Did you ever ask yourself: What is the engagement ring's origin? Delve into the captivating journey of the engagement ring, from its ancient roots to the modern-day tradition that binds hearts worldwide. Find out more about its symbolism, structure, and of course, how to keep it safe and secure.
Engagement Ring As A Symbol of Love
An engagement ring is a ring that indicates that the person wearing it is due to be married, in Western cultures. It symbolizes an agreement to marriage and is usually presented to one of the couples by the other during a proposal.
In some cultures, the engagement ring is then worn as the wedding ring too, although many couples choose to buy separate ones.
Typically, it is worn on the left hand’s ring finger.
Diamonds are Forever - Popularity of Diamond Engagement Rings
Historically, the origin of the engagement ring can be traced back to Ancient Rome, although some historians believe the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks may have had similar traditions. Roman women would receive two engagement rings, one made of gold, for wearing in public, and one made of iron, for wearing at home.
Roman texts suggest that engagement rings were worn on the ring finger of the left hand because it was believed to contain a vein that led to the heart, a theory that was reiterated in other texts until the 17th Century AD.
Evidence that engagement rings were used as a symbol of betrothal have been found throughout the Middle Ages, Renaissance period, and in the 18th century too.
Diamond engagement rings increased in popularity in the Victorian era, with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1866. They later decreased in popularity until after both World War I and World War II.
A single marketing campaign with the famous slogan diamonds are forever is credited with being responsible for reviving the popularity of diamond engagement rings, and they’ve been the default option for many ever since.
The Structure of the Engagement Ring
The Setting of the Engagement Ring
The ‘setting’ (or ‘mount’) of the engagement ring is the whole ring, excluding the center stone. It can be plain or set with gemstones, with a variety of different embellishments depending on the style. The ‘head’ is the setting that holds the main gemstone, typically a diamond.
The ‘shoulder’ of a ring is a part of the setting that describes the side of the mount, leading up to the head. ‘Side stones’ can be used to embellish the shoulder, and they’re held in place by the ‘prongs’. The prongs are pieces of metal that are designed to hold the center stone or side stones in place.
The Band of the Engagement Ring
The ‘band’ is the part of the engagement ring that fits around the finger. It’s typically made of a metal, commonly white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, silver, platinum or titanium. The band (also known as the ‘shank’) will be individually sized to fit different ring measurements and can be resized throughout the lifetime of the ring.
The journey of the engagement ring is a tale of love, commitment, and the enduring symbol it represents. However, the story doesn't end with the exchange of rings; it continues with the responsibility to protect and cherish this precious symbol.
Just as every love story is unique, so should be the care for the symbol that represents it. That's where The Ring Keeper comes in – a reliable companion that ensures your engagement ring stays safe and secure, no matter where life takes you. Whether you're hitting the gym, heading to work, or embarking on a new adventure, The Ring Keeper is designed to safeguard your precious jewelry.
Remember, your engagement ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a testament to the commitment you've made to each other. By using The Ring Keeper, you're not just protecting your ring; you're safeguarding the memories, promises, and love it signifies.
Make a statement with your engagement ring – let it sparkle not only on your finger but also in the safety of The Ring Keeper. Visit our store today and give your love story the protection it deserves. Because when it comes to your engagement ring, the story doesn't end with I do; it continues with I will always keep it safe.
