All your Wedding needs
What's all the fuss about engagement rings? Well, women are usually the ones who are very excited when the words "engagement ring" are mentioned in a conversation. It seems that it is every girl's dream that one day the love of her life will get down on his knees and ask for her hand in marriage. But of course, he must offer her a diamond engagement ring, while she stands in disbelief and with a gasping breath say "yes." Not to mention, a romantic ambiance set for the momentous event.
Although in other countries it is worn on the ring finger of the right hand, traditionally, an engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This practice dates back from the earlier times because it is believed that the "vena amoris" or the "vein of love" is found on the left hand, specifically in the fourth finger. While it is customary that a man gives an engagement ring to a woman he wishes to be betrothed to, it has also become a common practice in countries like Canada and the United States that during the time of engagement, a woman gives a promise ring to her husband-to-be. But in the northern part of Europe, it is common for a man and a woman to wear identical rings as a sign of engagement. In northern Germany, exchanging engagement rings are not usually practiced because it is believed to be a custom imported from the United States. On the other hand, after a woman accepts an engagement ring in Spain, she usually gives the man an engagement watch in return.
In the olden times, engagement rings are very plain. They are either made of iron, gold, or silver. Only the people of aristocratic lineage are privileged to have precious stones on their engagement rings. It serves as a symbol of their status in the society. But as time went by, the laws became less rigid and allowed middleclass citizens to use diamonds and other precious stones. There was even a time when engagement rings define the birthstones of the engaged couple's family. A ring can contain six stones, these are the birthstones of the groom and his parents, as well as the bride and her parents. This practice celebrates the convergence of two families in to one through marriage.
Today, gold engagement rings are the most common. Red, yellow, or white gold became the usual ring material preference of women. But silver, platinum, stainless steel, and titanium are slowly gaining huge followings. Gold and platinum are commonly recommended by jewelers because of their high value and durability, while stainless steel and titanium are also gaining popularity because they are cheaper and more durable. Moreover, engagement rings are often studded with diamonds or precious gems. The most common of precious gems used are emeralds, opals, pearls, rubies, sapphires, and others. In other countries, an engagement ring need not have any stones on it. Plain gold engagement bands are more preferred.
The most popular stone of all, and the one that all women are dying for to wear on their fingers, is diamond. It is considered the most expensive and beautiful of all gems. Even though it is well-known today for its beauty and brilliance, during the Roman and Middle ages, diamonds are considered to be a charm. It is said to ward off fears and insanity, and thwarts poison. It is only during the medieval times, upon the recommendation of the Italians, that the diamond was declared to be set on engagement and wedding rings. The Italians referred to a diamond as a reconciliation stone of the husband and wife.
Before the diamond has become popular for wedding and engagement rings, wearing it on the left hand ring finger was once a fad. Doing so is said to not only ward off evil occurrences, but it will also attract good fortune. The first time that a diamond engagement ring was ever used for a couple's engagement was recorded in 1477, during the marriage of Maximilian I, Archduke of Austria to Mary of Burgundy. The popularity of diamonds peaked in the 20th century because of the promotion of the equally popular diamond producer and trader today, De Beers. Who could have missed its widely-known advertising campaign, "A Diamond is Forever?"
However precious or expensive an engagement ring is, every woman has the right to refuse or break it. According to the legal rules of property in the United states, an engagement ring is a conditional gift. If a woman breaks an engagement, the engagement ring must be properly returned to the giver. However, tradition dictates that if it is the man who broke off the engagement, the woman has the option to keep the engagement ring. But legally, this falls under either the strict or modified rule. The strict rule states that the man is entitled to get the engagement ring back unless he was the one who caused the break-up. The modified rule, on the other hand, says that the man has the right to demand for the ring to be returned except when he himself breaks off the engagement. In other countries, the ring is always returned to the man, regardless of whoever is at fault. Others treat the engagement ring as an unconditional gift. Thus, whether the relationship works out or not, the woman can still keep the ring.
So, if ever a man surprises you with an engagement ring, take a deep breath and think. Of course, it is inevitable for you do be stunned. But don't get carried away and say "yes" in a split second. Ask yourself first if you really want the relationship to be bonded forever. A nice, expensive ring can never assure of a happy future. If you have second thoughts, you can still take some time to think about it. It is your life you are deciding for anyway, so make it the best. But if you can honestly say "yes," and not just because of the sparkling gem-studded ring before your eyes, then go for it and wear that band of forever on your finger.
