ENGAGEMENT RINGS

An Engagement Rings is an important symbol for two people to share. It is a. symbol of their dedication, love, and commitment to each other. It is a symbol of the beautiful journey that two people embark upon when they decide to spend their lives together.

The first recorded diamond engagement ring was exchanged in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian presented the token to his betrothed Mary of Burgundy. Prior to that event, engagement rings were either plain metal bands (iron for commoners, while gold and silver were used among royalty) or used less expensive gems. Today, solitaires are the most popular choice for many couples, but different gems are growing in popularity.

Initially, engagement rings may have represented a portion of a bride's dowry or bride price. Not only did the ring advertise the woman's committed status, but the quality of the jewelry indicated the social position and prosperity of her groom.

It is believed that the ancient Romans began the practice of placing the engagement ring on the left ring finger, which they believed contained the "vena amoris" or vein of love which supposedly connected directly to the heart. Other ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, also used such symbolism, and even today the tradition persists both with engagement rings and wedding bands. In fact, wedding bands are placed first on the left ring finger to be closest to the heart.

How Many Carats Should an Engagement Ring Be?

For many people, the size of the center gem is the first thing they notice on an engagement ring. There's no official guideline about how large your center stone should be, since the design of the ring, your budget, and your personal preference are all huge influences on the size of gem you choose. However, it helps to know what carat weights fall within the range people expect.

Engagement Ring Origin

The initial origins of engagement and wedding rings are the same. The earliest uses of symbolic rings are attributed to different peoples, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.

Betrothal rings were meant to symbolize a woman's connection to the man who would become her husband, though the arrangement was more of a business proposition than a romantic union.
Romans used iron rings to symbolize strength and permanence, and the Greeks are credited with the initial idea to wear the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, where the "vena amoris" or vein of love was supposed to connect to the heart.
During the ninth century, Pope Nicolas I endorsed the idea of engagement rings by making a gold ring a betrothal requirement to demonstrate the groom's wealth and ability to care for a wife. In 1215, Pope Innocent III made a similar declaration though the rings could consist of different metals, including silver and iron, and the rings were meant to be worn during a longer engagement period.

Engagement Ring History

Rings have been used as symbolic tokens for centuries, and understanding the history of engagement rings can help a couple realize just how significant these pieces of jewelry are. Furthermore, couples interested in antique rings may find a greater appreciation for the changing styles knowing how the jewelry's history has evolved