The Tiffany-setting diamond engagement ring: design classic, symbol of marital bliss, emblem of our status-obsessed culture. byAMT’s jewelry line puts a playful spin on this icon. The Tiffany ring’s silhouette and basic shape remains intact, but rendered in different materials, colors, and widths.

byAMT offers acrylic, sterling silver, 14-karat gold, and platinum versions of the ring. These metals have been deemed “precious” because they’re relatively rare, they’re shiny, and they last. We value diamonds because they’re even more rare, shinier, and durable (and often fraught with human rights concerns). No wonder they are so expensive. Do we really need one to prove our love? byAMT rings are precious for their creativity, ingenuity, style, and wit–not their glittery bits.

The metal rings include a “too-thin-to-be an engagement ring” (2mm), “perfect diamond ring size” (4mm), a square 9mm size. The thinnest rings hint at the fragility of marriage and commitment. The largest is a sly commentary on our culture’s competitive nature when it comes to conspicuous consumption:  “my diamond is bigger than yours.” The Diamond Rings invite us to step back, get some perspective, and even laugh at ourselves.

The acrylic colors can be taken at face value–adding a bright accent to an outfit but they can also add a layer of meaning to the ring. In some cultures, yellow signifies jealousy or infidelity. Red is passion, love, and strength. Green is associated with wealth and youth. The rings can also be stacked in twos or threes for an even bigger statement. The Acrylic rings are no longer being produced.

The sterling silver, 14-karat gold, and platinum are custom and handmade in New York.