When you want to buy matching BFF rings that you and your bestie can keep forever, a customized gal pal ring is the perfect friendship bauble. Or, when your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to take it to the next step without a total commitment, suggest a “gal pal” ring! Where do you find affordable rings that can seal the friendship deal?
The answer is: a jeweler you can trust. Experienced jewelers can help you zero in on exactly what you want for a price you can afford. Their inventory is usually outstanding and they, unlike other stores, can custom-design a keepsake ring. Department stores rarely offer the best prices or have a wide inventory. Neiman-Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks, and other high-end stores often have stunning selections, but with price tags that will likely break the bank.
Budget is a definite consideration, so if “off-the-shelf” is the best your money can buy, make it more personal and have it inscribed with a special message. You may not realize that the cost of a custom-designed ring isn’t astronomically higher than an off-the-shelf model.
Today’s custom jewelry processes are faster, more efficient and less expensive than the custom-designed rings of yesteryear. Thanks to the highly sophisticated CAD/CAM software/imaging coupled with a 3D printer that can produce prototypes, the guesswork is pretty much eliminated.
The question to ask yourself is what is it you would like the ring to represent… a common interest, a united goal, long-lasting love, or? Most people keep their fine jewelry for a lifetime so when you elect to spend a little more on high-performance metals (palladium, platinum, white gold) the message should be crystal clear, right?
Take a look at a few unique, custom ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
Constellation and Astrological Signs
Are you star-crossed lovers, two friends with the same astrological sign, or buddies who simply love astronomy? Consider a band that can be etched and embedded with accent gemstones.
Mountain Wilderness
Take your friendship to the next level with an “ain’t no mountain high enough” motif. Or perhaps you and your bestie are adventure seekers. Literal or representational – make the ring’s message obvious.
Family Crests
Some families, that have a family crest, encourage everyone in the family to wear one of these. It’s almost like wearing a college ring, but even more personal. If you are the organizer in your family, make sure there are options from which family members can choose! You want everyone to love it, right?
Musical Symbols
Members in a band, symphony, orchestra or simple music lovers might enjoy sharing their melody connection with a musical symbol ring. As you can see, piano keys can even be created!
Black Bands
Black bands are a hot trend right now. They are sleek, unique, and can be customized with engraved symbols, words or designs. Pop a white sparkling diamond or two on its body; the contrast is stunning.
Tattoo Bands
The tattoo trend is starting to fade a little due to their permanence. If you and your friend have a love of tattoos but little interest in the real thing, consider creating matching bands with the images, you both love. It will ultimately save money having old tattoos removed. Think Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson. They would have been better off with a couple of these.
As you can see, creativity has no boundaries. Technologist and jewelry artist, John Krikawa, has been taking clients’ visions and producing award-winning rings and bands of all types. He states, “Come up with an idea of your own then collaborate with your jeweler. I love it when I can bring an idea to life and see the happy looks on my clients’ faces.”
As costs come down more and more, customized rings will become more popular.
Gal pal rings are perfect when you want to commemorate a life-long friendship or act on a low-pressure commitment with your significant other. They needn’t be expensive. They need to be thoughtful and meaningful and built to go the distance, just like your relationship.
Photo Credits: www.krikawa.com
Article By Sandra Faleris, Marketing Professional and Writer
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