Trying to find a good gift for your lady? We hear you; it can be daunting. You can choose a necklace, bracelet or a pair of earrings, but don’t look past giving her a ring, even if you’re not looking to pop the question. Gifting rings for girlfriends doesn’t have to be off-limits.
A stunning piece of jewelry is sure to be hit, particularly a ring. They’re easy to wear all the time without needing to match them to an outfit, which makes rings an ideal token of your admiration and a reminder to be worn without compromise.
If it’s not quite time for the second-from-the-left type ring, don’t worry. There are many other styles that carry a meaning of love and care without a lifetime of commitment. Here are a few of the most common ring types you may want to consider:
- Midi – Located somewhere between the top and bottom of a finger, midi rings stay in place thanks to the slight bumps of knuckles. They’re often very delicate and feature small embellishments. As one of the most unique and unusual types of rings, they’re super eye-catching and are sure to spark a conversation about where the rings came from.
- Stackable – Rings on rings on rings. Stackable rings are made to be piled high. The limit is the wearer’s comfort as you can stack rings from two and up. They’re often sold in sets and sometimes feature stones or attached designs that slide with ease over neighboring bands.
- Statement – Go big or go home; sometimes it’s the only way. If your girl is one to make bold moves and steal the limelight, then opting for a statement ring is a smart move. Think color, gems and elaborate details when choosing these.
- Non-Diamond Gemstones – Although engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes these days, diamonds are still the most popular choice. That means you can get away with giving her a gemstone ring, as long as it’s not a diamond. Semi-precious stones work great in these situations, so look for something like amethyst, aquamarine or pearl.
A lot of guys get nervous when shopping for a ring that’s definitely not an engagement ring. Because rings carry lots of romantic associations, shopping for them requires a certain tact. If you would rather avoid making things awkward, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve collected the 23 best non-engagement rings to give your partner. These rings for girlfriends make thoughtful gifts, just make sure you give the gift in the right way to avoid any ill feelings.
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How To Give Her a Ring That’s Not an Engagement Ring
First of all, let’s start with what not to do. Don’t get down on one knee. Don’t give her a speech before handing her the gift. And, don’t give her a ring if you need to tell her not to get her hopes up before you hand her the box. That’s just cruel.
If you’re already married or you’ve already discussed the fact that you don’t want to get married, you’re good to go. If you’re just not ready for an engagement yet, think of a situation that’s casual but romantic yet doesn’t leave any room for interpretation. This might be difficult, but with clear communication, gifting rings for girlfriends that aren’t engagement rings isn’t impossible.
Whether you want to give your girlfriend a tasteful midi ring, a gemstone-studded gold ring or just something sparkly to wear on her finger, these 23 rings make ideal gifts. From precious metal to birthstones, your S.O. is sure to adore any of the rings we’ve reviewed below, even if you’re not actually trying to propose. Keep reading to find gorgeous rings that won’t have your partner hearing wedding bells.
1. Mejuri Twist Ring
BEST OVERALL
Good things come in small packages, and sometimes the simplest things are the best things. That’s certainly true with the Mejuri Twist Ring. This 14k gold slim ring is made to last forever with gold that’s guaranteed not to oxidize or discolor. Plus, with Mejuri’s fair pricing scheme, you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality piece at a fraction of the cost a fine jeweler would charge. When shopping for a ring that’s not an engagement ring, it’s usually best to avoid large diamonds. Gold, however, is always a good idea.
2. Made By Mary Birthstone Stacking Band Ring
BEST BIRTHSTONE
Kill two birds with one birthstone with the Made By Mary February Birthstone Ring. Each of these slim, stackable birthstone gold vermeil rings is available in six different sizes . Each dainty piece features prong-set cubic zirconia in birthstone colors for every month. This is a special non-engagement ring for your girlfriend.
3. Set & Stones Presley Stacking Ring
BEST BUDGET
Continuing down the theme of slim, stacking rings, we come to the Set & Stones Presley Stacking Ring. This handmade ring features a solitaire made of cubic zirconia that’s designed to sparkle. It’s also made in the USA, so you can be assured of its quality. Plus, this ring is so affordable you can probably buy more than one so that your significant other can stack them on her fingers.
4. Catbird Sweet Nothing Ring
MOST ECO-FRIENDLY
This may be the most appropriate name for a non-engagement ring ever. The Sweet Nothing Ring is just as sweet as it sounds. This super delicate band is made from 100% recycled gold. It sits well on any finger but looks best on the index finger, and it’s extremely glittery in the right light, giving it an ephemeral appearance. Grab one for your favorite person the next time you owe her a gift, and if you need something extra special, be sure to purchase the matching necklace, too.
5. AllureMInimalist White Enamel Band Ring
MOST VERSATILE
We’ll forgive you if you haven’t noticed, but understated rings are currently all the rage. These thin bands are usually stackable with other rings and can be worn on any finger. Some come without decoration, while others include a little something alternative, like this White Enamel Band Ring by AllureMinimalist. The white ceramic band is set in a thick layer of solid 18K gold over 925 sterling silver and looks particularly elegant on dainty fingers.
6. Mejuri Honey Ring
MOST TRENDY
Proposing to your loved one isn’t the only power move you can make. Gifting her with the Mejuri Honey Ring might be exactly what’s right for your relationship. It’s available in seven sizes, so it can suit all fingers. The ring displays a detailed bee image on the front oval panel. The thin gold band measures 1.7 millimeters thick and is made of 18 karat gold surrounding a sterling silver core.
7. Mejuri Contrast Pearl Ring
BEST GOLD ALTERNATIVE
While most of the rings on our list thus far have been meant to blend into an outfit, the Mejuri Contrast Pearl Ring was built to make a statement. This glam ring boasts a sterling silver core dipped into 18 karat gold vermeil. The chunky band is complemented by a pearl from either a cultured oyster or freshwater mussel. Plus, the band is dipped in black enamel, so if your girl isn’t a fan of gold, this may be a good choice.
8. Made By Mary Solid Gold Symbol Ring
MOST SYMBOLIC
If you want a ring that’s just a little bit more than a fine piece of jewelry, consider the Made By Mary Solid Gold Symbol Ring. By giving your S.O. such a piece, you’re symbolically giving her your heart, or at least she’ll see it that way. The handcrafted ring is made from solid 14 karat gold in Los Angeles and is totally gorgeous. Furthermore, hashtag, ampersand, quote and plus symbols are also available as alternatives, if a heart is a little too close to the L word.
9. Oradina My Anchor Ring
MINIMALIST PICK
Our loved ones keep us grounded, so what better gift to give them than the Oradina My Anchor Ring? This nautical-inspired fold band merges into two split channels to blend the outlines of an anchor into the minimalistic design. It’s created in Italy, weighs 1.2 grams and is made of 14 karat yellow gold. While it doesn’t feature something sparkly, this is one ring she can wear on a daily basis.
10. JCPenney Emerald Heart-Shaped Cocktail Ring
LAB-CREATED
Here at SPY, we’re big fans of JCPenney and their ring selection. If you didn’t know, the retailer has an incredible lineup of diamond rings for just about any occasion, and best of all, they’re often on sale. And while a real diamond may be too much for a non-engagement ring, this lab-grown, emerald heart-shaped ring is an excellent pick for something that’s sweet and nice but also affordable.
11. Triple Threat Ring
BEST SET
Stack up on the smiles and surprise your S.O. with this unique set of three solid gold rings. They are 14 karat gold and look great stacked together on a single finger or worn individually. The two outer bands are completed with a polished finish, whereas the middle is diamond cut for a textured appearance. This understated set is an easy choice if you want a sophisticated yet unique gift.
12. Catbird Pas de Deux Ring
MOST SENTIMENTAL
The Catbird Pas de Deux Ring is a sentimental gift to cement your commitment, without getting engaged. The hand-in-hand carved detailing shows a linking of two people inspired by 15th century Fede rings, which represented a mutual agreement. You can choose from four different metal types, including rose, white and yellow gold, along with the option to have a message engraved on the inside of the band.
13. Armenta New World Stack Ring
MOST UNIQUE
The Armenta New World Stack Ring is one piece of jewelry that really pops. This bold design won’t be appreciated by everyone, but for women who love unique jewelry, this is one of the best non-engagement rings you’ll find. Designed by Emily Armenta in her Houston-based studio, the ring was inspired by Carlo Crivelli, an Italian Renaissance artist known for his attention to detail and ability to bring beauty to those things which are imperfect. The white band of this piece sets it apart from most fine jewelry, but the included diamonds add a touch of formality and class. This unique piece would suit daring fashionistas and art lovers alike.
14. David Yurman Cable Wrap Ring
BEST DESIGN
For a gift that you can be sure she doesn’t already have, choose this Cable Wrap Ring. This ring, which was created by luxury jewelry maker David Yurman, is incredibly unique, as the stone sits in the middle of a loop formed by the ring itself and then complemented by a diagonal band of diamonds. It’s available with either a black onyx stone or a blue topaz stone in sterling silver. Either way, this ring is sure to make a statement when it’s sitting securely on the finger of your significant other.
15. Blue Nile Red Agate Cabochon Ring
BEST CABOCHON
A cabochon is a gemstone that is polished but not faceted, making them an ideal choice if you’re not trying to propose. We particularly like this cabochon ring from Blue Nile, which features a red agate stone. This is perched on a 14k rose gold setting and a rose gold band filled with glittering diamond side stones. While this ring is worthy of the left hand, it makes an attractive right-hand ring, too.
16. eMerakiStudio Rough Black Diamond Ring
BEST DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE
Okay, we know we said that this list wouldn’t contain any diamond ring, but we fibbed just a little. The eMerakiStudio Rough Black Diamond Ring does contain a diamond. However, it’s a rough, raw black diamond, so it doesn’t look like the clear, sparkly diamonds you’re used to. Instead, this diamond kind of looks like a shiny bit of coal, but it’s set nicely in a gold band and complemented by two smaller stones, making this a ring anyone would be pleased to wear.
17. Le Vian Blueberry Layer Cake Ring
MOST SPARKLY
From hair color to clothing, ombre is trending, and this ring takes the style to a new level by featuring three rows of varying shades of Blueberry Sapphires. The stones themselves are set in beautiful 14k white gold. Produced by Le Vian, the Blueberry Layer Cake Ring also comes with a certificate of authenticity, so you can rest assured that you’ve purchased a quality gift. As an added bonus, a matching necklace and earrings are available for purchase on Macy’s website if you really want to spoil your favorite lady.
18. Suzanne Kalan Ruby Ring
BEST MIDDLE-FINGER RING
Suzanne Kalan’s label is famous for its fiery designs, as symbolized by the ‘Fireworks’ setting of this ring. The baguette-cut rubies and diamonds are set in a somewhat scattered pattern. The band is made from 18-karat rose gold, making this a great standalone ring or one that blends nicely with other rose gold options. As an added bonus, this ring comes in a designer-stamped box and is certified in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973.
19. Stéfère Orange Ring From Terry Collection
BEST STATEMENT PIECE
The French accessory brand Stéfère is loved by celebrities around the world thanks to the brand’s quality, handcrafted jewelry and chic, daring designs. The Terry Collection combines the brand’s French heritage with a modern take on fashion. The result is a beautiful, dual-sided ring with both a pearl and a citrine gemstone. This is a piece that can transition easily from a casual outfit to a more formal one, and it’s sure to draw the eye. For couples who don’t plan to get married, a beautiful and expensive ring can still be a meaningful gift. With a unique design and precious materials, this luxe option is an ideal present to remind her how much you love her.
20. Zales Emerald-Cut Emerald Ring
BEST PRECIOUS STONE
Even though you probably shouldn’t buy her a diamond if you’re not proposing marriage, you can still give her a precious gemstone that will retain its value for years to come. Besides diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are all considered precious gems. We particularly like this Emerald-Cut Emerald Ring from Zales thanks to its classic design with a 1/3 CT emerald set in white gold and surrounded by small, dazzling diamonds.
21. David Yurman Stax Wide Ring With Diamonds
BEST STACKING
This fashionable ring gives the feeling and appearance of multiple stacked rings, but it’s really just one wide statement piece. With pave diamonds and 18K yellow gold, this stacked ring is sure to please. The New York City designer, David Yurman, has designed iconic, timeless pieces inspired by nature, art, ancient symbols and Manhattan’s architecture. Your girlfriend is sure to love this bold and artistic non-engagement ring.
22. Sapphire Aimee Marquise Diamond Ring
MOST CUSTOMIZABLE
Although most people associate custom ring designs with engagement rings, it’s totally possible to design a ring for your significant other, even if it’s not intended for a proposal. Brilliant Earth is one such online service that allows customizations on all types of precious gemstone rings, such as the Sapphire Aimee Marquise Diamond Ring. You can pick the gem shape, gem quality and metal before ordering.
23. Spinelli Kilcollin Libra Connector Ring
BEST SPLURGE
We promised that there wouldn’t be any diamond rings on this list, but we couldn’t resist this Spinelli Kilcollin Libra 18k Diamond & Connector Ring. However, because this piece is made from several rings connected together that can be worn across numerous fingers, there’s little chance your significant other will think this piece is an engagement ring. The center ring is filled with white pave-set diamonds, while the two side rings and the connectors are made of 18 karat yellow gold. If you really want to splurge on your significant other with a diamond ring that’s not an engagement ring, this is the piece to buy.
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