History and Meaning Materials Style Gemstone Choosing the Size Budget Care and Maintenance FAQ

history and meaning of the engagement ring

The engagement ring has a long history and deep symbolic meaning. The custom of giving a ring to represent the commitment to marriage dates back to ancient Rome, where men gave their betrothed an iron ring to symbolise their promise of marriage.

In medieval times, the engagement ring was used to mark the promise of marriage between nobles, with the addition of precious stones to represent the wealth and social status of families.

The custom of giving an engagement ring with a solitaire diamond became popular in the 19th century, thanks to an advertising campaign by the De Beers jewellery company. Since then, the solitaire diamond engagement ring has become one of the most iconic symbols of romantic love.

The symbolic meaning of the engagement ring is to represent commitment, fidelity and eternal love. The ring is worn on the left hand as it is believed that a vein goes from this hand to the heart.

Today, the engagement ring has become a tradition in many cultures around the world, with many design options and materials to choose from. Regardless of style, the engagement ring continues to represent a symbol of promise and enduring love.

 

Engagement-Ring-Buying-Guide-2023
The History And Meaning Of The Engagement Ring

Engagement ring materials

The choice of material for the engagement ring is important, as it affects its durability, price and style. There are several materials to choose from, each with its own characteristics and advantages.

Gold is a classic material for engagement rings, available in different colours, including yellow, white and rose. Gold is durable and retains its beauty over time, but its price can vary depending on the carat count.

Platinum is a precious and durable metal, ideal for an engagement ring that will last a long time. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Palladium is a cheaper option than platinum but with similar characteristics such as durability and strength. Palladium is also lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Silver is a cheaper option compared to gold and platinum, but is less durable and requires more maintenance to preserve its beauty.

Finally, there are also materials such as titanium and tungsten, which are extremely strong and durable, but less common for engagement rings.

 

The design of the engagement ring

Choosing the right design is crucial to express one’s feelings and style. There are four main styles of engagement rings to choose from: the solitaire ring, the diamond band ring, the diamond halo ring and the three-stone ring.

The solitaire ring is the most classic and elegant design, consisting of a single diamond or gemstone in the centre of the ring. This style is ideal for those seeking a minimalist and timeless look.

The diamond band ring features diamonds set on the band, adding a touch of sparkle to the ring. This style is perfect for those who want to add a bit of sparkle to their ring without going overboard.

The diamond halo ring features a large diamond in the centre surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds, creating a bright and sparkling effect. This style is perfect for those who want a unique and elegant design.

Finally, the three-stone ring is composed of three diamonds or gemstones, representing the couple’s past, present and future. This style is perfect for those who want to symbolise their love story and their commitment to the future.

Solitaire ring

Diamond halo ring

Diamond band ring

Three-stone ring

Gemstone selection

Precious Stones For The Engagement Ring

Gemstones are an important element of an engagement ring, as they can express the symbolic meaning and personal taste of the wearer. There are many gemstones to choose from, but four of the most popular are the diamond, sapphire, emerald and ruby.

The diamond is the most popular gemstone for the engagement ring, symbolising purity, strength and the eternity of love. Diamonds are valued according to their carat, cut, colour and clarity, and can be set in many different ways.

The sapphire, with its intense blue colour, symbolises fidelity and sincerity. However, sapphires are also available in many other colours, such as pink, yellow and green.

The emerald, with its deep green colour, symbolises hope, vitality and rebirth. Emeralds are less durable than diamonds and sapphires, so they require more care.

The ruby, with its deep red colour, symbolises passion, love and happiness. Rubies are highly desired for their beauty.

Ultimately, the choice of gemstone depends on the symbolic meaning and personal preference of the wearer. With a wide choice of gemstones and settings available, there is certainly a perfect engagement ring for every couple.

 

Choosing a ring size

Choosing the right size for your engagement ring is important to ensure maximum comfort and the perfect fit. There are a few things to consider when choosing a ring size.

Firstly, it is important to know your finger size. There are several options for measuring finger size, including using a ring already worn as a reference or measuring the finger directly using a tape measure.

Secondly, it is important to take into account the width of the ring. Wider rings may require a slightly larger size to ensure a comfortable fit.

Finally, it is always best to have some flexibility when choosing a ring size. For example, if you are undecided between two sizes, it is advisable to choose the larger size to avoid the ring being too tight and uncomfortable.

If you are uncertain about the size, it is always best to consult an expert at a jewellery shop or jeweller to get an accurate measurement and professional advice.

To determine your ring size, you can download and print our simple guide.

 

ring size guide
Choosing The Size Of Engagement Ring

Choosing a budget

The budget for an engagement ring can vary widely depending on the couple’s personal preferences and financial means. However, it is important to determine a realistic and sustainable budget to avoid overspending.

In general, engagement rings are a significant investment and can range from a few hundred euros to thousands or more, depending on the materials used, the size of the stones and the complexity of the design.

It is important to consider value for money and evaluate the purchase of a high-quality engagement ring that is affordable for the budget. You can save on the cost of the ring by choosing a material other than platinum or by reducing the size of the stone without compromising the beauty of the jewellery.

In addition, there are several financing options available for the purchase of an engagement ring, such as instalment payments or using an interest-free credit card. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the financing options and make sure that you are able to manage the monthly payments.

In conclusion, the budget for the engagement ring should be a well-considered and sustainable decision based on the couple’s personal preferences and financial means. With the right attention to quality and sustainability, it is possible to find the perfect ring without compromising the budget.

 

Care and maintenance of the engagement ring

The engagement ring is a very precious and symbolic piece of jewellery that requires proper care and maintenance to keep it in perfect condition over time. Here are some tips for taking care of your engagement ring.

First, it is important to remove the ring when doing activities that could damage it, such as heavy manual work or strenuous exercise. Also, it is important to avoid wearing the ring in chlorinated water, as chlorine can damage metals and stones.

It is also advisable to clean the ring regularly to remove dirt and residues of skin care products. A solution of warm water and mild soap can be used to clean the ring gently, followed by thorough rinsing and drying.

Finally, it is important to take the ring regularly to the jeweller for professional cleaning and maintenance. The jeweller can check the condition of the ring and stones, repair any damage and remove any scratches or stains.

In conclusion, taking care of your engagement ring is essential to keep it in perfect condition and make it last. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can enjoy your jewellery for many years to come.

 

Care Maintenance Engagement Ring - Orogem Jewelers

Frequently asked questions about engagement rings

The budget for an engagement ring varies greatly depending on the couple’s personal preferences and financial means. In general, engagement rings are a significant investment and can range from a few hundred euros to thousands of euros or more.

 

The most common materials for engagement rings are white gold, yellow gold, platinum and palladium.

The main engagement ring styles include the solitaire ring, the diamond band ring, the diamond halo ring and the three-stone ring.

The size of the engagement ring can be determined by measuring the diameter of the finger or by using a test ring. It is important to make sure you choose the right size to avoid having to change it later.

The most common gemstones for engagement rings are diamond, sapphire, emerald and ruby.

It is important to remove the ring when carrying out activities that could damage it, clean it regularly and take it to the jeweller for professional maintenance.

Financing options include instalment payments or the use of an interest-free credit card. It is important to carefully consider your financing options and ensure that you are able to manage your monthly payments.

The engagement ring can be customised by adding gemstones or special engravings. However, it is important to assess the impact on the final price and make sure you choose an option that reflects your preferences and budget.