I love it when gorgeous minds think alike. As it turns out, fellow blogger Ms. Grrrl and I have very similar taste when it comes to wedding rings: we’ve both had our eye on Beth Cyr’s beautiful tree bark wedding ring.
Beth Cyr's Tree Bark Wedding Ring
It was the ring I found in early July 2008 that made me say instantly ‘That’s the ring!’ and while it wasn’t until April 2009 that I got down on one knee, I very much enjoyed the process of finding and designing the perfect ring for Alex.
For me, detail is everything. When I started looking for an engagement ring, I considered where the ring would come from, what materials were being used, who might benefit from my purchase, and how a ring might represent Alex and our relationship. I also come from an extended family that knows more about diamonds that I ever thought existed—colors, flaws, cuts, settings, suppliers. Even with Alex not really wanting a big rock, it was all still a lot to consider.
Planning our wedding to be as sustainable as possible, I first considered recycled materials. To start with, a friend pointed me to Brilliant Earth, Dawes Designs and Green Karat–all of which use recycled gold and recycled or conflict-free diamonds. But, they were too flashy for Alex. I then checked out Love and Pride, thinking, hey, it would rock if 10% of my purchase went to an LGBT org. Still, they weren’t really her either. Of course, I made it back to Etsy .
I knew I wanted to propose to Alex under the oak tree in her hometown where we carved our initials on our first Valentine’s together. With that in mind, I searched Etsy for ‘tree bark wedding rings.’ More than a few designs came up, but nothing was as stunning as Beth Cyr’s Jewelry and I instantly fell in love with her tree bark wedding ring. I contacted her immediately, telling her a little about Alex and myself, what I was interested in, and about when I was thinking of proposing. I also wanted ask if she was OK making a ring for a same-sex couple–because I wanted as much love to go into this ring as possible. Turns out, one of her first wedding sets were for two women in Atlanta, Georgia—where she’s based—and she was delighted to design something for Alex.
For the design I had chosen, there were a few different options to consider:
Metal: For her rings, Beth uses silver, gold, white gold and rose gold. Alex only wears silver so it was an easy pick, but I almost splurged on white gold and I quite like the rose gold for myself.
Patina: To enhance the tree bark texture and design, all the rings comes standard with a patina. I chose a ring without a patina for Alex, however, for two reasons: I wanted it shiny (especially if I wasn’t getting her a sparkly stone) and the oils in Alex’s skin tarnishes silver more quickly than most. Hence, over time and wear, the pattern and texture would be brought out naturally.
Size: Alex and I were both sized at jewellers near our hometowns when we stopped by. However, Beth also sells a handy ring-sizer available through her shop. You know, that way you can measure your lady or gentleman’s finger while they sleep to keep the surprise!
Width: The tree park wedding ring comes standard in a few different widths for men (6, 8, 10 mm) and women (3, 4mm). Alex likes her rings a bit wider, but has small fingers (size K). In the end, we decided on a 5mm width ring for her.
Engraving: As I was purposing underneath the oak tree with our initials, I sent Beth a photo of the carving to have it duplicated as an engraving on the inside of the ring. In my mind, the engraving made the ring truly ours. I do tend to get almost weepy though at most engravings.
Diamonds/Stones: Finally, there was part of me that wanted Alex to have just a little bit of extra-shine and family jewels in her ring. My mom (very supportive) offered four diamond chips from her mom’s original wedding ring set. They put just that extra touch on the ring for Alex– and they were recycled!
Alex's Ring
Any design details you particularly love about your own engagement ring experiences? What did you end up deliberating about?
– erica
“You know, that way you can measure your lady or gentleman’s finger while they sleep to keep the surprise!”
*snort*
Oh, Erica, where were you when I was trying to suss out my fiancee’s ring size???
I really enjoyed this article, and the end result of all your considerations is just beautiful.
That ring is just too beautiful.
I think if Alex and I had lived in the same country when I was ordering the ring, I totally would have measured her finger in her sleep! :D
What a beautiful ring, and such a great story! Are you wearing an engagment ring too? Will you both get wedding bands? I love to hear about the different ways these traditions speak to different couples.
My engagement ring is on its way, but I don’t know when it’s coming (!) and we’ll get matching rings for our wedding. I will definitely write about it all when it happens!