The engagement ring

Congratulations! You said yes to the “Big” question now the engagement ring is on your finger.  Couples share standard views about the direction of their relationship, wants, and desires.  Let’s face it, most of us know how and where to buy an engagement ring,  but not many know the history or statistics behind them.  Here are some fun facts about engagement rings, the origins of the custom, the most popular styles, shapes, and many other exciting stories about this traditional piece of jewelry.

Preparation for Marriage

1. In the past, engagement rings were given as a sign of financial commitment. Men gave rings to women to signify that they could support them financially.  To reinforce their wealthy prowess, they even offered a purse of gold coins with the engagement ring.

One of the main reasons for an engagement traditionally has been to prepare for marriage.  Engagement changes the status of a couple and demonstrates their commitment not just to each other but also to a specific change of lifestyle.  For many couples, married life will be the first time they permanently live away from their parent’s home.   The engagement period gives couples time to save money and prepare for their wedding and their new life together.

Demonstrate Commitment

• Until recently, engagement rings were chosen by men to be worn by women. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for men to involve their girlfriends in the selection process or even wear engagement rings themselves.
• Old fashioned conventions suggest that a man should spend between one and three months’ salary on an engagement ring for his bride-to-be. However, research indicates that most people spend around three weeks’ salary on their chosen ring.
• December is the most popular month for buying engagement rings and actual engagements themselves. Approximately 15% of couples get engaged during this festive season.  Apart from Christmas, Valentines’ Day, Thanksgiving, and New Years’ are also big days for an engagement proposal.
• Around 2,000 couples get engaged at Disney World each year. The Statue of Liberty is another popular choice, with approximately one hundred couples taking the ferry there to get engaged.

Couples can get engaged at many different stages of a relationship.  Some couples are in their first real romance, others have already set up a home and live together, and others are in a different stage of life where one or both may be coming from a prior marriage.  No matter what stage you are in life, getting engaged shows a commitment to each other as a couple ready to move forward in their relationship.  Many couples see their engagement as an expression of the depth of their commitment to themselves, family, and friends.  The engagement ring is a tangible symbol of that relationship.  It symbolizes the enduring status of their relationship as an expression of dedication, love, and commitment. It represents the beautiful journey two people embark upon when they decide to spend their lives together.  A wedding journey begins with a proposal.

The Origination of the Wedding Ring Finger

6. It is believed that engagement rings originated in Ancient Egypt, where their shape symbolized eternity.
7. Different countries have different engagement ring customs. For example, in the U.S., engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand, while in Russia, India, and many European countries, the engagement ring is worn on the right.

The custom of giving engagement rings began as early as the ancient Egyptian period.  The engagement ring is typically worn on the left ring finger in the Western world, while many European countries wear the ring on the right hand.  The Ancient Egyptian and Roman peoples wore their wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand because of what is known as the “Vein of Love.”  This vein was believed to run directly from the left hand to the heart. Therefore, wearing an engagement ring on this finger symbolized the compassion and love that flowed between a married couple.  So, to solidify a union founded in love, a ring is placed on that specific finger to signify the romance that the newly wedded couple shared, essentially connecting their two hearts. 

8. Incidentally, the average man spends around one to three months shopping for the perfect ring!
9. However surprising it may sound, only around 35 percent of engagement rings are purchased without the fiancee’s knowledge.
10. Contemporary couples often choose engagement rings together. Up to 60% of brides are involved in selecting the ring, and 3% choose it themselves.

An engagement ring that usually encases a beautiful diamond or other colorful jewel is an engagement gift by a partner to their prospective spouse when they propose marriage or after the marriage proposal is accepted.  In Western countries, engagement rings are worn mostly by women.  However, neologism “management ring” is sometimes used for an engagement ring worn by men. 

11. The mostfrequently selected engagement ring style is a round-cut brilliant diamond ring, closely followed by a princess cut. While yellow gold was the most common choice, white gold and platinum have become the most popular engagement and wedding ring alloys.
12. Colorless diamonds are the most popular engagement ring stones, although colored diamonds have increased in popularity in recent years.
13. Even though diamonds, especially when paired with platinum, are extremely tough, they still require a bit of maintenance, so experts recommend regular check-ups.
14. Experts recommend taking your engagement ring off when playing sports, swimming, showering, sleeping, or doing any other activity that may damage the ring.
15. A recent study revealed that 28% of women would turn down a proposal if they didn’t like the ring!  While this may seem extreme, it is essential to remember that the ring must suit the couple’s unique style and taste – after all, it’s intended to be worn for a lifetime.

Proposing to the love of your life is a thrilling time!  But, the truth is the engagement ring you choose will always be so much more than a piece of beautiful jewelry.  It stands for something, and it means something. It will speak when all else is silent.  An engagement ring is a symbol of your future life together, and when it comes to your love for each other, it’s the most outstanding symbol there is.  Congratulations!  It’s time to start your “Wedding Journey”!