One thing about my style is that tends to favor the more traditional side. I usually do not take major risks. However, I’ve become a bit my adventurous in my style choices and realized that I’ve always had a unique, quirky spin on my traditional style. I love preppy but not too preppy. Sometimes I like to wear all black but then that next day I decide to wear a bright Lilly Pulitzer pattern. Basically, I’m an open book when it comes to my fashion and accessory styles.

Therefore, when Brandon started asking me about what I wanted in an engagement ring, I had ideas of something traditional, elegant, and simple. I wanted something solitaire in white gold. Classic. Elegant. I didn’t want anything halo or square. I wanted something that was beautiful and classy.

Then, I found a photo on ever so terrifying Pinterest (I have since taken a very large Pinterest cleanse while wedding planning…) that was the opposite of what I thought I wanted. It was vintage, rose gold, much more complicated – it had character. Originally I think that I had wanted a solitaire band in white gold because it seemed safe and something that would ‘go with anything’. I still love the look – I think it’s classic and will never go out of style. However, there was talk that my mother was getting her original engagement upgraded. She approached me with the idea of giving the diamond from her original ring to Brandon to build a new setting around.

My parents have been married for over 30 years now and have been frequently looked upon as leaders when it comes to relationships. They’ve held small groups and counseled couples in need. It was no question that I would love to carry that strong relationship on – and maybe her diamond would give us a little extra luck.

It’s 1/4 of a carat, has a small flaw – but is still shiny and beautiful just as it was the day my Dad got it. The love that it symbolizes is something so special and meaningful to me. Also, Brandon wanted the band to be unique and special and something that I wouldn’t grow tired of (although I don’t think you can grow tired of diamonds ever…). He took the Pinterest inspiration and had the jeweler create something unique and custom – all in rose gold. Overall it ended up with 21 diamonds – not including what will be within the wedding band.

I admit – I was nervous for the rose gold. I am not a fan of pink nor had I really worn a whole heck of a lot of rose gold before. But the mix of metals out jeweler utilized was astoundingly beautiful. Luckily, when he created the custom engagement ring he also made a custom wedding band that matches with the same scroll work and diamonds set.

In the end – it was everything I dreamed of and more. It’s beautiful, unique, and catches your eye in a way that you wouldn’t expect. I think the great thing about engagement rings and that they don’t have to be traditional if you don’t want traditional. It will be something that you wear to symbolize your union together and it needs to be something that reflects that. If you don’t want a diamond – then don’t get a diamond. If you want rose gold or yellow gold or just want something small, go for it. In the end the size of the diamond or the price of the metal isn’t what matters. Let it reflect who you are.