The Origin of Engagement Rings

Engagement rings have been used for centuries and date back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed that the ring finger on the left hand contained a vein that went directly to the heart. Today, an engagement ring given by a man to a woman is a sign of betrothal. While size and shape differ by circumstance and preference, the engagement ring is a popular way of showing the world that a woman is engaged to be married.

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Instructions

Significance

1. An engagement ring signifies a woman's commitment to marrying the man who has given it to her. The circular shape of the ring represents the eternal nature of a couple's love and commitment. It is also implied that the cost associated with purchasing the ring demonstrates the man's good intentions.

History

2. While there are no precise dates, it is said that the Egyptians were the first to utilize the idea of an engagement ring. It was usually woven from rush plants and worn on the ring finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein in this finger went directly to the heart. During ancient Roman times, a man gave a "truth ring" to a woman as a way of claiming her for his own. The ancient Greeks also offered a "betrothal ring." It wasn't until the fifteenth century when engagement rings as we know them today appeared, made of metal and containing precious stones, when Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg was said to have given a diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy.

Types

3. In today's Western world, an engagement ring is usually a band of gold or platinum with a large diamond set in the middle. The diamond may be accented with additional, smaller diamonds or gemstones, but it is not uncommon to find engagement rings that prominently feature another gem, such as a sapphire, as the center stone. Shape also varies and the central gemstone can be a multitude of shapes and cuts, such as emerald, round, princess or marquise, among others.

Size

4. Advertising lore would have you believe that three months' salary must be spent on an engagement ring, but in truth, the engagement ring's stones can be of any size. In general, the center stone should be proportionate to size of the woman's hand. The size of the band of the ring should match the woman's ring size.

Misconceptions

5. The size of the engagement ring is not a legitimate measure of a man's love for a woman. All men have different financial situations that can affect the amount of money spent on a ring. An engagement ring is also different than a wedding ring, in that it is generally presented in conjunction with a proposal of marriage.

Resources

• Interesting history of engagement rings
• More about the origins of engagement rings