Here's What to Do If You Don't Like Your Engagement Ring

Step one: Breathe—everything will be okay.

Man puts custom engagement ring on woman's finger post proposal

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There's nothing quite as special as seeing your significant other get that adoring look on their face, drop down to one knee, and triumphantly ask "Will you marry me?" before proffering a box that holds your picture-perfect engagement ring. A proposal you've been waiting months or years to experience! But what happens if everything goes exactly as you'd always dreamed, up until that box is opened and reveals, what can really only be considered, the worst ring you've ever seen?

If you don't like your engagement ring, know that you're not alone. Many before you and many after you will find themselves in this exact same predicament. And while you don't want to hurt your brand-new fiancé's feelings, you also don't want to wear a ring you don't like every day for the rest of your life. So, what do you do? As it turns out, there are several ways to handle this delicate situation with grace.

Ahead, with the help of relationship expert Dana Corey, here's what you need to know if you don't like your engagement ring after your partner proposes.

Meet the Expert

Dana Corey is a relationship expert with over 30 years of experience helping couples navigate the trials of their commitment.

Give It a Couple of Days

If you receive an engagement ring and it isn't love at first sight, give it a couple of days. Wear the ring around and see if you start to develop more positive feelings about how it looks. It may not be exactly what you would have selected yourself, but that doesn't mean you won't grow to love it as time goes on. First impressions, even with rings, can be tricky and misleading, so before making a huge stink over it, give it some time.

Find Out Why Your Partner Selected That Ring

It's also helpful to find out why your partner chose this particular ring. Perhaps there's a story behind it or it's similar to the one their mother or grandmother wears. Maybe when they saw it, it made them feel a certain way. Sometimes that story will be powerful enough to change your feelings toward the ring.

Tell Your Fiancé How You Feel

If you've given it some time and you still don't like your engagement ring, now is the moment to tell your fiancé how you feel. "Every time you look at it, the voice in your head will remind you how much you hate it—and that will cause resentment and annoyance," explains Corey. "If you are constantly reminded of your disappointment in their choice, it will color your relationship."

With that in mind, broach the subject slowly and in private. "Like any sensitive subject, you want to choose a time when you're feeling open and loving, not when you're in a disagreement or feeling upset. It's one of those intimate, vulnerable conversations that will set the tone of your marriage for the decades to come," Corey says. Acknowledge the love and thought that went into your fiancé's choice, and explain that it's not your intent to hurt their feelings.

Exchange or Return Your Ring

If your partner purchased a new ring, head back to the jeweler together. You could keep the center stone and have it changed to a different setting, or spend the afternoon trying on rings together until you find a completely new style that you both love. However, remember to be respectful of their budget when doing so, and ask your significant other to work with the jeweler to ensure the options you’re considering are something you both can afford.

Modify Your Ring

Is the ring a family heirloom of some sort? Find out if you can have the heirloom ring reset. That could mean designing a new bauble to hold a family stone, using the metal from the original ring to create a wedding band, or purchasing a ring enhancer (which fits snugly around an engagement ring to add heft, and often additional sparkle, to the original setting) to transform a more simple ring into a design that’s more your style. You should also remember that you can always upgrade your ring to something you absolutely love at a later date, especially if finances were a factor when selecting your current sparkler.

If You Just Want a Bigger Rock, Don't Say Anything

Honesty is the best policy...unless you're disappointed in the size or quality of the stone, which is ultimately like saying, "You didn't spend enough money." You would never want your fiancé to feel that their choice was inadequate in that regard—surely they bought you the most beautiful ring they could afford, so if everything else about the ring works (metal, stone shape, style) then hold your tongue.

Remember: You're getting married to the person, not the ring. "The question I would ask is, 'Are you committed to creating a happy, harmonious life together?'" Corey says. If nothing can be done, or you've upset your fiancé by sharing your disappointment about the size of your bauble, "breathe, apologize for being materialistic, and get over it. Or reconsider your motives, and be honest with yourself about whether you're ready for marriage," Corey adds.

FAQ
  • Is it normal to not like your engagement ring?

    Yes, it's okay to feel underwhelmed about your engagement ring. However, don’t lose sight of what the engagement ring represents—the fact that your significant other wants to spend their life with you. It’s a meaningful gift that you should cherish, and a piece of jewelry you can easily exchange or modify after having an honest conversation with your fiancé.

  • Am I ungrateful if I don't like my engagement ring?

    No, you are not ungrateful if you don't like your engagement ring, as it's a piece of jewelry you'll wear for the rest of your life. That said, think about the reasons why you don't like it before discussing your discontentment with your partner. If it's because you think they didn't spend enough money, consider holding off on voicing your concerns.

  • How do I tell my partner what type of engagement ring I want?

    The best way to share your preferences is to either provide your partner with photos and inspiration or to go engagement ring shopping together. You can also ask family and friends to tell your future fiancé what type of sparker you'd like to receive, so that nothing is a surprise once they get down on one knee.

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