The traditional way to seal your love is to present your lover with a sparkling diamond ring.  Right? Well, if you want to spend a fortune, and don’t mind emptying your life savings, you probably will agree. But remember, diamonds are not always the only way to a girl’s heart. For decades now, these traditional gemstones are slowly being replaced by unconventional and cheaper alternatives

Amongst them, pearl engagement rings feature high on the list. They have gained considerable popularity and look just as classy and sophisticated as the pricey diamond rings. Pearls also rank among the most popular gems in the world. With serene beauty and a classy look, they’ve always found a place in royal jewellery and have been associated with weddings.

Unfortunately, natural pearls are rare and expensive, but thanks to the availability of cultured pearls, buying them is easier than ever.

History of Engagement Rings

There’s an interesting history to engagement rings. The earliest known engagement rings were rudimentary and were made out of braided reeds. The ancient Egyptians started this tradition. They believed circles were symbols of eternity and wedded couples exchanged these reed rings. They were worn on the left-hand ring finger, which apparently had a vein that ran directly to the heart, later named Vena Amoris.

In the 2nd century B.C., the ancient Romans are believed to have started the tradition of betrothal rings. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Roman women wore rings of ivory, flint, bone, copper and iron “to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience.”Records say that Roman women-owned two engagement rings – an iron ring worn at home and a gold ring during special events.

Diamonds didn’t appear on engagement rings until 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy.  Apparently, the ring was set with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M.”

How Did Pearls Come into Existence?

Pearls have been associated with the moon and viewed as a symbol of purity, loyalty and innocence. In Medieval Europe, people of high social rank could only wear pearls. Since they were one of the most prized gems, it was also a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding jewellery up to the 19th century in Europe and America. Betrothal rings in the Renaissance through the Victorian era often had pearls incorporated in them.

Kinds of Pearl Engagement Rings that You Can Buy

Pearls, come in several beautiful shapes and sizes. Finding the perfect ring can be tedious as it is for diamond rings. Some of the mainstream pearl engagement rings include:

• Solitaire: a simple gold ring or any metal of your choice with just a pearl in the middle can make any ring elegant and beautiful. Solitaire rings always exhibit class and beauty in them. Akoya pearls can make a really good companion for your solitaire rings.
• Accented: This is one of the most popular styles, with a pearl accentuated by diamonds or any stone of your choice can give the ring an extra special factor.
• Halo: the centre pearl remains the highlight of this style of ring. Surrounded by several diamonds or stones of your choice.
• Cluster: What’s better than one pearl? lots of them. Instead of a single peal, a cluster of small pearls is used to create the centre. This less traditional ring design may not be labelled as an engagement ring.
• Eternity: small pearls are set into a band of metal of your choice that wraps your entire finger.

The Pros and Cons of a Pearl Engagement Ring

Pros

• It is a unique choice. Pearl remains to be a unique and valuable choice for a wedding ring that is bound to stand out. You will be sure to get bombarded with questions and compliments on your engagement ring.
• It signifies something beautiful.  Pearls symbolize wisdom, purity, harmony, innocence, and peace which are the ideal characteristics for any relationship.
• Skin tone factor.  Certain gemstones will look better for certain skin tones. Pearls, for instance, complement every skin tone perfectly.
• Classic with a twist. White pearls are usually the famous choice and have a sophisticated look. But you can always choose between different pearl colours such as Tahitian pearls.
• They are cost-effective. Diamond rings can cost heaven and earth. But a high-quality pearl ring generally costs only a fraction of that price. Depending on the quality of the pearl you can find the perfect one for you from different options such as a round, sphere or drop pearls
• They complement every outfit. Pearls are the most versatile gemstones. So you can wear your engagement ring every day with any outfit – casual or formal.

Cons

In fact, we don’t see any. Similar to all other gemstones, they last forever.

In the end, it all comes down to your choice

Knowing the drawbacks of an engagement ring doesn’t mean you have to avoid it. The pearl in the ring can be replaced, and many couples are happy to do so. As long as you take the necessary precautions, your pearl ring can last for an eternity!