaphor for your marriage.
Jade Rings
Another classic choice is a ring made from jade, a mineral widely used in Asian countries. The greenish hues will draw everyone’s attention and allow you to tell the story of how you two first met. It should be noted that while jade is relatively durable, you’ll want to wash it with soap and water every couple of weeks to make sure it keeps its shine.
Wedding Ring Tattoos
For those who are clumsy, work with their hands, or tend to lose things easily, a wedding ring tattoo is a perfect way to let the world know you’re happily taken. This eliminates the need to explain to your spouse that you dropped the wedding ring down the sink again and need to buy a new one.
You can style the ring to look as unique as you want with a design that wouldn’t work in real life, or you can stick with traditional black ink.
Tungsten Rings
If you’re a fan of metal rings but want to pay less money for the more expensive varieties, an excellent alternative is tungsten, also known as Wolfram. It’s a strong metal that won’t break or wear down over time, much like your love for one another. It can also be plated with silver or gold for a more traditional look but without the heavy price tag that comes with it.
Novelty Rings
Celebrating unique interests and shared passions in a relationship can lead to some delightful choices in wedding rings. If you and your partner are huge Lord of the Rings fans, you can get a high-quality replica of the One Ring online for less than $100.
If you’re both comic book fans, you can get one with Superman’s famous “S” logo or a Green Lantern ring. Weddings can be stressful for everyone involved, so a novelty ring can be a great way to lighten the mood and celebrate your shared interests.
Staying Unique & True to Your Relationship
Suppose you’d rather opt out of the traditional wedding rings that fashion and movies have made to look standard for hundreds of years.
In that case, these non-traditional wedding ring ideas can help you find the perfect wedding band that reflects your unique relationship and love for one another.
Whether you choose wood, Mokume, a non-precious metal, or a novelty ring that’s special to the two of you, you can have the perfect, unique physical representation of love on your finger for years to come.
