History of the Engagement Ring
The engagement ring has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years, but not exactly like we know it today. The Egyptians, Greeks and the people of Europe all used them for various reasons.
An Engagement Ring in Ancient Times
Probably not the best of times for women, it has been reported that cavemen would tie their intended’s wrists, ankles and waist in order to make their spirit as one with his. It is difficult to tell if this is actually true, who are you going to ask? But, it does sound about right when you look at some cultures that have a version of this in their tying the knot ceremonies.
A little closer to home, like 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians would weave a ring out of reed or some other plant material to give to their betrothed. Aww, cute, but that probably didn’t hold up very well. Likely it was used just ceremonially and not worn all day, every day like today.
By the time the Romans got a hold of this idea of engagement rings, they decided they were best made of metal. In the second century B.C.E. the ring was gold but that one was to be worn in public. For home, there was a more durable, iron version. For all Roman citizens, they wore their gold rings in public and an iron version at home, it wasn’t just brides.
One of the first Diamond Engagement Ring on record was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. Today, the Diamond Engagement Ring has become a near-universal symbol of love and marriage.
Which Finger to Use for an Engagement Ring
It seems rather traditional from recent times to go back hundreds of years ago that the fourth finger on the left hand was the popular spot to park an engagement ring. The reason being, this finger was believed to be connected to the heart via the “vena amoris” or vein of love.
There are some exceptions to the fourth finger rule. In Poland many women wear their ring on their right hand. In Germany, the engagement ring will start out on the left hand, but after the wedding it is moved to the right hand. In Jewish traditions, any gift is acceptable when getting engaged. It doesn’t have to be a ring. So, traditions vary, but overall a ring is usually given and worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.
Engagement Rings Today
Of course, today a woman is going to expect 14K yellow or white gold, or platinum ring, and a pretty, sparkly stone she can show to all her friends. The more it makes her girlfriends jealous, the happier the bride-to-be is going to be, of course!
If a man thinks he’s going to get away with weaving a ring of reeds as a permanent engagement ring, he would be sorely mistaken. We’ve also seen lower-end materials (silicon, rubber, steel, copper, tungsten, etc.) being used but they are never successful in flattering the bride-to-be. Although, during a proposal it would be considered one of the most romantic things a guy could do, during an impromptu popping of the question. After the proposal the couple can always go shopping together for the ring of her choice.
However important an engagement ring is to the bride-to-be, the most important, long lasting, and critical part of the engagement ring is the actual proposal. Guys, give your question its due diligence it deserves and create a story that will live with your relationship till the end of days – a story that she can share with family and friends. Everywhere the bride-to-be goes, one of the first questions asked is “how did he propose?; Where were you?; What were you doing?; Did he get down on one knee?; etc., etc.? With an engagement ring, and the proposal, romance is always the answer.
As many personable jewelry stores will contest, in a long-lasting relationship jewelry can always be replaced and upgraded, but the most important part of any proposal is the commitment you share together.
