Let’s face it. Most jewelry and engagement-ring ads are focused on heterosexual relationships. However, the beautiful tradition of ring exchange is far from exclusive, embracing the love and commitment shared by gay, lesbian, and queer couples.
Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, the desire to wear engagement and wedding rings as symbols of deep love and unwavering commitment transcends stigmatized boundaries.
Fortunately (and finally!), jewelers are beginning to recognize the need for equal representation in marketing and sales. At Malka Diamonds in Portland, Oregon, we proudly serve the LGBTQ+ community. We believe you and your spouse-to-be deserve rings as beautiful as your love story.
Whether you love the look of traditional diamond engagement rings and wedding bands or you’re looking for something different and unique, you’ll be able to find a truly special ring that will last a lifetime.
The history of engagement rings for queer couples
The history of LGBTQ+ engagement rings is rich and distinct. Years before gay and lesbian couples in the US had a legal right to marry, many still used rings as a symbol of their commitment and love for one another.
Throughout history, many queer couples chose to wear engagement and wedding rings on their right ring finger, instead of their left. This was a way of expressing their love in a traditional fashion while differentiating their unique love and story.
Since the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in 2015, many couples have opted to wear their rings on their traditional left hands. But some couples still prefer to wear rings on their right hands as a tribute to the history of the LGBTQ+ community. No matter the hand on which you choose to display your ring, everyone deserves to have a beautiful piece that suits their individual style and love story.
LGBTQ+ engagement ring ideas
At Malka Diamonds, we believe that love is love and rings are rings. We want to hear about the love and bond you share with your special someone so we can help you choose jewelry that represents your relationship (or design custom rings that are truly one of a kind).
Some gay and lesbian people choose to propose to their partner with a ring and then shop for wedding bands together before the big day. But many gay, lesbian, and queer couples opt to have both partners wear engagement rings prior to saying “I Do.” If that’s you, here are some of our favorite ideas.
Matching engagement rings or wedding bands
Matching rings are a great option for couples looking to celebrate their life-long bond, especially if they share a similar aesthetic taste.
Going to a jeweler and coming to an agreement on identical rings can be tricky, but working together to choose a style, shape, and cut that both of you love is an experience that you’re sure to treasure on your journey together.
Different widths of bands
While wedding and engagement rings symbolize your unique shared life together, you don’t have to share exact styles. Whether you want to express your differences or just make it easier to differentiate your rings, choosing similar rings that differ in bandwidth is a great option.
Matching engagement ring settings with different gemstones
Diamonds are the traditional route to go, but you can incorporate any gemstone into your ring. If you have an affinity for emeralds or sapphires and your partner prefers a classic diamond, you can have identical ring settings to highlight different, yet equally beautiful gemstones.
Some couples even choose to wear each other’s birthstones on their engagement rings!
Matching settings with different gemstone shapes
Rings can be unique in all sorts of ways. That’s why ring shopping is such an exciting part of the engagement process. If you want rings that complement each other but still provide a unique touch to celebrate your differences, consider choosing your favorite gemstone shape to fit matching settings.
An engagement and wedding band set
Getting married often means sharing everything – from a home to experiences to family – so why stop at rings? There are a number of engagement and wedding ring sets that are traditionally designed to be worn together on one partner’s finger. But you can also opt to split a matching set between you and your special someone.
This is an especially great choice for couples where only one of you wore an engagement ring. In other words, you can propose to your partner with the engagement ring of their dreams and then you can wear the matching wedding band once you get married.
Alternative rings
Non-traditional engagement rings and wedding bands have grown in popularity over the years, with more couples opting for unique settings and gemstones. Many LGBTQ+ couples prefer alternative rings that subvert the expectations of a traditional white diamond ring.
Salt-and-pepper diamonds, sapphires, opals, and other non-traditional stones are great options for people looking for something truly unique. Rings with distinctive settings are also popular, as are stackable rings.
Conflict-free rings
When choosing rings, many queer couples value not only symbols of love but also their principles. Conflict-free diamonds, sourced ethically and sustainably, resonate with values of love, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
By opting for these rings, you express commitment to your partner and support a world where love knows no bounds.
One-of-a-kind rings
If you’re seeking a truly unique ring, consider the Malka Allure Cut, an extraordinary fusion of cushion and emerald cuts, meticulously crafted by Malka Diamonds.
The one-of-a-kind Malka Allure Cut is designed to represent love's timeless and exclusive nature, making it the perfect choice for queer couples looking for a symbol as exceptional as their love story.
Completely different rings to express different styles and personalities
For so many couples, the saying “opposites attract” couldn’t be more accurate. In fact, sometimes your differences are the reason you work so well as a team! If you have completely different styles and personalities, you deserve to have perfectly unique rings that highlight and honor your individuality.
Malka Diamonds: Portland’s favorite inclusive jewelry shop
We’re a full-service jewelry boutique situated in the beloved Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. At Malka Diamonds, we’re proud to serve same-sex, opposite-sex, and queer couples in the Rose City. We love working with individuals and couples to choose the perfect rings that truly symbolize each unique love story.
An engagement or wedding ring is a big purchase. It’s something you and your partner will wear for the rest of your life. We’re here to help make sure you understand all your options and make an informed decision. We pride ourselves on our commitment to precision, craftsmanship, inclusion, and transparency.
Browse our curated collections or create your own rings from scratch by working with our specialists.
Visit our store or give us a call at (503) 222-5205, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can’t wait to meet you and hear about your love story.