For men, engagement rings are a public declaration that they are ready to take on the responsibilities of marriage. Aside from that, they also show their friends and family that they are serious about their relationship.
They are often given to a woman upon a man’s marriage proposal, but same-sex couples can also acquire them. Read on to learn more about the history of engagement rings.
Origins
The history of engagement rings is a long one. They can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who used them to symbolize eternity since circles have no beginning or end and represent wholeness and renewal.
They also symbolize eternal love, which is an essential aspect of marriage. Early on, they were often given by aristocrats and royalty as a sign of their promise to marry.
Today, however, men give them mainly as a sign of commitment to their future spouses. Some women even purchase their engagement rings, mainly if they are in a non-traditional relationship, such as an open or same-sex relationship.
The modern diamond engagement ring first gained popularity in the 1930s when De Beers began running campaigns to promote it. The 1960s saw two celebrities—Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis—wearing dazzling asscher-cut diamond rings. As a result, this became the preferred style for many women.
Symbolism
The engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment between two people. A man traditionally presents it to his future wife during a proposal. It is customary to wear the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. It is due to the belief that a vein directly connects this finger to the heart. Therefore, it is considered the most appropriate finger for wearing a ring. The ring is usually made of precious metals, and many people choose to have stones set around the band. This design symbolizes eternity and everlasting love.
For many men, becoming engaged is a sign that they are ready to settle down and start a family. It also shows their commitment to their future wife and their seriousness about her. It is also a way to let their friends and family know they are in a committed relationship. They can then celebrate their engagement with them. They can also give her a ring to show their appreciation for her.
Styles
The ring you choose reflects your style and may symbolize the values you and your partner share. From solitaires to multi-stone designs, many beautiful options are available today.
In the past, engagement rings were more of a sign of the family’s wealth and status. They could even serve as a replacement for the dowry the groom’s family would pay.
These days, it is common for men to wear engagement rings and for them to be bought by women. While some believe this demonstrates equality in the relationship, it’s more commonly a symbolic gesture of love and commitment to one another.
Halo diamond settings are popular because they create a dazzling shimmer around the center stone, making it look more significant and impressive. It is an excellent option for those who desire a traditional diamond engagement ring but prefer sapphires or rubies. Halo diamonds can also be tapered to resemble the look of a ballerina tutu.
Budget
The ring is a symbol of your commitment to one another. It’s a piece of jewelry you’ll wear for the rest of your lives and a sign that says, “I love you.”
An honest conversation about your budget with your partner is essential before engaging. It’s also a good idea to look for jewelers that offer excellent return, exchange, and warranty policies in case your ring needs repair or resizing.
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of engagement rings, but it’s essential to remember that they’re simply a form of jewelry. They symbolize your dedication to one another, and selecting a ring that brings joy to both parties is crucial. It’s also a good idea not to go into debt over your engagement ring and to think about your other financial goals, such as saving for a home or paying off student loans. You should save up for your engagement ring and pay for it with cash.
