Pearl Engagement Ring

[D Pearl]

Hi There,

I am new to this forum and need some advice please. I absolutely adore pearls, and have done for as long as I can remember. I would love to, one day have a pearl engagement ring. From what I have read, it is not a good idea; why is this?

There is hundreds of antique engagement rings and dress rings available for sale online, dating as far back as the 1800's, the only notable difference I can spot is the yellowing and dulling of the pearl other than that not much.
If someone can answer this question, I will be very grateful.

Thank you.
Blessings,
D

 

[pattye]

Hello D Pearl,

Welcome! If you look a bit further down the list of topics, you will find PEARL ENGAGEMENT RINGS & WEDDING PEARLS. It has a number of threads regarding pearl engagement rings and how pearl rings can be successfully worn.

 

[Caitlin]

For some advice?

I would choose a solid nacre pearl. This kind of pearl does not have a bead inside with a nacre coating.

Your choices would then be a top quality freshwater pearl, or a natural pearl. These can loose many microscopically thin layers of nacre and still show no wear.

I would be very wary of an akoya pearl ring or any cultured saltwater pearls that did not have a solid 1mm of nacre on the Mother of Pearl bead inside. Or, if you really want an akoya pearl ring for the bling, just accept that you may need to replace the pearl if worn year in and year out.

I have a friend named Margaret who got an akoya pearl engagement ring. The nacre wore off in less than 5 years. Then the marriage wore out too, so it didn't matter!

 

[D Pearl]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Not everyone wears their engagement rings all the time. When, after 16 years of marriage, the prongs on my [husband's great-aunt's] antique diamond engagement ring's setting needed repair for the second time, I decided it was time to finally get the ring I would have preferred all along, a ruby in a modern setting. In the meantime I wore just the wedding band-- and found that I was actually quite a bit more comfortable just wearing the band.

Now, rubies are not nearly as hard as diamonds and can develop scratches and worn facet edges over time. Wearing rings at night also causes abrasion on the prongs from rubbing against bedsheets-- and I expect it would also cause wear on your pearl. So when we found the ruby we wanted and had it set, I decided to only wear the ring when I go out for pleasurable activities. This reduces the wear and tear on the prongs and the stone, keeps it from getting clogged with grease and dirt every day (as my diamond used to be) and the biggest benefit is that I notice it and enjoy it more. Things you see all the time fall into your blind spot eventually, but I really notice and appreciate my ruby more than I ever did the diamond ring before it.

So I say, go ahead and get the pearl ring, but consider not wearing it constantly. Solid nacre is a good idea (or be prepared to replace it periodically if you really want a South Sea pearl)

 

[pattye]

Excellent points, Caitlin and Pearl Dreams,

Keshi, either South Sea, white or gold, or Tahitian, in silvery white to black, would also fall into the category of all nacre pearls, and offer amazing color choices.