History Of Engagement Rings
Over 80% of engaged women have engagement rings. So how in the world did that tradition get started? Engagement rings are a very old idea. They are rooted deep in history, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where they come from.
The earliest known use of the wedding ring was in ancient Egypt. In the Egyptian culture, the circle represented eternity and infinity. To wear a circular ring as a symbol of marriage was a way to show a couples commitment to each other forever.
In many cultures, a dowry had to be paid by the man in order to secure a womans positive answer to his marriage proposal. This could have been anything from gold and silver to a herd of healthy animals. In ancient Rome, a custom began for men to offer what was called a betrothal ring when they couldnt afford more expensive dowry gifts. The purpose of the ring was to show that the woman was off the market and showed the mans ownership.
This tradition was essentially the start of the modern day engagement ring. It continued in a similar fashion until the 1800s when Western culture first became aware of the existence of diamonds in South Africa. In an effort to sell this new, beautiful gemstone, diamonds were heavily advertised to the engagement ring market. People were told that it was a requirement for any good engagement ring.
Wedding Ring Vs Wedding Band
Wedding rings and wedding bands are the same: a ring given at the wedding ceremony that symbolizes the marriage. Some people call it a wedding ring while others say wedding band. The two terms are interchangeable. Wedding bands are worn by both men and women.
Most male wedding bands are a simple metal ring, like this tungsten carbide ring from Blue Nile, while other styles are more intricate like this diamond channel-set ring from Blue Nile. Female wedding bands range in style from classic bands like a low dome comfort ring like this one from Blue Nile to detailed rings like this trellis diamond eternity band from James Allen.
Less Popular Cuts You Should Consider
These cuts may not be as popular as, say, the round brilliant cut, but theyre perfect for some people.
Pear Cut
Like the radiant cut, the asscher cut looks great with diamonds or gemstones. If youre going with sapphire or ruby, consider this cut.
Heart Cut
Romantic and eye-catching but difficult to make, the heart cut isnt for those on a tight budget.
Unless your significant other specifically mentions this cut, its probably not your best choice.
But if they do mention it, be sure to go with a solitaire setting, as the heart shape looks amazing on its own.
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Wearing Both Rings On The Wedding Day
Lets begin with the wedding day. According to tradition, immediately before the wedding ceremony, the bride switches the engagement ring onto the ring hand. This happens so that the wedding ring can be put on the regular finger during the ceremony. Afterward, the bride puts the engagement ring back on the usual finger, above the wedding ring.
How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring Or Wedding Ring
According to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, which surveyed more than 27,000 recently married individuals, the current average cost of an engagement ring is $5,900. But when you’re shopping for wedding jewelry, remember that there’s no “right” or “wrong” amount of money you should spend.
The cost of your engagement ring vs. the wedding ring will ultimately depend on the carat weight of the center stone, the type of metal the band is made of, and most importantly, what you feel comfortable spending. The first step is finding a reputable jewelry store in your area . A wedding jewelry expert will help you get the most out of your budget, but they’ll also help you determine which engagement ring styles and wedding bands are best for your lifestyle.
Plan to start shopping for your wedding ring at least three months before the big day, or longer if you’re thinking about working with a jeweler to design your own rings. This will give you enough time to browse and consider all of your options without feeling rushed, plus it leaves enough time for resizing your bands or making other customizations. And while you’re at it, take the opportunity to give your engagement ring a deep professional cleaning to get it ready for its wedding day closeupit’s also your chance to replace damaged stones or any smaller diamonds that have fallen out.
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What Is The History And Meaning Behind The Ring Finger
A: While rings have been worn on all fingers from pinkies to thumbs since the dawn of time, the idea of a ring finger dates back to Ancient Rome. The Romans believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to a persons heart called Vena Amoris, meaning vein of love. It became popular to wear a ring that signified commitment to a spouse or lover on this finger because of its romantic and passionate symbolism.
Should You Buy A Wedding Ring Or An Engagement Ring First
Well, I would say it depends on individuals.
Speaking strictly from a practical point of view, I recommend that you only buy the engagement ring if you arent sure whether she will say yes to your proposal.
On the other hand, if you and your partner had already discussed marriage beforehand and you are confident that shell agree to the proposal, it makes sense to get the wedding ring at the same time as the engagement ring.
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How Can I Make Sure My Engagement/wedding Rings Are Properly Covered
If your wedding ring, engagement ring or any other expensive valuables are each worth more than the single item limit on your policy, youll need to tell your insurance provider so they can be listed individually, to make sure theyre fully insured. The single item limit is typically £1,500, but this can vary between providers, so always check to make sure. If you dont list your rings or other expensive jewellery individually, you could run the risk of being underinsured. Youll still need to pay an excess if you do end up having to make a claim.
What Happens If I Under
Under-insuring your rings could cause you a double blow if you need to make a claim. Not only will you face the heartbreak of losing your precious items, but your insurance payout will likely be for less than their current value. However, you should also be careful about over-insuring your items, or you could end up paying more for your premium than you need to. An accurate, up-to-date valuation will ensure your rings are adequately covered and the cost of your premium is fair.
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What About Stacking Rings Which Finger Do I Wear Stacking Rings On
A: Stacking rings are versatile fashion rings, often featuring diamonds or gemstones, that can add extra sparkle to your bridal set or decorate your other fingers to give a more luxe look to your overall style. When designing your ring stack, take into account your existing engagement or wedding rings and look for bands that will complement or contrast the rings you already own. Curved or contoured bands are beautiful rings that nest around your engagement ring or bridal set. These rings are a great option for those who want to ensure that their wedding or stacking ring will fit flush nestled against an engagement ring with a large or elongated center gem.
Religious Reasons For Left Or Right
And then there are religious rules to tell you how to wear your engagement rings. Which side you wear your ring is subject to the country you live in. In the Netherlands, Catholics wear the engagement ring on the right hand. Protestants wear it on the left hand. When they eventually get married, the ring switches to the other hand. But in some countries, it is exactly the other way around, so it can be quite confusing.
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Do I Need To Wear An Engagement Ring Or Wedding Ring
A: Wedding and engagement rings are traditional symbols used to signify your lifelong commitment to your partner, but they are not required. Throughout history, some notable figures exchanged other tokens to seal engagements or marriages. For example, iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor received a diamond tennis bracelet in one famous proposal and an emerald brooch for another. Some modern couples opt for symbols like finger tattoos instead of bands. Cultural or religious garments can also be worn to indicate that you are married, such as specific head coverings.
After The Wedding Ceremony
Let the festivities begin! Just try to make sure your rings stay clean during the day. Typical danger spots are when a woman puts on make-up or hairspray.
Do not get involved in any cake pranks like smashing cakes into each others faces if youre still wearing the rings. This might cause you to find cake chunks in the prongs which you will have to clean up. That said, it might be wise to remove the rings for this instance.
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The 4cs: A Brief Overview
Now that you know a little more about the different engagement ring styles available, well tell about the 4Cs. Youve probably heard the term before but may not quite understand what it means.
If youre going to pick out a diamond, youll need to understand the different diamond quality measurements. The 4Cs represent the cut, color, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. Deciding which of the 4Cs is most important to you will be key.
The cut reflects the symmetry, polish and proportion of the diamond and affects its visual brilliance. The better the cut, the more sparkle the diamond will reflect.
How Long Does It Take To Buy An Engagement Ring
Our first piece of advice? Dont hurry into buying the first engagement ring you see. Give yourself time to think about how and when you are going to propose.
Do you have a specific proposal date in mind? An anniversary, birthday or a day that has special meaning for you both, perhaps?
To find the perfect engagement ring can take time, so allow yourself at least 1-2 months to do research and look at your options.
Dont rush things. It may take longer than you anticipate, but its worth taking your time to make the right choice.
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How Can I Cut The Cost Of Insuring My Wedding And Engagement Rings
There are a number of general things you can do to cut the cost of your home contents insurance:
- Shop around and compare quotes to find a better deal
- Consider installing home security systems like a burglar alarm and security lighting.
- Invest in a safe for your rings and other expensive jewellery.
- Pay upfront annually instead of monthly instalments.
- Increase your voluntary excess just make sure you can afford to pay it if you need to make a claim.
Were So Excited We Won Uh What Do We Do Now What Do We Get
How does the ring exchange work with same-sex couples?
With heterosexual couples who shop at Chicagos Sparkles, the woman traditionally gets an engagement ring and then bride and groom exchange wedding bands. Generally, there is one less ring with male couples, and one extra with female couples.
It depends on the couple, but what we have seen with gay men is one proposes to the other, says Rachel Meyering of Sparkles. Once theyre engaged, they usually come back right after the proposal to purchase the other band. So they both have something to wear to show their excitement and love for each other.
Most men use their engagement ring as the wedding band, Meyering says. Some couples do buy an engagement ring and wedding band, so there are four total rings. But mostly we see the purchase of two rings.
We always see some sort of connection between the two rings. Most men get the same exact ring or one with some variation of metal color, width, or stone, she says. As for women couples, we see most women buy both an engagement ring and a wedding band.
This first round of gay marriages includes an inordinate amount of couples who have been together for many years often decades. At least for now, many gay couples approaching the altar are older, more established in their careers, and with the self knowledge that age brings.
Remember: this is just a couple in love, making a lifetime commitment.
These are rough guidelines only.
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No One Is Required To Wear A Ring
In todays culture, rings are no longer required for many couples. Even with the cheaper more budget friendly rings on the market today, some young couples are simply unable to afford rings. There are always extremely cheap silicone options that are perfect for marking your engagement and marriage without breaking the bank. However, this is completely a personal choice. Any marriage is about two peoples love for each other, not the jewelry they wear.
A ring is a symbol of love, trust, and commitment. These are qualities that men, women, and gender-neutral people all may wish to portray. That means anyone can wear an engagement ring. There is no reason for anyone to worry about breaking tradition. Wedding traditions are very flexible in modern times. Even if you dont want to wear a ring, talk it over together. If you and your partner both decide to forgo the traditional rings, that is okay too.
Where To Wear The Engagement Ring On The Wedding Day
You should switch the engagement ring to the right-hand ring finger on the wedding day because during the ceremony, your spouse will place the wedding band on the left-hand ring finger. This is a tradition that dates back to the early years of Egyptian time. It was believed that the veins of the left-hand lead straight to the heart, which ensured that the ring and the person you placed it on were in the closest position to the receiver’s heart. However, some women choose to stack the wedding band underneath the engagement ring and others will choose to only wear one on the wedding day. Anyway, this is your choice.
As for the matching problem, there are many jewelers that sell the engagement ring and wedding bands as a set to ensure they match one another and complement each other in a stylish way. But. you and your partner can decide just how do engagement rings and wedding bands work together at your own will. You can even choose not to have both.
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