LGBTQ Engagement Ring Trends

This gorgeous brushed platinum diamond ring is a perfect choice for an LGBTQ engagement. Photo ©2019 EraGem Jewelry.   At EraGem, we celebrate the recent upswing in LGBTQ engagement and wedding planning. Following the Supreme Court's favorable decision for same-sex marriage in 2015, the LGBTQ community now seeks guidance in choosing engagement and wedding rings to commemorate their engagements and weddings. I consider it a great privilege to join this important conversation and provide whatever support I can.  

LGBTQ Engagement Ring Statistics

Certainly, many same-sex couples planning to marry look forward to the many traditions associated with a wedding. The first of all of these traditions is the proposal, leading to engagement. A recent market survey indicated that approximately 90% of the same-sex couples who participated wished to wear an engagement ring. Not suprisingly, 40% of both men and women hoped to receive a diamond engagement ring. Meanwhile, 30% of the men surveyed desired to wear only a band, and 30% of the women preferred a gemstone other than diamond. Fortunately, all of these styles remain options for LGBTQ couples.  

LGBTQ Engagement Ring Considerations

According to LGBTQ community member, Kelly Rice, engagement rings remain an important symbol of "continuity and eternity, binding us together with our better half." Rice goes on to remind all of us that wedding and engagement rings remain the only jewelry worn every day. As such, engagement rings must withstand the rigors of daily life. This means that no matter your style or preference, an engagement ring must be made of a durable metal with gemstones that withstand the elements without scratching degrading. The most durable metals remain platinum and gold. More recent additions include titanium, palladium, and tungsten carbide. Silver is also a beautiful choice. However, it requires more maintenance to preserve its shine. In keeping with the freedom to choose your sexual identity, your choice of engagement rings is limited only by your personal style and budget. That being said, I thought you might enjoy reading about recent trends in LGBTQ engagement jewelry.  

LGBTQ Engagement Jewelry Trends

Those wishing to adhere to more conventional styles have many beautiful choices available. Diamond solitaires with matching wedding bands are a beautiful choice. A number of same-sex couples take this route with their engagement jewelry. Either you can each wear both, or one can wear the engagement ring and one can wear the wedding band from the set. Another way to stick with tradition, while maintaining your individuality, is to choose unmatched rings with a classic style. One of you could wear a wide band, while the other wears a slim band of the same metal. One could choose a princess diamond solitaire and the other could wear a similar style with a cushion cut diamond. Still another option is to choose matching ring styles with individualized central gemstones. For example, you could wear a blue sapphire and your partner could wear a ruby. Or you could wear your birthstone and your partner could wear their birthstone. Perhaps you prefer to step outside the lines of convention. In that case, the sky really is the limit. Some LGBTQ couples choose to wear rainbow colored sapphires in their rings. F or those who want to make a big splash, choose a ring with a central cluster of colored sapphires. For a more subtle choice, line your band with a rainbow of color. Another dramatic option is a black titanium or tungsten  band with colored inlay in an elegant design. Celtic knots remain fashionable for all gender identities, as do fantasy eternity rings in various styles. Gold comes in many beautiful colors, the most popular LGBTQ color being rose gold. Rose gold provides a striking, feminine elegance.  

Left Hand or Right?

In the midst of this sea of options for ring style, one thing you might want to consider is on which hand you choose to wear your ring. While straight couples in the U.S. wear their engagement and wedding rings on their left ring fingers, many same-sex couples opt to wear theirs on their right hands. Some same-sex couples wear their engagement rings on the left until the wedding, then switch them to the right during their wedding ceremony. As always, the LGBTQ community encourages individual preference over a hard-and-fast rule of conformity. Whichever hand you decide to wear your rings on, I do hope you'll give us a call. We can help you find the perfect engagement ring to honor your commitment and the freedom you now have to openly celebrate your love. ~Angela Magnotti Andrews