Rings have been used as a symbol for centuries. Although this tradition has survived to this day, most young people do not even know how important these rings are. At the same time, the engagement ring is one of the small but also very important details. It means change, expectation and celebration. Why do we actually get an engagement ring and what does it symbolize?
What is an engagement ring?
The very definition of an engagement ring varies between couples, but they usually represent a commitment. Most couples use it as a way to mark a future marriage, and others wear it simply as a means of symbolizing devotion to each other. Basically, you promise yourself to someone else.
History of engagement rings
The history of engagement rings began to be written on the banks of rivers and in blacksmith workshops. We do not know the exact date when he first appeared. Some experts believe that the oldest surviving record of the donation of the ring comes from ancient Egypt sometime around 4800 BC. The circle on the finger marked eternity, without beginning and end. The hole in the middle of the ring is also very important. It is not just an empty hole, but a gate or door through which one enters the world of unexpected and unknown events. Giving a ring to a woman therefore means infinite and immortal love.
The rings were not originally made of very durable materials, so over time they switched to leather, bone or ivory. The more expensive the material, the deeper the faith it meant and, of course, how the donor has a bloated wallet.
The custom of donating an engagement ring was gradually adopted by the ancient Romans. For them, however, the circles were more property. The woman belonged to them as their property. There were usually two rings. One iron to wear at home and the other of precious metal (usually gold) to wear in public. The Romans were also the first to have a message engraved on the ring.
Until the middle of the 9th century, rings were not allowed in Christianity as part of the wedding ceremony. As soon as this ban fell, the bride and groom received richly decorated rings in engraved circles with engraved doves, lyres or joined hands. However, such jewelry was rejected by the church, so in the 13th century it took on a much simpler character.
In the 15th century, gold and precious stones began to be combined, and such rings were most often used by aristocratic families. The rings were very similar to today and the stones had different meanings. Ruby represented love, emerald home and diamonds fidelity and permanence.
Diamonds have a special place on the engagement ring
Diamonds began to appear in engagement rings until the end of the 15th century. In the 19th century, they looked almost the same as they do today. A pearl or a precious stone set in a ring showed the public that two young people had decided to unite their lives in a marriage.
Engagement Ring
The rise of diamond engagement rings was recorded after the discovery of diamond mines on the African continent. And from then until today, they are still very popular during engagements. At the beginning of the 20th century, DeBeers, a diamond merchant, began to convince everyone that only a diamond was a suitable stone, symbolizing true love for a woman. They are still in fashion and very often we meet not only with white diamonds, but also in various color variations. Now the Oval Moissanite Engagement Rings are the perfect choices there.
On which finger is an engagement ring worn?
An engagement ring is most often worn on the left hand. In the middle Ages, people believed that the vena amoris (vein of love) passed through the fourth finger. According to superstition, there is a direct connection between the ring finger and the heart. Therefore, the ring will still be close to the heart. However, it is not necessary to wear the ring only on the left. Some women wear it on their right hands, especially after the wedding. Or even on the neck of the chain because they don’t want it to wear out.
A very interesting reason is that the ring finger on the left hand is one of the least stressed fingers, and therefore there is less risk that the ring will be damaged.
What can an engagement ring symbolize?
In most Western cultures, a ring is seen as a gift and an expression of a desire to spend the rest of your life with a woman,
Promise: a woman wears a ring because she promises to marry a man and is officially entered,
Circle: the rings form metal rings and the circle itself is part of the sacred symbolic geometry. A circle without beginning and end is eternal, infinite and perfect. It can also represent the Sun, Moon and planets. The circle symbolizes the infinite love and union of the lives of two people,
Heritage: some couples choose rings that have a certain symbolism in them. Celtic rings, which are tied to family and tradition, are popular. Antiques, on the other hand, are often a family heritage and have been in the family for many generations. Go for the Affordable Moissanite Rings there.
Beads from the world
The smallest engagement ring was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. already in his two years.
In the USA, 17 tons of gold are used per year to make engagement rings.
The gold ring with a diamond was donated to his fiancée Maria Burgundy as the first Austrian Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg in 1477.
Over 80% of American engagements cannot do without a diamond ring.
Gold engagement rings were found even in the ruins after the destruction of Pompeii. You were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79.
In recent years, various shapes of stones (oval, emerald, princesses and pillows) have been gaining popularity. During World War II, platinum rings could not be used because this metal was widely used in the armaments industry. That is why rings of gold and silver were made the most.
