Engagement rings are one of the first things other people will ask about when someone proposes to you. They are an iconic symbol that you’re off the market, and today we’re going to dive deep into them.
There is so much that can go into engagement rings. It’s not just about the cut, color, clarity, and carat, which are the standard ways of judging the quality of a ring. To understand engagement rings, it’s also helpful to review the purpose, the history, and the current trends.
What’s The Deal With Engagement Rings?
Once I started delving into the world of engagement rings, I realized there was a lot to share.
It’s helpful if you’re engaged to know about the jewelry you’re likely to wear for the rest of your life. From identifying if you should wear one, helping your partner find the perfect ring for you, and just knowing what feels right, this post should give you the right information.
Here we go!
HOW ENGAGEMENT RINGS STARTED
Engagement rings stemmed from traditions in both ancient Rome and Egypt.
In ancient Rome, women would wear rings attached to small keys once they were married. The keys symbolized their husband’s ownership of them (how romantic, right?). Some women would even wear two rings; a gold one for outside, and an iron one for inside. In ancient Egypt, wives would make rings out of braided papyrus to show that they were married. The shape of the rings symbolized eternity.
Nothing was formalized until 850ad, when Pope Nicolas I declared that engagement rings showed an intent to marry a woman. He also added that the rings were to be gifted with a bag of gold, which is pretty generous.
Diamond engagement rings started becoming the trend in 1477. This is when Archduke Maximilian I of Austria asked for the first diamond engagement ring when he was getting engaged to Mary of Burgandy. Even though he was going to be a husband, and not a wife, this was consistent with their customs. For many years both men and women would wear engagement rings. It wasn’t until recently that just women became the wearers.
THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Now that we know the history, let’s go over why we still keep this tradition going today.
Well, engagement rings are a physical symbol that you are off the market. They show others that you’re not exactly single, and you’re soon to be legally wed. Plus, the engagement ring itself should feel good and exciting for both you and your partner. Your partner may have picked it out for you with pride. And, you get to wear it proudly and show it off.
WHY WE WEAR ENGAGEMENT RINGS ON THE LEFT HAND
The tradition of wearing our engagement rings on our left hand is based on a belief about how our bodies are made.
Historically, people believed that their left ring fingers had veins that went right to their hearts. The ring was a symbolic link right to where we “love”. However, we know today that each finger has veins leading to our hearts. And, we don’t really love from our heart, it’s all centered in our brains. But still, the tradition continues.
Not every culture wears their engagement ring on their left hand. It’s mainly a North American thing. India, Germany, Norway, Spain, and Russia, among other countries, all sport their engagement and wedding rings on their right hand.
WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T WEAR ENAGEMENT RINGS
So now that we’ve gone over why people wear engagement rings, let’s talk about why some people don’t.
A major reason why some people skip wearing rings is their profession. If they use their hands a lot, or their job doesn’t allow for rings, it may be easier to just not wear them. For example, those in health care, machinery, art, or performing may find it best to just skip it, even if only part time.
Other people may not want to wear something so special and expensive. They may have fears that it will get lost or stolen. If this sounds familiar to you, be sure to read up on ring insurance below. In some cases, it may just be when those people travel that they take their rings off, but it could lead to not wearing them at all.
Others don’t wear an engagement ring because it’s isn’t their style. They may not like rings. Or, they don’t want their partner to pay for a ring. No matter the reason, it’s important to note that rings just aren’t for everyone.
ALTERNATIVES TO ENGAGEMENT RINGS
If wearing an engagement ring isn’t for you, you may want to look into some alternatives.
For example, some people get their rings tattooed on their fingers. This may be a great alternative if you’re not able to wear a ring in case because it might get caught on something dangerous at your work. Other people, who just aren’t into diamonds or flashy rings, may deviate from the diamond ring tradition. They may opt for a gemstone other than a diamond, or a plain metal band.
HOW DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS GOT SO POPULAR
Before 1947, diamonds were not very popular for engagement rings. However, with an amazing marketing campaign, Debaurs was able to change all that.
Back then, they launched a “diamond is forever” campaign and their sales of diamond engagement rings increased drastically. Essentially, diamonds were seen forever after as beautiful, expensive, and the standard for what to give your partner.
Today, most diamond ring companies are owned by Signet Jewelers. They use brand names like Kay Jewelers, People’s, and James Allen, among others, but the parent company is huge.
CURRENT ENGAGEMENT RING TRENDS
Though there’s the classic (and popular) round diamond engagement ring, that always seems to be in style, there are other trends right now. And, often they are sparked by celebrities and their choices.
For example, emerald cuts have been popular ever since Jennifer Lopez got engaged to Alex Rodriguez. And, different colored stone have been trending for the last decade or so. The most well known that comes to mind is Kate Middleton’s blue ring. Ring stacking, or wearing many, thinner, rings is also popular, as well as making new rings out of old jewelry.
HOW MUCH SHOULD SOMEONE SPEND ON AN ENGAGEMENT RING?
There used to be an old adage that someone buying an engagement ring should spend three months salary on it. This can be thrown out the window.
The amount that you spend on your partner’s ring is based on what you can afford. What are you comfortable with? What will allow you to avoid debt? Which type of ring will your partner appreciate the most? When deciding your budget for the ring factor in quality and quantity. It may make more sense to buy a smaller ring, with higher quality, than vice versa.
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR PARTNER PICK OUT AN ENGAGEMENT RING
If you are in the position to receive a ring soon, or one day, you can help your partner understand your style in a few different ways.
For starters, you can casually mention what kind of style you like. Or, if the opportunity arises, you can try on rings while they are present. You can also let a trusted friend know what your preference is, and have them offer their guidance to your partner. It’s absolutely okay to have these conversations with someone who you see your life with. Especially since you’ll have much more serious conversations when you actually do get married.
WHAT IS RING INSURANCE?
Ring insurance is a great way to make sure that your ring can be replaced, should it be lost, stolen, or broken.
To sign up for ring insurance, first contact your insurance agency. This can be the same company you use for your car, rental, or home insurance. They will ask you about the ring, will probably ask for some documentation on it, and then let you know what it can be covered for. Ring insurance is relatively inexpensive, and can be totally worth it if something happens.
ENGAGEMENT RING FACTS
Though there is a lot of information on engagement rings in this post, I’d like to share a few more fun facts, thanks to Leo Hamel Blog.
- Only 35% of engagement rings are bought with the fiancé’s knowledge.
- Princess cut gemstones are the second most popular type of engagement ring shape, after round diamonds.
- White gold and platinum have surpassed yellow as the most popular ring alloys.
- 2000 couples get engaged at Disney World each year.
- December is the most popular month to get engaged.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Whether you’re currently wearing an engagement ring, hoping to receive one soon, or not into them at all, hopefully this post gave you a little insight into these symbolic pieces of jewelry. If you are wearing a ring, be sure to take care of it, and look into ring insurance if you haven’t already. And, look at your ring with pride. Your partner picked it out just for you, and that’s what makes it special.
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The diamond has traditionally been the symbol of two people who wished to share their life forever. Today, because of technology, choosing a way of expressing this desire can be done more easily than ever before.