Sales & Shopping

• Previous Taschen Rereleases "Temple of Flora," and We Get Floral Fever
• Wednesday Sales: Assembly, James Perse, Sigerson Morrison, Project No. 8 and Many More! Next

• January 14, 2009
• Shopping Roundup

Love Parade

From $100 up, 20 rings for saying I Do or I Promise in style. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

It's a new year, a new administration, a new season of Big Love on HBO…no doubt about it—Love is in the air. And last year, when we reported on some of our favorite "promise" rings of the moment, many of you readers went bananas. We had no idea so many of you were having such a hard time finding rings that were exceptionally special but wouldn't put you in the poor-house.

Hence, we decided to return with an even bigger and better Commitment Ring edition. Here, we've gathered not one but six categories of shiny, happy bands—rings that range from Vintage, estate, and hand-me-down-inspired to a group we call the All-in-One (equal parts engagement and wedding band), as well as our personal fave, The Starter Ring, which won't set you back more than $500 (approximately 125 Starbucks lattés if you want to start saving). With our roundup of options, you and your betrothed should be dazzled by the options whether you're saying I Do, I Promise, or simply I Love You—truly, madly, deeply.

The Starter Ring—The perfect ring doesn't have to cost a fortune. Period. We feel so strongly about these less expensive rings, we considered doing an entire story devoted to them. Think of it, if more of you knew that so many gorgeous timeless quality rings existed for less than $500, wouldn't more of you be taking the plunge? Call it a Starter Ring, a Promise Ring, whatever you like, these styles are simple, elegant, and beautifully meaningful. All we can say is: Yes!

BYLU Jewelry
Our pick (above, left): Rose Gold and Diamond Ring, $460, available at Steven Alan, or go to www.bylu-nyc.com.

Erica Weiner
Our pick (above, middle): Herkimer Solitaire Ring, $100, available at Bona Drag, or go to www.ericaweiner.com.

Kaoru
Our pick (above, right):10K Gold Stardust Cluster Ring, $193.50, available at Auto.

The Iconoclast—You know who you are. You always have to be different. And there's nothing wrong with that (we can sympathize). For you impassioned rebels out there, these less predictable options from Alex & Chloe, Mimi So, and Moritz Glik are worth a whirl.

Mimi So
Our pick (above, left): 18K Gold and Pave Diamond Ludlow "Rock" Ring (available in white or yellow gold, from $1,470, available at Mimi So New York Boutique, 580 Fifth Avenue, 212-300-8620. Custom work also available.

Alex & Chloe
Our pick (above, middle): Oxidized Silver and Diamond Goujon Triple Ring, $980, available at Alex & Chloe, or check their most recent wedding rings here.

Moritz Glik
Our pick (bottom, right): 18K White Gold, Diamond, and White Sapphire R307 Ring, $3,300, available at Auto, or go to www.moritzglik.com. Custom work also available.

Melissa Joy Manning
Our pick (not pictured): 18K Gold Raw Diamond Chunk Ring, $560, available at Melissa Joy Manning.

The Ethical Ring—We're like you: We want to know where our stuff is coming from, and who's had a hand in making it. That's why we've sourced some promise ring styles that use lo-impact and ethical practices as well as recycled materials. Remember green can definitely be glamorous—and these rings by Monique Pean, Bario-Neal, and Farrah Dragon prove it.

Bario-Neal, Hand-crafted in Philadelphia using reclaimed metals, ethically sourced stones, and low-impact practices.
Our pick (above, left): Diamond Bezel Ring, $320, available via email order or go to www.bario-neal.com. Custom work also available.

Farrah Dragon, Eco-concious, 100% recycled metals, and lab-grown gemsttones.
Our pick (above, middle): 18K Gold Artifact Ring, $660, available at Auto or go to www.farrahdragon.com.

Monique Péan, Eco-friendly, sustainable, recycled, and conflict-free materials.
Our pick (above, right): The 18K Gold Bering Rings (available in rose, yellow, and white gold), $700 the carved ring, $2,700 the diamond ring, and $550 the solid ring, all available at Kirna Zabête, 212 941-9656?, or go to moniquepean.com.