The engagement ring symbolizes a commitment between two individuals who have professed undying love and devotion for each other. Many couples observe this tradition of the man giving an engagement ring to the woman before they marry. It is one type of tradition that is rooted as far back as the ancient Roman times when a betrothal ring, then called a Truth Ring, was worn by couples on their left hand. A truth ring, one shaped in a circle, has neither an ending nor a beginning. It also has the same shape as the sun or the moon, the source of life and light. No wonder ancient people have chosen to make this the symbol of unity and everlasting love. During the Middle Ages, the truth ring was later called a bond ring and for those who can truly afford, the diamond was the ultimate symbolic bond ring.
A diamond stone is believed to be the hardest of all minerals, the perfect symbol to a union that must remain unbroken until death. It is also a priceless piece of jewelry. And in these times, a diamond engagement ring may just be one of the most expensive items you will own in your lifetime, following your house and your car.
Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring depends on your taste and also some familiarity to diamond jewelry. The difference of a great cut and a good cut may not be easily determined by an untrained eye but the perfect diamond makes a really big difference in terms of its beauty and most of all, its value.
But, an engagement ring can be made from whatever material is most appropriate to you as a couple. Engagement rings can contain both diamonds and other gemstones – this can look attractive and reduce the cost. The cost will vary and there should be no problem choosing a ring that is both suitable and affordable. The most important thing is that you see the ring as a strong and everlasting symbol of your commitments.
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10/27/2007
The Engagement Ring
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The Origin of Engagement Rings Is Explained So You Know Exactly Who To Blame For Your Visa Debt
The orgin of engagement rings is somewhat unclear so I'll share a few of the most common stories with you
Ancient Egyptians loved their jewelry. They believed that a special love vein ran from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart....where the engagement ring continues to be placed today. Another reason for the significance of the 4th finger is that in midevil times, the presiding ceremonial priest or groom would place the engagement ring on the first three fingers when saying "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost", finishing on the fourth finger where it would then stay.
The Romans wore "betrothal" rings made of iron. Over time, these rings started to be made of gold and embellished. Some early rings also had a carved key to symbolize how a woman could unlock her lover's heart. Another theory suggests that the engagement ring served as a "slave band" in the Roman Republic to indicate that the woman was the man's chattel and belonged exclusively to him.
If you're looking for some specific dudes to single out, look no further. In 860 Pope Nicolas I announced that a ring was a requirement to signify engagement and it was also stipulated that it should be a gold ring - this indicated the financial commitment being made by the groom. Some sources say the origin of engagement rings dates back to 1477 when the Archduke Maximillian of Austria bought his beloved Mary of Burgundy some serious bling.
Consider yourself lucky (or unlucky) depending on your perspective. In Brazil, Sweden, and Germany, both the man and the woman wear engagement rings.
And some men wish they could go back in time to the days of cavemen. The cavemen tied strands of grass around the ankle of their cavechick to claim their respective piece of meat. This was uncomfortable for the cavechick and was ultimately adjusted so that the grass strands were tied around her finger versus her ankle.
A recently married couple tells you how to find the perfect engagement ring. Check our their website at http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com
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Antique Diamond Engagement Rings
Presenting a ring to your beloved is a beautiful way of expressing love and devotion. It signifies the commitment between two people who pledge to spend their rest of the lives together. Although the market is filled with various categories of gemstones like sapphire, ruby, and emerald, diamond rings remains the favorite where engagement rings are concerned.
Slipping an antique diamond ring on your lady’s finger is a very romantic way of getting engaged. Dating from the middle of the nineteenth century, vintage jewelry is available to those who love tradition and heritage. Brides are thrilled to wear diamond rings previously worn by queens, ladies of royal families, or other equally enchanting women from yesteryear. Traditional rings are also much in demand because they are unique in style and represent status, heritage, and culture to the people who own it. In today’s hectic world people are looking for some reminder of past, which gives them peace, and a sense of belonging.
Generally, vintage diamond rings are available and affordable in a countries like the United States. Jewelers will willingly assemble your own design, if the ring you want is not available or too highly priced. You can decide the ring’s design, working with goldsmiths and designers. With some intelligent choices you can have an exact replica of the ring worn by Queen Elizabeth or some other person you admire.
Sentiments play a large part in selecting a diamond ring for the engagement. When you choose to give a beautiful antique ring to your fiancée, you are pledging to love her the same way as romantic couples did in the past.
Diamond Engagement Rings provides detailed information on Diamond Engagement Rings, Platinum Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings, Antique Diamond Engagement Rings and more. Diamond Engagement Rings is affiliated with Diamond Wedding Rings.
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