u/Daithi2022

Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some honest opinions.
My girlfriend and I have been together for 10 years. We have a little boy who will be nearly one year old by the time I propose, and we’ve just bought our first home together, so we’ll be moved in by then.
When we first started going out, I didn’t have much money. I went into Carroll’s and bought her a cheap Claddagh ring because it was all I could afford. It wasn’t expensive or anything special, but she absolutely loved it.
The thing is, she’s still wearing that exact ring every single day, 10 years later. She’s never taken it off.
She’s honestly one of the least materialistic people I’ve ever met. Over the years she’s actually told me, “I’d kill you if you spent a fortune on an engagement ring.” She’s said more than once that she’d rather we spend our money on our family, our home, holidays, or making memories together than on a piece of jewellery. She genuinely doesn’t care about designer brands or expensive things.
That’s one of the reasons I love her so much.
Instead of buying a traditional solitaire engagement ring, I’m thinking about proposing with a 9ct yellow gold Claddagh engagement ring with lab-grown diamonds.
To me, it feels like our story has come full circle. The first Claddagh ring marked the beginning of our relationship. This one would mark the beginning of our marriage.
It’s not about saving money. I could buy a traditional engagement ring if that’s what I wanted to do. I just can’t stop thinking that a Claddagh ring would mean so much more to us because of everything it’s symbolised over the last 10 years.
Part of me thinks she’ll cry because of the meaning behind it.
The other part of me worries people might think it’s a strange choice or that I’ll regret not buying a traditional engagement ring.

I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts.

:)

Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some honest opinions.
My girlfriend and I have been together for 10 years. We have a little boy who will be nearly one year old by the time I propose, and we’ve just bought our first home together, so we’ll be moved in by then.
When we first started going out, I didn’t have much money. I went into Carroll’s and bought her a cheap Claddagh ring because it was all I could afford. It wasn’t expensive or anything special, but she absolutely loved it.
The thing is, she’s still wearing that exact ring every single day, 10 years later. She’s never taken it off.
She’s honestly one of the least materialistic people I’ve ever met. Over the years she’s actually told me, “I’d kill you if you spent a fortune on an engagement ring.” She’s said more than once that she’d rather we spend our money on our family, our home, holidays, or making memories together than on a piece of jewellery. She genuinely doesn’t care about designer brands or expensive things.
That’s one of the reasons I love her so much.
Instead of buying a traditional solitaire engagement ring, I’m thinking about proposing with a 9ct yellow gold Claddagh engagement ring with lab-grown diamonds.
To me, it feels like our story has come full circle. The first Claddagh ring marked the beginning of our relationship. This one would mark the beginning of our marriage.
It’s not about saving money. I could buy a traditional engagement ring if that’s what I wanted to do. I just can’t stop thinking that a Claddagh ring would mean so much more to us because of everything it’s symbolised over the last 10 years.
Part of me thinks she’ll cry because of the meaning behind it.
The other part of me worries people might think it’s a strange choice or that I’ll regret not buying a traditional engagement ring.

I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts.

:)