I don't typically put much hope into costume jewelry. Most of it comes looking cheap and gaudy, thus could never be pulled off for the real deal. When I first got engaged/married, we were teenagers and money didn't go very far. Still that 1/4 carat diamond was MY engagement ring that was a symbol of our marriage. We paired it with a simple gold band from Walmart because we were high schoolers with a baby, living on our own with no help from the outside (not even our parents). Fast forward 5 years, I still have that ring but my fingers were swollen due to pregnancy of my fourth child, and anyways, it kept tearing the gloves at the medical office I worked at. I took it off and stored it in my jewelry box. Then comes the bad event. Two break ins, two months apart, in two different neighborhoods. It was taken (tho whole jewelry box, in fact) in the second break in. My husband replaced the ring but it wasn't the same. I stopped wearing it and in the countless moves globally, locally, and every where in between, its disappeared somewhere. God only knows where. Previously, rings this price point have been big stoned almost glass-looking, obviously something that normal working stiffs like myself could never afford to be real. So when I ordered this, I kept in mind that it wouldn't fool a single soul. I received this ring and paired it with a hammered silver ring and a simple smooth silver band, with this being the focal point. Its modestly sized stones and simple adornments on the setting (to me, the look almost like either little bows or praying mantis faces, haha) make it stand out with weird showiness you get from other 'fake' rings. It sparkles without being overly ornate or cheap feeling. The best part are the complements that I get from people who see it. I've had countless friends grab my hand and be like- Oh my gosh, that's so beautiful. I just smile and thank them because no one needs to know that it's not as real as it looks. I looked up 1 ctw 5-stone diamond rings, just out on a whim, and one that looks very similar to this ring retails at about $3100. It just not something I'm willing to spend, no matter how much we make. While it wouldn't as real on close (jeweler close) inspection, or if you were to look at the stamp on the inside, it's lovely on the hand and is sure to wow without screaming "cheap floozy fake". As for holding up, I've worn it non stop since I've gotten it, including multiple handwashings at work and painting with the kids. There have been no changes to the finish and it still looks as good as the day it came. At this price, if it starts to look worn, it'd be easily replaced without worry. A great alternative to an expensive ring. Pretty enough I'm willing to let it represent the 17 years my husband and I have been together, and the five kids we're rearing.
