How to plan the perfect wedding day

Engagement Rings: The Promise of a Lifetime Spent Together


What is the intent of buying an engagement ring? In numerous cultures around the world, they are a symbol of the promise to marry.  While the one thing that remains the same is the function of engagement rings, they are available in an nearly endless assortment of designs.  The value of a proper engagement ring can be just as divergent, running from a very valuable gem costing millions of dollars to a simple silver band costing just a few. No matter how much the cost or how elaborate the design, it is the meaning of the ring which remains important.  In summary, engagement rings are a significant symbol not only for the newly-engaged couple, but alsofor the other people in their lives who look at them.

Engagement rings are ordinarily awarded by a man to the woman that he desires to marry as a signal of his commitment to this union.  The bride-to-be then takes the engagement ring to show her willingness to commit to the engagement.  The marriage proposal and offer of an engagement ring for the most part does not occur until after the couple has been dating for a considerable period of time.  The general rule is to date for roughly a year, although it is actually up to the couple how long to hold off before becoming engaged.  There are also no set rules about how and when the man should present the engagement ring to his future wife. Many men opt to do this during a quiet moment, while others want to share the moment with a crowd. 

Engagement Rings Are Also a Symbol of Love

Most engagement rings feature diamonds, and these precious gemstones are supposed to last forever.  Diamonds endure forever because they are one of the strongest substances around.  This explains why the stunning diamond has become such a symbol for eternal love.  In truth, many of these diamonds are passed on to other generations, having lasted beyond the lifetime of the bride.  Therefore, it’s not difficult to understand why diamonds have become the gem of choice for engagement rings for most engaged couples.

After a woman receives her engagement ring, she is supposed to display it on her left hand as a sign that she has made a commitment.  In addition, all of the members of a society that acknowledges these rings as a sign of committedness will instantly see that this woman is intended to be wed.  Most people get married after their engagement however a few people do change their mind after accepting a ring.  Once a marriage ceremony occurs, the bride ordinarily wears the wedding ring she accepted during the ceremony on the same finger as her engagement ring.  And as a symbol that the commitment is final and lasting, the wedding ring should be worn on the left hand.

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