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Meaning and history behind the Promise Rings For Couples

The engagement rings are a symbol of the promise to marry as a vow that the groom makes to his partner when he asks her the crucial "Will You Marry Me? ".

This tradition, although often revisited to adapt to changing times and cultures but has remained steadfast against the passage of time. One cannot take a step so significant without knowing its origin.

The history of the engagement rings is very old. It is believed that it was the Egyptians who introduced the custom and that the Greeks later adopted it as their own. However, the first written testimony dates back to Aulus Gellius, who wrote the work Noctes Atticae and published in 159 AD.

In ancient Rome the bride to be received two rings as a gift one made of iron and one in gold, to wear at home and in public respectively. The ring was worn on the finger of the ring on the left hand, as it was believed that the Vena Amoris vein, which was directly connected to the heart, was there. Wearing a left-hand ring finger ring signifies that the wearer wearing it is faithful and cherishes them.

Another valuable source of evidence is the letters exchanged between Pope Nicholas I and King Boris of Bulgaria, who changed to Christianity in 865, in which the pontiff, in response to the sovereign's inquiries, reported among other things, the custom of the future groom giving his bride an engagement ring.

Another significant date was 1477, when Archduke Maximilian gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring with a diamond on the top to signify a marriage vow. From that moment on precious stones, particularly diamonds, will be used to embellish the engagement rings of brides to be.

What kinds of engagement Rings are there?

It is essential to choose the right ring to match your soulmate, while respecting the customs. The decision will not be easy due to the wide range of models and precious stones. We will help you by focusing on the most classic engagement rings.

1. Solitaire

The Solitaire ring is one of the most sought-after and popular rings around the globe. It is distinguished by one precious stone, typically a diamond. It can be composed of white gold platinum, yellow gold or platinum. Learn more about the characteristics of this precious jewel on Solitaire: a Ring and its meaning.

2. Eternity

The ring is comprised from a collection of small diamonds of the same carat neatly arranged around the circumference. This model comes in two different versions: Full Eternity or Half Eternity. Both are perfectly coupled with the wedding band. The cost of an ring is determined based on the size and the number of stones.

3. Toi Et Moi

The Toi et Moi ring is an emblem of the inseparable bond between two lovers. It is made of two precious stones of various shades that appear to be embracing one another. Napoleon Bonaparte gave this model to his future wife Josephine de Beauharnais as a promise of love. Jackie Kennedy also received one with her wedding proposal from John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Trilogy

The Trilogy ring is made up of three precious stones, which include colored gems as well as diamonds, arranged along its circumference. The precious stones may be of the same weight or of different weights. In the second scenario the central stone will be bigger than the two lateral stones.

Halo

The Halo ring is distinguished by the presence of a huge central stone that is surrounded by a crown of diamonds. It's a beautiful ring that is ideal for those who like to be the center of attention. The central stone may have various cuts, including drop princess, emerald, princess, marquise, and so on. An excellent example of an Halo ring is the one that Charles of England gave to Lady Diana and which then became the pledge of love of his son, Prince William, to Kate Middleton. It is a 12-carat sapphire set with diamonds.

For more information about rings, read What is the meaning of rings on the fingers?

What precious stones should you select for your engagement ring?

As we've said there are a variety of gemstones that could be used for an engagement ring. Each stone sends a message. But let's concentrate on the most sought-after ones:

Diamond The diamond symbolizes eternal love, solidity and honesty

Ruby: love, desire and passion

Sapphire: integrity, wisdom and commitment

Emerald: honesty, loyalty and the utmost fidelity

The selection of the stone will not be based solely on the message you wish to convey, but also on the preferences of the person who receives the engagement ring for a gift.

When Do You Give an Engagement Ring?

In actuality, there's no "the best time" to give an engagement ring therefore, do it when you're absolutely certain that you want to spend the rest of your life with the person you love.

It is a good idea considering how long it will take to plan the wedding to begin planning at least one year prior to the wedding date.

Right Hand or left Hand?

According to our customs, the engagement ring must be worn on the left ring fingers, much like the wedding band. So on the day of the wedding, it will be moved to the right ring finger, to make space for the wedding ring.

It is important to be aware that the customs may change if you change your latitude. Learn more about where to wear an engagement ring.

Engagement Rings of the Stars

Certain engagement rings are popular, and stunning, as they were presented as gifts from personalities from the world of cinema, music or TV. Consider, for instance, the ring given to Liz Taylor by Richard Burton which is a diamond with over 33 carats worth almost 9 million dollars! Beyonce's engagement ring, which is 18 carats in diamonds cost Jay Z about 5 million dollars. Kim Kardashian's engagement ring which has a stone of 15 carats is also significant and expensive.

Luckily, you don't have to spend a lot of money to purchase a high-quality engagement ring. The most important thing is to know which one to pick! To learn more about the topic, read our guide on the Cost of Engagement Rings.

How to Choose an Engagement Ring

Now, you can say that you know all there is to know about the meaning, history, and significance of an engagement ring. All you have to do is start searching for your perfect ring and make an offer to your other half.

To ensure you make the best choice, go through our guide On Engagement Rings. Also, look through the stunning gallery of Diamonds Factory and get inspired: the right engagement ring is there waiting for you.