I am ashamed to say that I have studied the ads for the “right hand diamond ring” in secret. Like there was something wrong with the idea that a woman should buy her own diamond. Perhaps it's because I was “between men” at the time and shuddering such labels as single, or divorcee. Perhaps, it's because I secretly love fairy tales and romance but to the outside world I can appear to be all business 90% of the time. Perhaps it's that I am impulsive so it’s easier and cheaper to throw money at shoes, lip-gloss, and sunglasses than to make such a bold, extravagant purchase. Now I admit – I have never left a cruise without succumbing to a purchase of gold and have definitely eyeballed my share of amethysts.
But when it comes to the purchase of diamonds I realize, with horror, that I am sexist. Could it be because my collection of diamonds comes has been garnered via a series of serious relationships (y’all know who you are ;-) And, could it be because I am still holding out for the perfect ring with the perfect timing and the “diamond that’s forever”. Hmmm.
I also figure that the whole “technicality” of the diamond purchase 
appeals to men – number carat, clarity, cut, country of origin and the "James Bond" appeal of it all. Or, and this is just me, I wonder if it really has to do with the drill bit. You know, the whole, the diamond cuts through everything – dirt, rocks, oil. Men secretly equate the diamond with ownership, oil and the whole domination thing. Probably. But hey, who cares. As long as they pick the right rock.
But here’s an interesting fact – a “2002 study by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council found that the majority of females who planned to make a jewelry purchase before the end of the year were likely to make the purchase for themselves”. Yes, what jewelers everywhere know to be true, women are the largest purchasers of gemstones – for themselves! And, retailers everywhere have embraced this by introducing the right hand ring. Now, after many years of watching my fellow-independent women and fashionistas-in-arms purchase their own diamond I have secretly coveted the strength to purchase one for myself. But does it mean I have given up on men everywhere? Lovers, husbands, ex-husbands and significant others who fail to recognize the princess that lurks underneath every hard core business suit? Nope. It means I bring home my own bacon baby!
I mean everyone is doing it. Oprah in her famously public pronouncement of all her purchases has been flaunting her own diamond earing and ring purchases for many years. The right hand ring is clearly here to stay so much so that most jewelry sites like DiamondSafe dedicate their own section to this wonderful right hand bling. And, lest you think this trend is not here to stay, Macy's has a limited edition series of right hand rings spawned by a "diamond is forever" designed by the rising stars of design including Tracy Reese, Wenlan and Cynthia Rowley. Ok, you say, I get that Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts and Scarlet Johanson have some but what about me? With prices starting in the high $200 most girls can find it within their pocketbook to purchase their own diamond ring.
There is definitely something to be said for the right hand ring 
and the empowerment it can bring. Articles in fashion mags, ezines and blogs tout its liberating properties and encourage woman of the world to unite and yes, to post their own statements in support of this growing fashion statement.
In addition to the feeling of empowerment and satisfaction the ring hand ring can give you, the right hand ring has emerged as a category of jewelry in its own right, complete with its own cut, features and style. You won’t typically find the solitaire diamond here girls. My favorites tend to combine the diamond with other gemstones like aquamarine, amethyst or even pair a traditional diamond with its sister the pink diamond. The right hand ring is bolder, freer and more artistic than the traditional engagement or anniversary ring. I personally think its critical that the right hand ring be more interesting than an engagement ring. 
I mean, making certain that the right hand ring is more interesting than an engagement ring, is, after all, the entire point. Isn’t it? In short – its fun and its all about being a woman not a girl. If the artiste in you is not about to awaken any time soon there are also many clean, classic modern designs. There is also the quintessential vintage look which I think suits every woman beautifully. This style tends to embrace smaller diamonds and shows off petite hands equally as well as long, elegant fingers. Think The Titanic. Think Rose if she were a CEO. What kind of right hand ring would she get? I bet the classic 
vintage cut - at least 1.5 cs.
So at the end of the day – my real hero is not a man, not Oprah but a woman who use to be my executive assistant. She proudly, boldly and publicly purchased the most glorious, well cut right hand ring and introduced me to what will surely remain my life long obsession and quest for that perfect purchase. I must email her today and tell her that she remains my heroine. My own personal Sex and the City goddess. And that I vow, that I too, will buy my own right hand ring, in right after I buy those red Jimmy Choo's! I promise.
Gayemarie’s top 10 reasons to buy the righthandring:
1. A promotion
2. I had the guts to ask for a raise
3. I had the guts to fire him/her
4. A reward for losing the last 10 lbs
5. A “because I love my last 10 lbs” damn it. 
6. I dumped the guy
7. I won the guy
8. I won the race
9. I finished the race
10. I love me, I earned it and I don’t need a reason ;-)
P.S.S. And girlfriend, remember I love me best while holding a Hendricks martini, in my new shoes WITH my glittering right hand ring for all the world to see.
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