Engagement Rings
Introduction
An engagement ring is normally presented to a woman by a man when he proposes to her. In some countries, both men and women wear engagement rings. The wearing of an engagement ring symbolises the person's promise to marry the giver of the ring.
Purchasing an Engagement Ring
Engagement rings are often bought in secret, as a surpise for the lady in question. The ring may either be presented in its box or hidden somewhere where the lady is sure to find it. However, nowadays it is becoming more common for couples to choose the ring together. Although this may not seem as romantic, this option may be wiser if the woman is known to be rather particular about the jewellery she wears. Another reason for a couple to choose an engagement ring together is that they may prefer to purchase a two- or three-piece matching ring set. The former consists of matching engagement and wedding rings. The latter consists of his and hers wedding rings and an engagement ring, and is sometimes referred to as a ‘trio’ wedding set. In countries where both partners wear engagement rings, matching or complimenting rings tend to be purchased together rather than secretly as a surprise.
An example of a vintage diamond ring.
Engagement rings need not be brand new. They may be purchased from an antique shop, pawn shop, or auction, or they may be a family heirloom, passed down through the generations. Second-hand or antique rings come in a wide range of styles, depending on their age and origin. As there are fewer like them around, they can be really eye catching and distinct.
The Price
There is a well-known idea that a man should spend about two months' wages on an engagement ring. This figure was proposed by the diamond industry in an attempt to increase profits. There is of course no ‘correct’ amount to spend on an engagement ring. Although many women appreciate beautiful, high-quality jewellery, the words of the accompanying proposal and what the ring represents are more important.
How an Engagement Ring is Worn
A diamond solitaire engagement ring shown on a lady's ring finger.
An engagement ring is worn on the ring finger (anatomically known as the digitus medicinalis, third finger, digitus annularis, digitus quartus, or digitus IV). Whether it is worn on the right or left hand depends on which country the wearer is from. It is worn on the left hand in countries such as the U.K. and U.S.A.; it is worn on the right hand in countries such as Norway, Russia, Poland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Spain.
Engagement and wedding rings are normally placed right next to each other on the ring finger. However, in the Netherlands, Protestants traditionally wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of the left hand and their wedding ring on the ring finger of the right hand (a practice that is also common in Germany), whereas Roman Catholics do the reverse.
Apart from in divorce cases, engagement and wedding rings are normally worn forever, even after the death of the other partner, which in many countries means the end of a marriage.
Styles
Engagement rings traditionally contain one or more diamonds. A ring with one centrally placed stone is known as a solitaire ring. Other ring designs may incorporate side stones. In the case of rings with three horizontally set stones, the three stones represent the past, present, and future of a couple's love and time together. Due to their lower costs, other colourless alternatives to diamond, such as moissanite, cubic zirconia, and zircon, are popular options for those on a budget. Coloured stones (both diamond and non-diamond) are also sometimes used in engagement rings.
Engagement rings are normally made with yellow gold, white gold, or platinum. Palladium is fast gaining popularity as an alternative to white gold and platinum.