What Makes an Engagement Ring an Heirloom: 4 Things to Look For

An engagement ring becomes an heirloom through the role it plays in your life and the meaning it accumulates over time. The key to turning an engagement ring into an heirloom is to be intentional when you’re first purchasing it. 

You don’t have to sacrifice individuality if you want an engagement ring that can be preserved and passed down to the next generation, without looking dated. Below, we’re sharing the 4 things that turn an engagement ring into an heirloom.

1.   Materials That Can Withstand Daily Life

An engagement ring is a piece of jewelry you’ll wear every day, so it’s crucial to choose materials that can withstand daily life, from accidental knocks to daily handwashing. Creating an heirloom ring starts by choosing the right materials that support long-term wear.

You’ll want to prioritize solid precious metals, such as 14k and 18k Fairmined Gold, as well as platinum. It’s also important to choose a durable gemstone, with diamonds and sapphires ranking among the highest on the Mohs Hardness Scale. 

Read More: Fairmined Gold Explained: Why Metals Matter for Ethical Engagement Rings

2.  High-Quality Craftsmanship

It’s easy to focus almost solely on your center stone when shopping for an engagement ring, but the rest of the materials are just as important. The metal should be able to withstand everyday stress, and the prongs should be positioned to secure and protect your gemstone. The ring band should also be comfortable enough for long-term wear. 

Each prong in our custom engagement rings is designed to fit the exact stone and shape of your ring to support its longevity and to give you peace of mind when wearing it day-to-day.

3.  Choosing a Distinctive But Intentional Design

Your engagement ring doesn’t need a “timeless” design for it to be an heirloom piece. Unique engagement rings can also become heirlooms, especially when they have a distinctive but intentional design with a story behind it.  

Our nature-inspired engagement rings are ideal for couples who love to explore the outdoors, especially if you’re planning a proposal at a National Park or on a beach. You can incorporate sculpted roses, vines, leaves, and petal-inspired prongs into your design to make it distinctive, yet heirloom-worthy.

4. Sustainable Materials That Align With Your Values

You’ll want to think about the next generation when buying your engagement ring, including the things they’re likely to prioritize – including provenance and sustainability. Research shows that over 60% of Gen Z prioritize sustainability when shopping, and this number is only likely to rise with the next generation.

You can turn your engagement ring into a modern heirloom by choosing sustainable materials that align with your values, from lab-grown diamonds to Fairmined gold. At Valley Rose, our sapphires and precious gemstones are sourced through artisanal mining partners, while you can also explore the option of carbon-capture diamonds.

The story matters just as much as the design when buying an engagement ring that you can pass down as an heirloom piece. A well-constructed engagement ring, made with sustainable materials and an intentional design, will wear just as well in 80 years as it will today. 

Start the process of creating your heirloom engagement ring by booking a virtual consultation or exploring our range of alternative engagement rings