ENGAGEMENT RINGS -
TRADITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE AND HISTORY
For centuries, couples around the world have been establishing their unconditional love for one another with a beautiful diamond engagement ring. An
engagement ring carries profound symbolism that speaks to the depth of love, commitment, and unity shared between two individuals as they embark
on the journey of a lifetime together. It is a representation of unbreakable bond between two individuals. The ring serves as a tangible symbol of the
promise to love, honor, and cherish one another for a lifetime.
THE HISTORY AND SYMBOLISM OF ENGAGEMENT RINGS
The formal marriage proposal wasn’t part of the traditional ritual until the Middle Ages. And it wasn’t until the 20th century in North America that couples
started exchanging diamond engagement rings.
The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back thousands of years and has evolved over time with various cultural influences. Discover the fascinating history of the engagement rings and why it has become a customary way to display/ camouflage/ your love and commitment.
The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back thousands of years and has evolved over time with various cultural influences. Discover the fascinating history of the engagement rings and why it has become a customary way to display/ camouflage/ your love and commitment.
Up until the past century, wedding rings were mostly worn by
women, although the Christian church promoted exchanging wed-
ding rings as a way of keeping men faithful. Dual rings came into
existence during WWII when American and European soldiers wore
wedding rings as a way to remember their wives back home. The
tradition continued through the Korean War. After this, wedding rings
for men caught on among civilians as well.
Ancient Egypt: The earliest evidence of engagement rings dates back to ancient Egypt around 2800 BCE. Rings made from braided hemp or reeds were exchanged as symbols of commitment and eternity, representing the circle of life and love without end.
Ancient Rome: In ancient Rome, betrothal rings called “annulus pronubus” were exchanged as a sign of agreement between families rather than a symbol of romantic love. These rings were typically made from iron, symbolizing strength and permanence.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, the use of engagement rings became more widespread in Europe. Rings with intricate designs and gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, became popular among the nobility and aristocracy. These rings were often adorned with symbols of love and fidelity, such as hearts and clasped hands.
17th Century: In the 17th century, the tradition of using diamonds in engagement rings began to gain popularity, particularly among the upper classes. Diamonds were prized for their durability and bril- liance, symbolizing eternal love and commitment.
Victorian Era: The Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in symbolism and sentimentality in engagement rings. Rings were often adorned with gemstones that held symbolic meaning, such as birth- stones or gemstones associated with love and fidelity. Additionally, the use of intricate designs, such as floral motifs and intricate filigree work, became fashionable.
Ancient Egypt: The earliest evidence of engagement rings dates back to ancient Egypt around 2800 BCE. Rings made from braided hemp or reeds were exchanged as symbols of commitment and eternity, representing the circle of life and love without end.
Ancient Rome: In ancient Rome, betrothal rings called “annulus pronubus” were exchanged as a sign of agreement between families rather than a symbol of romantic love. These rings were typically made from iron, symbolizing strength and permanence.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, the use of engagement rings became more widespread in Europe. Rings with intricate designs and gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, became popular among the nobility and aristocracy. These rings were often adorned with symbols of love and fidelity, such as hearts and clasped hands.
17th Century: In the 17th century, the tradition of using diamonds in engagement rings began to gain popularity, particularly among the upper classes. Diamonds were prized for their durability and bril- liance, symbolizing eternal love and commitment.
Victorian Era: The Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in symbolism and sentimentality in engagement rings. Rings were often adorned with gemstones that held symbolic meaning, such as birth- stones or gemstones associated with love and fidelity. Additionally, the use of intricate designs, such as floral motifs and intricate filigree work, became fashionable.
This gold ring from the late
Medieval period is set with an uncut brown
diamond crystal.
Copyright: GIA & Tino Hammid.
Courtesy: Benjamin Zucker
“With this ring I thee wed, and this gold and
silver I thee give: and with my body I thee
worship, and with all my worldly chattels I
thee honor.” (p. 86) – Women’s Lives in
Medieval Europe
The diamond solitaire ring has become a universal symbol of love. It has a timeless
quality, as evidenced by this Victorian-era engagement ring featuring a 0.88 carat (ct)
old mine cut diamond. Courtesy: TheRealReal.com
De Beers Marketing Campaign: In the 20th century, the De Beers diamond company launched a highly successful marketing campaign promoting
the idea that diamonds were the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. The famous slogan “A Diamond is Forever” reinforced the idea of the
enduring nature of love and solidified the diamond engagement ring as a cultural norm.
Today, engagement rings come in a wide variety of styles, metals, and gemstones, reflecting individual preferences and cultural diversity. While the
tradition of exchanging engagement rings remains strong, there is greater flexibility in ring designs and personalization options to suit the tastes of
modern couples.
THE LEFT vs RIGHT DEBATE:
WHAT HAND DOSE THE ENGAGEMENT RING GO ON?
Evidence dates back that Romans were the first to engrave their metal rings. The Romans, as well as the Greeks, wore the symbolic ring on the fourth
finger on the left, as we wear it today. The ring finger, as we know it today was believed to contain the vena amoris, a vein that leads straight to the
heart. When the ring was placed on the ‘vein of love’ it represented the sacred union formed between two people. Up until today, a beautiful engage-
ment ring symbolises the unconditional love between couples.
The debate on whether to wear an engagement ring on the left hand or right hand is largely influenced by cultural traditions, personal preferences, and individual beliefs. Let’s explore both perspectives:
The debate on whether to wear an engagement ring on the left hand or right hand is largely influenced by cultural traditions, personal preferences, and individual beliefs. Let’s explore both perspectives:
Photo Credits: Pexels, Photo by Imam Motret
RING ON LEFT-HAND
In many Western cultures, including the United States and the
United Kingdom, wearing the engagement ring on the left hand is a
longstanding tradition tracing back to ancient Roman beliefs that a
vein, known as the “vena amoris” or “vein of love,” runs directly from
the heart to the fourth finger of the left hand. When the ring was
placed on the ‘vein of love’ it represented the sacred union formed
between two people. Up until today, a beautiful engagement ring
symbolises the unconditional love between couples.
Wearing the engagement ring on the left hand symbolizes the commitment and bond between two individuals. The placement of the ring on the finger closest to the heart is thought to signify the deep emotional connection and love shared between partners.
Many couples choose to wear the engagement ring on the left hand so that it can be easily paired with the wedding band, which is traditionally worn on the same finger.
Wearing the engagement ring on the left hand symbolizes the commitment and bond between two individuals. The placement of the ring on the finger closest to the heart is thought to signify the deep emotional connection and love shared between partners.
Many couples choose to wear the engagement ring on the left hand so that it can be easily paired with the wedding band, which is traditionally worn on the same finger.
RING ON RIGHT-HAND
In some cultures and countries, wearing the engagement ring on
the right hand is more common or even considered traditional. For
example, in countries such as Germany, Russia, and India, it is
customary to wear engagement rings on the right hand.
Some individuals choose to wear the engagement ring on the right hand simply because they prefer the aesthetics or feel more comfortable wearing it on that hand. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining which hand to wear the ring on.
For individuals who use their left hand more frequently for tasks such as writing or manual labor, wearing the engagement ring on the right hand may be more practical and comfortable.
Some individuals choose to wear the engagement ring on the right hand simply because they prefer the aesthetics or feel more comfortable wearing it on that hand. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining which hand to wear the ring on.
For individuals who use their left hand more frequently for tasks such as writing or manual labor, wearing the engagement ring on the right hand may be more practical and comfortable.
In conclusion, the debate on wearing an engagement ring on the left hand or right hand ultimately comes down to personal choice, cultural influences, and symbolic meaning. Whether worn on the left hand or right hand, the engagement ring serves as a beautiful symbol of love, commitment, and partnership between two individuals.
