So, you’ve found your special someone. Next comes the search for the perfect symbol of your commitment!

Rings are so much more than just a shiny bauble on our fingers. They represent all those ‘tricky to put into words’ feelings.

From secret crushes tolet's grow old together pacts, each ring marks a chapter in your storybook.

Humans have been expressing themselves and their big, beautiful emotions through jewelry for centuries, meaning there’s a whole lot of symbolism to sift through.

Read on to uncover the magic and history behind each ring.

Promise Rings

Ready to take your relationship to the next level?

Whether you’re 18 or 80, gifting someone a promise ring can be just as romantic as getting down on one knee.

Though sported by modern celebs like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Kylie Jenner, these rings have a long and fascinating history.

Even the Romans were rocking promise rings! Though theirs looked more like engraved gold coins. 

As time swirled on, these rings evolved, picking up layers of meaning, a sprinkle of diamonds here, a dash of flair there, and bam! 

Today, many couples use them as a mark of exclusivity (like, "You’re my person, and everyone should know!"), while others see it as a prelude to an engagement – a sweet prologue to the “Will you marry me?”. 

Promise rings are a tantalizing taste of all the good stuff yet to come. 

And honestly, who can resist a good teaser?

Engagement Rings

It’s not just a bit of bling; it’s a billboard-sized declaration of, "Hey world, we're locking this love thing down!"

Take a step back in time, and you’ll soon see engagement rings have histories as rich as the gems they flaunt. 

Ancient Egyptians believed in the circle's symbolism of eternity, and well, let’s be real, they were onto something. 

Fast-forward a few millennia, and from Renaissance Europe to classical Asia, the rest of the world soon jumped on the engagement ring bandwagon.

With so many choices, picking the right engagement ring can be incredibly daunting for modern lovebirds. 

Will it be a solitaire diamond standing proud, like a lone Patrick serenading Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You? 

Or perhaps a halo setting, where smaller diamonds embrace the center stone like a close-knit pack of backing singers? 

From vintage vibes to minimalist designs…sapphires to emeralds… the ring should be an extension of your love story.

You can probably guess what comes next… hear those bells ringing?

Wedding Rings

The exchanging of wedding rings is the crescendo of the marriage ceremony and always results in floods of happy tears.

No relationship is a straight line, and the circular shape of a wedding ring symbolizes eternity and unending love. 

These days, there are endless combinations of metals, stones, and shapes to choose from.

Let’s start with gold, the OG of bling. It's beautiful, durable, and perfect for intricate designs and simple settings. 

Then there’s platinum wedding bands, the cool, modern maestro. It’s also one of the world’s most hypoallergenic metals!

And for the alternative at heart, rose gold is unapologetically quirky. The signature pink hue will never fade, guaranteeing a lifetime of enjoyment.

And if you're into heavy metal (not the headbanging kind), tungsten might just be your jam. But be careful - this material cannot be resized. 

No matter which metal you choose, glancing down at your wedding ring will bring all those precious memories of your special day rushing back. 

But don’t worry; the fun doesn’t stop when you say, ‘I do.’

Eternity Rings

Symbolizing the circle of life, eternity rings are perfect for marking the big milestones in your journey together. 

Whether celebrating a birthday, a significant anniversary or welcoming a tiny human into your world, there’s no better way to celebrate than a carefully chosen ring.

Been married for 10 years? Just bought your first home? Welcomed a four-legged friend to the family? If it matters to you, there’s an eternity ring to commemorate it.

To infinity and beyond!

Choosing the Perfect Ring for Each Stage

1. Promise Rings: AKA, "We’re vibing big time!" rings.

Talk it Out: Before you surprise your partner with a ring, gauge the waters. Would they feel comfortable wearing one? What’s their style?

Setting Expectations: This isn't an “I do” ring but certainly an “I’m seriously into you” one. Make sure you’re on the same page about where you’re at and what the ring means.

Make It Personal: The ring doesn’t need to deplete your savings. Finding a design that suits your partner's lifestyle is more important than splashing the cash. Is there a stone or design they've always gushed about? Voilà!

2. Engagement Rings: The “Marry me, maybe?” statement piece.

Budget: Don’t fall down the “Three-month salary” rabbit hole. Choose what feels right and won’t leave you eating instant noodles.

Ring Recon: Sneakily find out their size. Borrow one of their rings or rope in their BFF for some stealthy intel.

The 4Cs: If diamonds are on the agenda, remember the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. You’ll find plenty of guidance on these - plus the important certifications and grades you should look out for - elsewhere on our blog.LINK

Style: Vintage? Modern? Minimalist? Find a ring that'll make them go, "This is some!"

3. Wedding Bands: The forever “We’re a duo!” bands.

Complementary, Not Identical: Bands should vibe with both personalities. Just like the people in the relationship, they can be a perfect mirror image or more like yin and yang.

Customize the Connection: Engrave them with something personal: a date, a phrase, or your fave meme. Okay, maybe not the last one.

4. Eternity Rings: The “Still falling for you” adornment.

Mark the Moment: What’s the occasion? Big anniversary? New family addition? Celebrate with a ring they’ll cherish forever.

Stack 'Em Right: If it's joining other rings on the finger, ensure they complement one another.

Gemstone Galore: Diamonds are the classic choice, but there are plenty of other options. 

Sapphires symbolize good fortune and virtue… rubies signify passion, protection, wealth… emeralds represent wit and foresight… and pearls are the stone of sincerity.

And there you have it, Your guide to making impeccable ring choices. 

And remember: with each ring, you're bookmarking a forever moment. Speak to the experienced team at Ben Garelick to begin your next chapter in style.

Visit us at our Buffalo, NY store today or chat with our ring experts online 24/7, call us on (716) 631-1584, or text (888) 841-5391. Let’s make your special moments everything you’ve ever dreamed of!

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.