Rings beyond romance: How women are marking love, career, and self-worth

Living by the adage that suggests how life is indeed short, and one’s better off eating that cake, booking that trip and buying that dress anyway, five women share heartwarming personal accounts of their fondest ring memories. Take this as a sign to create one, if you haven’t already. 

Radhika Retnam, an aspiring writer and founder of Phio Communications
“On my first solo international journey to Nepal, I found my most memorable experience not in grand landmarks, but in a quiet, intimate moment in Pokhara. Along its serene lakeside,I stumbled upon Little Buddha Silver Shop, a modest silver workshop. Drawn by sheer intrigue, I stepped inside and discovered the opportunity to craft my own jewellery from scratch. I designed and created multiple rings—each one distinct, set with stones like moonstone, labradorite, and sun moonstone, and even crafted one using Panchadhatu, a traditional five-metal alloy. The process is something I’d like to call profoundly fulfilling.” 

Vasudha Mudgal, a senior marketing manager at RSPL Group
“My best friend, who is now my husband, proposed to me during the height of Covid, right beneath the Eiffel Tower. It was unexpected, intimate, and quietly magical. The ring was a simple solitaire — exactly what I had always visualised. with an evident glimmer in her eyes. I wear six rings across almost all my fingers. My hands without rings feel like an ocean without water; they simply aren't quite themselves. Every piece I own is minimal and dainty — delicate rings that feel like a natural extension of who I am. That's always been my aesthetic: quiet, considered, and personal.”  

Binnita Shah, the founder of Jjewellish 
“A dream come true moment with a crystalline picture of what design I had always aspired it to be like, be it aesthetics, the cut, the size or the peculiar setting and finish of the ring. I was thrilled to get it customised and to be in the loop at each step of its manufacture, right from the mould trial to the final studded product. I still remember that electrifying moment when I tried on that flawless beauty on my hand. It was a moment of self- adornment and a precious bond of a new beginning in life.” 

Maheka Mirpuri, a designer, philanthropist & founder of Maheka Mirpuri 
“My most cherished ring is one my mother gave me — a vintage piece, intricate and full of character. It carries far more than its craftsmanship; it holds her love, her presence, and a quiet sense of legacy. I often find myself studying its details, as though each element tells a story of its own. And every time she sees me wearing it, there’s an unspoken joy in her eyes that, to me, means everything. I wear it instinctively, as if it belongs to me naturally. Some pieces don’t just adorn you; they become a part of you. This ring, for me, is emotion, memory, and timeless elegance, beautifully intertwined.”

 Ayushi Guha, founder of Provoqe Media and a training psychotherapist
“Every Valentine’s Day, whether I am with someone or not, I like to buy myself a gift. Over the years, being on my own taught me that love has to begin with how you ​​show up for yourself. Sometimes the most memorable ring occasion is not about being chosen by someone else, but about choosing yourself fully and without hesitation. For many women today, the real power lies in choosing with intention, knowing when to slow down, when to step back, and when to honour themselves in a way that feels deeply personal. I have always believed in celebrating yourself, especially at career milestones and in seasons of personal evolution. There is something powerful about not waiting for permission, occasion, or validation from the outside to recognise your own worth.”

Sunny Singh, founder of Daimante, shares how the jewellery industry is witnessing a clear and growing uptick. “Today, around 35–40% of women are buying fine jewellery for themselves. What was once occasional is now becoming a natural part of how women choose to celebrate their lives. The strongest momentum is coming from women between the ages of 25 to 40, who are independent, confident, and comfortable making their own purchase decisions. What stands out most is the change in intent. Jewellery is no longer only about gifting or big life events. Women are buying pieces to mark personal milestones, be it career wins, new beginnings, or simply moments they want to remember. It’s more about meaning than tradition. While rings have long been tied to proposals, we’re now seeing them take on new roles — as symbols of self-worth, personal style, and modern relationships. Increasingly, women aren’t waiting for an occasion-they’re creating their own,” Singh outlines.

Image: Getty Images 

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