Marriage is a lasting commitment and the tradition surrounding the selection, purchase and presentation of the engagement ring holds a special place in the hearts of many. From a young age, women across the globe dream about their wedding, which often starts with receiving a diamond engagement ring from a special man. Although the ritual surrounding this betrothal gift can vary by culture, many enjoy understanding the centuries old traditions that accompany this act.
History of Engagement Rings
The story of engagement rings is an interesting mix of religion, class and style. Originally introduced by the ancient Romans, these signs of commitment fell out of favor. In time, pronouncements by the Catholic Church revived the use of engagement rings when they were formally considered statements of matrimonial intent. These early rings could be made of almost any material, however once Pope Innocent III required a longer waiting period for marriage an engagement ring was typically made of iron, silver or gold. Engagement diamond rings were not popular until 1477 when Maximilla of Austria married Mary of Burgundy; not only did the diamond engagement ring represent their relationship, but also the strong bond between Austria and France. Since then, the popularity of diamond engagement rings and those featuring other stones have grown throughout the world.
International Differences
Over time engagement rings have become increasingly popular, however their method of use is affected by cultural differences. The hand upon which the engagement ring is worn is just one example: In the United States it’s worn on the left hand, in Poland the engagement ring is worn on the right hand and in Germany the ring is worn on the left hand during the betrothal and moved to the right hand after marriage. Differences exist surrounding who wears an engagement ring too. While it’s most common in western countries for the woman to wear a betrothal ring, men and women wear engagement rings in northern European countries. Many more differences can also be seen across other countries.
Engagement Ring Styles
Available to match the taste and style of the wearer, engagement ring styles are as varied as the individuals that wear them. While a ring can be made of any materials, the beauty and longevity of engagement diamond rings make them among the most popular. A prospective bride has an array of cut choices and settings to find the ring that’s right for her. Favorite diamond cuts include Round, Princess, Marquis and Emerald Cut, while prong, invisible, bezel and channel settings are frequently used in diamond engagement rings. Despite the many available choices, brides in the United States often focus on more traditional styles that include a solitary stone in a pronged setting, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful engagement diamond ring.
Becoming Part of the Tradition
Marriage is a beautiful bond between two people and the engagement ring embodies the tradition behind the institution. Regardless of their style or type, engagement rings are more than simple pieces of jewelry and must be selected with care. As every bride and groom creates their own engagement ring story, they should be happy to know that whether they settle on an engagement diamond ring, a band featuring gemstones or some other type of ring, they are adding their own history and lore to the tradition of the engagement ring.
Author Resource:
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