Matching Rings: rules, traditions and history of the symbol of love
A symbol of love and commitment, the engagement ring is a sought-after and coveted present! But do you know the origins of this custom? Find out the history behind the tradition of the engagement ring: rules, history and even a touch of the etiquette!
It is interesting for both the person who is receiving the ring and the person who gave it to learn more about it: rules, traditions and the history that will help you to comprehend the significance of this jewel that will lead you into an eternity of love and will be the one you wear next to your wedding ring. Before you even start fantasizing about the day in which you will exchange your fateful vows of marriage, take a few minutes to learn about the mysteries that surround this important ring that is typically given by pronouncing unforgettable phrases of love.
What does the Couple Jewelry Sets mean? What is the significance of the engagement ring?
As early as the Middle Ages, giving and accepting an engagement ring was a way of creating a bond: the couple in fact agreed to set the date to make their vows. During the Enlightenment the custom of secret wedding rings was introduced. These rings were divided into pieces, and then joined to form wedding rings. In the same era, the so-called poetry rings, embellished with romantic phrases or poetic verses, also came into vogue as a sign of commitment to the union.
The diamond engagement ring came into fashion in the Victorian period. Before that, the rings were made of plain metal. Legend has it that Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave his beloved Mary of Burgundy an engagement ring in gold with a diamond set within it, and from that point on, this kind of ring became the standard symbol of engagement.
What about today?
The current tradition of the engagement ring is traced back to the De Beers family, a world market leader in the trade of diamonds, which began a massive advertising campaign in 1938. The massive advertisements, featuring Hollywood actors, singers and actors even suggested how much to spend on an engagement ring. A month's salary was suggested, but later it was raised to two months' wage. In 1948, copywriter Frances Gerety created the famous slogan for De Beers "A diamond is eternal", which contributed significantly to spreading the tradition of the diamond engagement ring throughout the world, including in countries that did not have a diamond, such as Japan.
Excellent tips from Etiquette
Etiquette suggests selecting jewelry that reflects the preferences and character of the person who receives it. It is highly unlikely that a bride who decides to have an ordinary wedding will appreciate a luxurious piece of jewelry, in which case family jewels can also be used, possibly to be modernized or altered, thus increasing the sentimental and symbolic value of the object. The ring's delivery, according to etiquette, signifies the beginning of an entire sequence of events and customs: the person giving the ring must also have a bouquet of flowers delivered to the bride's parents and the bride's parents should return the bouquet with a gift that is of equal value. The customs have been lost, but the value of common sense and politeness is still highly valued.
When to give an engagement ring
The etiquette says that the dream ring should be given one year prior to the wedding date. However, the times have changed. There is no set norm. However, this doesn't mean that you can't give the engagement wedding ring with no wedding proposal! This custom has become more romantic and less rigid, even when it comes to timing. Choose when you're sure and on the date that is meaningful to you. Remember that planning the wedding may take several months. You'll decide on the wedding date once the diamond is placed on the ring finger of your loved one.
Where should the ring of engagement be set?
The ceremony's rules differ depending on the country of origin. In Brazil for instance, both spouses will wear a ring which will be changed from the right hand to the left hand on the day of ceremony. The ring is to be placed on your finger with the ring, regardless of whether you are wearing it on your right or left hand. In the past it was believed that this finger was connected to the heart directly through an artery, the "Vena Amoris". In Italy on the morning of the wedding prior to the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring should be transferred to the ring finger of the right hand, leaving the free rein on the left hand, to accommodate the wedding ring. It is common to wear both rings on the same finger left hand, following the wedding ceremony.
You can take a breath and take the first step after having learned about the history, rules, customs and traditions of this precious gem. Don't be concerned about the diamond. We are sure the goldsmiths will be more than happy to show you a selection of unique engagement rings and offer the best advice for making your better half speechless.