So this is what a $100,000 ring (designed on Blue Nile’s site) with a four carat diamond looks like backlit…

Wedding bells – as opposed to Christmas bells – are ringing. And some of those couples are likely to be doing eco-friendly weddings, altering the familiar mantra to something like “Something old (and recycled), something new (preferably a multitasker made from recycled products and which is biodegradable), something borrowed (rentals are in – and electric cars make the perfect quiet getaway vehicle for couples who want to get out before their friends can decorate the vehicle with “Just Married” signs and cans), something blue (and green – just like the planet!)”.

For some of these couples, the greening of their commitment ceremony extends all the way to that most popular proof that a wedding is nigh – the engagement ring. (I know what you were thinking, but Ashlee Simpson flashed a ring first, although Paris Hilton is rumored to be going about it the other way around. )

A green engagement ring is one that is recycled and repurposed (returning it is whole ‘nother matter), possibly even an heirloom handed down in the family. The environmentally conscientious folks at greenKarat and Brilliant Earth proudly proclaim that they use recycled gold and platinum. Added bonus: they offer conflict-free (i.e., not blood) diamonds. And you can even pay, er, contribute a voluntary carbon offset tax too. Engagement and wedding ring sets are available on both sites.

But greenKarat also offers something a little more esoteric, something called the Intimate Bond – so that, they say, “your science driven partner will feel understood.” (Computer geeks, the Binary has your name on it.) The lines and geometric shapes seem like stylized art – is this what inspired Brad Pitt? – but they’re actually amino acids strung together. Each amino acid represents a letter; the example on the site uses “ETERNAL,” but you can also spell out “HAPPY” and “ALWAYS,” among other things.

Still a bridesmaid? If showing off your scientific streak sans commitment sounds cool (yes, it’s shameless plug time), go to Made with Molecules, a site that’s dedicated to making molecular structures cool to be seen wearing. Probably best known for the happiness-inducing serotonin necklace, the site also sells caffeine, chocolate and capsaicin charms that you can mix and match to feel like you’re wearing a fat-free mocha or chili chocolate. And don’t forget to check out the ethanol glasses and testosterone boxers too.