WHY I’M PIMPING MY RING LIKE MEGHAN
Anna Silverman examines the rules of engagement…
Last week, news broke that Meghan Markle had ‘pimped’ her engagement ring by changing the original thick gold band to a thin, micro-pavé lined with diamonds. As someone who got engaged a few weeks ago, the story made me wonder what the etiquette is around making changes to such a significant gift. While I love my ring, I’d like to know whether I’ll burn in hell if I, too, make some tweaks.
When my partner proposed, it was everything I’d been hoping for: he was down on one knee, we laughed and hugged, the ring box was open and – wait, was that a silver band?
My earlier hints of, ‘GOD DON’T YOU JUST LOVE GOLD JEWELLERY,’ were evidently too subtle. These days, we just email each other links to what we’d like ahead of birthdays – who said romance was dead? With other presents, I thank him profusely while asking if he kindly kept the receipt. But, when it comes to engagement rings, you’re meant to stick with it and cherish it regardless.
I do get that my ring is special precisely because he chose it. Yet there’s no way we’d wear an item of clothing for the rest of our lives if it didn’t feel like ‘us’. The fact the rules are any different when it comes to engagement rings feels dated in itself.
Sameer Lilani, a director at luxe jewellery brand Amrapali, says he’s seen a huge rise in women upgrading their rings. In fact, it has prompted the opening of a Gem Bar in Harrods. ‘Our clients place great sentimental value on the original stone so often want it incorporated,’ he says. Jewellery designer Shaun Leane agrees: ‘Jewellery is such a statement of one’s style. It is important that a ring you wear every day is a reflection of you.’
Emma Beckett, who runs a PR company, got her engagement ring upgraded last year, when she started thinking of it as a potential heirloom. ‘I wanted to update it so I could pass something more interesting on to my kids – my husband understood.’
I’ve made sure my fiancé knows how much I love my ring, and he insists he doesn’t mind if I change the band. If Prince Harry can handle an upgrade in front of the world’s eagle eyes, I’m sure others can get on-board.