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What Is a Placeholder Engagement Ring?

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You hear a lot about promise rings, but have you ever heard of a placeholder engagement ring? A recent trend that’s still on the rise, placeholder engagement rings are now all the rage. But just what is a placeholder engagement ring and what are some of their benefits? In this article, we break down what you can expect from a placeholder engagement ring. Plus, we reveal a few reasons to use a placeholder ring, many of which are totally practical and even wise.

What Is a Placeholder Engagement Ring?

A placeholder ring is intended to act as a “stand-in” for the real thing, designed to look real, at least to the naked eye. 

Typically, a placeholder engagement ring is a ring made of more affordable materials. For example, it might have a cubic zirconia setting in lieu of a genuine diamond and be made with a less expensive metal, such as 925 silver instead of a white gold. Often, a partner will propose with this placeholder ring, shopping for the proper diamond engagement ring settings or wedding ring sets together. 

But why would someone choose a stand-in placeholder engagement ring when you can just wait for the real thing?

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Reasons to Use a Placeholder Engagement Ring

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Most would never dream of wearing anything other than the real thing, but it’s about much more than that. There are many practical reasons why someone would choose to purchase a placeholder engagement ring. 

Your Partner’s Ring Size Is a Mystery

While there are a few sneaky ways to measure your partner’s ring size, sometimes, a partner is simply too smart for their own good. If this sounds like your predicament and you can’t ask or guess your partner’s ring size in a subtle or stealthy manner, a placeholder will do the trick just fine.

A placeholder engagement ring can also come in handy in the future, if their ring size changes. Pregnancy, for example, can make fingers swell and contract. Instead of going ringless, your placeholder can represent your commitment and fit more comfortably, too, without needing to adjust the real ring.

Your Partner Wants to Pick Out the Engagement Ring

Sometimes, a placeholder engagement ring is a wise choice when you know your partner wants a say in picking out the real deal. According to a 2017 Jewelry & Engagement Study by The Knot, one in three couples shops for the engagement ring together. 

It Makes the Proposal a Surprise

The two reasons listed above have one thing in common it makes the proposal a complete surprise. If you don’t know your partner’s ring size and you want to surprise them as you are shopping for the real thing, getting down on one knee with a placeholder engagement ring is something they will least expect.

The Proposal Destination Requires Travel

If you are concerned you might lose the real diamond engagement ring while traveling to your proposal destination, whether it’s Paris or along your favorite hiking trail, a placeholder engagement ring is the perfect option.

You Protect the Real Ring

A placeholder engagement ring can always be swapped out in the future, too. If you plan to travel for your honeymoon or vacation any other time in a high-crime area, a placeholder will put your mind at ease. Meanwhile, the real diamond engagement ring is secured safely at home.

It Prevents Damage

Some professions call for a more thoughtful approach to jewelry of all types. If your partner works with their hands a chef or housekeeper/cleaner, for instance a placeholder engagement ring will prevent the actual ring from being damaged, scratched up or simply lost down the sink drain. Instead, you can wear it on special occasions, or at least when you’re not doing hard manual labor. 

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Done With a Placeholder? Explore Verragio Engagement Rings

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As you shop engagement rings for women, consider a placeholder engagement ring, too. A placeholder ring offers a lot of advantages for both parties. It takes the pressure off the person proposing, knowing they don’t have to choose the perfect diamond ring. But it also offers a great surprise and comfort for the person wearing the ring, too. Selecting a placeholder engagement ring can give couples and partners some time to choose a complete bridal set or matching bands, too. 

See an engagement ring you love? Locate your closest Verragio retailer and see it in person.