A Complete Guide to Engagement and Wedding Rings
Jewelry is always desirable. It is made of rare metals, gems and tends to have a high price tag attached. It can be used as a status symbol, can complement outfits, can become a statement piece that’s associated with you and your look. But one of the most desirable forms of jewelry? The engagement and wedding ring. This rings, of course, tend to be some of the most expensive that we own. They look great and there’s an endless variety of styles, metals and stones used to create them. They are worn on the left index finger to differentiate them from different types of rings. We start off with the engagement ring and then the wedding ring joins later. But what sets these rings apart from the rest? The symbolism. An engagement and wedding ring are a sign of love. They are a sign of partnership. They reflect your partner’s deep and ongoing love for you. They read commitment. They are an indicator that you are taken and that nobody else need try. This is what makes them so desirable. If you’re considering investing in an engagement ring, or simply want to plan so you can drop some hints for your proposal, here’s a complete guide to engagement and wedding rings to help you find the best to meet your needs.
Engagement Rings
There’s a lot to be said about engagement rings, so let’s take some time to get to know them, and their types, better.
The History
Engagement rings have a long history behind them. They can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where engagement rings were found to be made from reed and hemp bands. In Ancient Rome, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) notes that Roman women wore rings crafted from ivory, flint, bone, copper, and iron. Of course, things weren’t necessarily quite so romantic back then; it was thought that the engagement ring was used to signify a business contract or to affirm mutual love and obedience to their partner. Engagement rings made from gold were later found in the ruins of Pompeii, proving that the more modern metal had, by then, became the material of choice. The rise of the diamond as the most popular stone for engagement rings is thought to have begun in the 15th century, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring to be created on record. This ring was for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy and set off a trend for diamond rings among European aristocracy and nobility. Of course, it’s likely that diamond engagement rings existed before this marked event, but since, it’s needless to say that the trend has swept around Europe and much of the wider world.
Modern Day Engagement Ring Trends
The Knot – a site focused ona ll things engagement and marriage, conducted studies and has found that the most common engagement ring chosen nowadays is a round diamond ring. An impressive 41% of respondents to their survey noted that they have this style – and this doesn’t seem to be anything new – round rings have been the most popular engagement ring shape for quite a long time now. Of course, trends come and go, so if you’re finding yourself seeing a lot of oval shape diamond rings being flaunted lately, this is because this engagement ring shape has been gaining popularity in recent years, with 19% of respondents in the Knot study receiving an oval-cut engagement ring in the past two years – up from 15% in 2020! Currently, the most popular metal is white gold, with 45% of respondents saying that they have a white gold band.
Finding the Right Ring for You
Of course, the right engagement ring for you will depend entirely on your individual tastes and preferences. Different people have different looks and styles, so you may find that a white gold band with a round cut diamond is the perfect fit for you, or you may be looking for something a little different. The world is your oyster when it comes to engagement rings, as the important part is that it represents your love with your partner and that you love the ring too! You can browse ranges of rings at endless retailers, like an engagement ring from SuperJeweler. Popular metals tend to include white gold, platinum, yellow gold and rose gold. Popular stones can vary from diamonds to emerald, ruby, sapphire and countless other precious stones. You may even want to consider synthetic stones, which are much lower cost but have the exact same scientific makeup. Popular stone cuts include the round cut, the princess cut, the cushion cut, triangle, heart, pear, emerald, baguette, marquise and heart cuts.
Wedding Bands
A wedding band differs from an engagement ring in that it is a stacking ring that sits below the engagement ring. It is presented between partners at the wedding ceremony and represents their bond. The main distinction between an engagement ring and a wedding band is that a wedding band is worn by both people in the relationship, whereas the engagement ring is usually only worn by the person who was proposed to. The wedding band also tends to be more plain. While an engagement ring tends to have a large stone or many stones, a wedding band tends to be plain. Again, you will need to choose what design works for you and your partner. Partners tend to opt for the same metal, in order to match, but this isn’t a rule that is set in stone. Popular metals, again, tend to include white gold, platinum, yellow gold and rose gold.
Get the Size Right
Of course, it’s important to get the size right when choosing engagement rings and wedding bands. Many people make the mistake of simply choosing any ring, but you need to make sure they fit your fingers well. This will prevent them from being too tight, which can be dangerous and painful, or being too loose, which can result in them slipping off. Most jewelers will be able to effectively measure your fingers for you, giving you an accurate ring size.
Hopefully, some of the information outlined above will help you to find the right engagement ring and wedding band to tick all of your boxes. It’s worth shopping around, as different options work best for different people!
