Engagement rings are a symbol of love and commitment. An engagement ring is a very personal and significant item, so it is essential to know the meaning behind the tradition of giving an engagement ring to symbolize love and commitment.
It is believed that the tradition of giving engagement rings began in Ancient Rome, where women would wear their future husbands’ signet rings on their thumb while they were betrothed. These “thumb rings” served as decorative items and symbols of an engaged woman.
Diamonds in engagement rings started around 1880 when diamond mines were discovered near Kimberley, South Africa.
The popularity of these gems has only increased since then because they are considered to be a valuable commodity that everyone wants to have on their engagement ring.
What should you consider when choosing the best engagement ring for your partner?
Choosing the right engagement rings depends on many different factors. You need to consider the personal taste and style of the person you are buying the ring for and their preferences.
Would they prefer something more traditional or inclusive of their culture and heritage? For example, a claddagh engagement ring is perfect for someone with Irish roots as this celebrates the rich Irish history and culture. Or do they prefer to have a more modern ring that will enable them to create their own history and story, or do they want to stand out from the crowd with something quirky and unique?
Look at the size and cost of the stone on the ring to assess the suitability for both your budget and lifestyle and how it will sit against a wedding band. If you have your eye on a custom halo style, for instance, will that work with the wedding band you also want to get? Most jewelers will help you out with a visual representation of this.
Which metal type is best for your engagement ring?
Choosing the suitable metal for your engagement ring is not an easy task. There are a lot of factors that should be taken into account while making this decision. For example, you can consider your budget and what your partner would prefer.
The first decision you need to make is if you want a gold, platinum, or a white gold ring? Gold rings are more affordable, and they usually come with traditional designs. Platinum rings are more expensive, but they resist tarnishing, scratch resistance, and for some people, it is worth it because platinum is a much rarer metal than gold, making it precious and worth the price tag. White gold rings are expensive, but they do not have to be as expensive as platinum because no scarcity factor comes into play here.
Are diamonds really forever?
Currently, diamonds are the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. Most couples opt for round brilliant cut diamonds. However, this does not mean that there cannot be other gemstones just as beautiful and valuable. Gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, opals, or rubies are all attractive alternatives for engagement rings and can have just as much of a wow factor as diamonds if you choose not to opt for the traditional stone.
Diamonds are forever, especially with the invention of lab-created diamonds, but they are not the only option when it comes to engagement rings at all!
