The run up to Christmas is peak time for engagement ring sales. It might be the mistletoe, or the mulled wine or it might just be that people like to pop the question over new year and then have a wedding to plan in January.
Anyway, if you're considering a proposal at the moment, here are 5 quirky engagement rings you can find on Etsy, which has a good choice of handmade, vintage and unusual rings.
Anyway, if you're considering a proposal at the moment, here are 5 quirky engagement rings you can find on Etsy, which has a good choice of handmade, vintage and unusual rings.
1. The budget engagement ring
Vintage engagement rings like this one can be bought for under £200 (image from Etsy) You are perfectly entitled to ignore 'traditions' about spending a month's salary on an engagement ring, since they were created by diamond manufacturers. In reality, many of us don't have £1000 or £2000 spare once we have paid for everything else for Christmas.
For £200 you won't get a brand new high grade diamond, but you might consider something like this vintage 18 carat gold engagement ring with a 0.15 carat diamond for £190.
Alternatively, go for an alternative gemstone such as this gorgeous emerald and diamond ring for £186.
For £200 you won't get a brand new high grade diamond, but you might consider something like this vintage 18 carat gold engagement ring with a 0.15 carat diamond for £190.
Alternatively, go for an alternative gemstone such as this gorgeous emerald and diamond ring for £186.
2. The mid-budget engagement ring
This 0.45 carat diamond ring is less than £900 (image from Etsy) Studies of how much the average UK proposer spends on an engagement ring seem to vary wildly. Some put the average at around £600, others say it is more like £1500.
If you are working to a budget of around £1000, you've got a pretty huge market to choose from.
Personally I like a traditional solitaire diamond with white gold, but do some discreet digging through your potential spouse's jewellery box to work out which styles and colours they go for.
How about this 0.45 carat diamond in a platinum setting for less than £900?
If you are working to a budget of around £1000, you've got a pretty huge market to choose from.
Personally I like a traditional solitaire diamond with white gold, but do some discreet digging through your potential spouse's jewellery box to work out which styles and colours they go for.
How about this 0.45 carat diamond in a platinum setting for less than £900?
3. The making-an-impression engagement ring
This vintage ring will cost you just over £10,000 (image from Etsy) If 2016 has been kind to you, or you've got a savings pot to dig into then you can pick up something pretty special for an engagement ring.
How about this vintage Tiffany & Co engagement ring for just over £10,000?
It's got a 1.21 carat diamond and comes with the Tiffany certificate and presentation box.
Prepare for the sound of a jaw dropping if you propose with this ring...
How about this vintage Tiffany & Co engagement ring for just over £10,000?
It's got a 1.21 carat diamond and comes with the Tiffany certificate and presentation box.
Prepare for the sound of a jaw dropping if you propose with this ring...
4. The alternative engagement ring
An uncut diamond is a quirky choice There's nothing to say you have to buy a diamond ring at all when you pop the question. It's not easy, but try to suss out your potential spouse's view on diamonds. You might find they actually want something a bit more reflective of their own tastes and personality, such as an alternative gemstone like a ruby, a sapphire or an emerald.
Or how about an uncut diamond, showing off the value of a diamond but a bit of quirky individual style? This 1.40 carat uncut diamond is £700.
Or how about an uncut diamond, showing off the value of a diamond but a bit of quirky individual style? This 1.40 carat uncut diamond is £700.
You can find more shopping ideas in Etsy's Editor's Picks. We participate in Etsy's affiliate scheme.