In many
cultures, the
circle was considered to be the
symbol of
perfection,
unity, and
eternity. This gives us the basic symbolism of a
ring that makes it especially suited to pledging one's love.
However, the earliest engagement rings were pure
business. They doubled as
wedding rings, serving to seal the act of
sale which transferred
ownership of a daughter from
father to
husband (hence the practice of
giving away the bride). Such rings were usually of solid
gold to prove the
groom's worth.
The
Romans supposedly believed that the third finger of the left hand had a special vein that ran directly to the heart. While having no basis in scientific
anatomy, the romantic custom still stands. King
Edward VI of
England designated the third finger, left hand, as the official "
ring finger" and in
1549 the
Book of Common Prayer designated the left hand as the
marriage hand.
The current
archetypal engagement ring is the round
Tiffany-cut diamond solitaire on a
gold band. The actual
Tiffany's 2000 model is
square-cut--quite nifty.
Colored
gemstone engagement rings are currently uncommon, although they are traditional among the
royal families of
Europe. However, the idea is regaining popularity.
Non-traditional rings that don't necessarily
cost a fortune are also becoming popular.
Poesy rings,
silver rings, and so on are still romantic and pretty, but also more
original and
meaningful. Rings inspired by various
cultures and
traditions, such as
Claddagh rings or solid
jade bands, are also a new
trend for the
nonconformist. And there is even the occasional engagement
pendant or other non-ring piece. The two-months'
salary price benchmark is believed to have been invented by
De Beers to get people to spend excessively, when it's really the
love that counts.