28 years ago when my wife and I got engaged, I didn't have much money or regard for tradition (still don't). What I did was melt down 8 silver quarters into a solid rod that I then fashioned into a bracelet. It took a lot of time and effort to make it since I'm not a jeweler and I've never done anything like it since. My wife loves it and still wears it today. The point is that if you can craft something with your own hands that lasts, that may actually have more meaning than something you buy.
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28 years ago when my wife and I got engaged, I didn't have much money or regard for tradition (still don't). What I did was melt down 8 silver quarters into a solid rod that I then fashioned into a bracelet. It took a lot of time and effort to make it since I'm not a jeweler and I've never done anything like it since. My wife loves it and still wears it today. The point is that if you can craft something with your own hands that lasts, that may actually have more meaning than something you buy.