Engagement Rings - Explained.

Definition

As we know, an engagement ring represents the promise of marriage and symbolises devotion and commitment to their partner. There is no particular rule book to follow when proposing to someone, but typically the man presents the engagement ring to their beloved partner when they feel the time is right for them to get married. This ring is worn by the bride-to-be on her left hand fourth finger, now referred to as the “ring finger”. Why the fourth finger? Ancient Romans believed that this finger had a vein which ran directly to the heart, the ‘Vena Amoris’, means ‘vein of love’.

Origin

Engagement rings originate back to 1477 and anthropologists believe this tradition originated from a Roman custom in which wives wore rings attached to small keys, indicating their husbands’ ownership.

The very first diamond engagement ring on record is from 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned one for Mary of Burgundy. This was the start of the trend for diamond rings among European aristocracy and nobility. Overtime, the design of engagement rings evolved where there were mixed diamonds with other gemstones, precious metals, and enamels.

In 1947, De Beers, an international company that specialises in all things diamond-related (mining, retail, exploitation, trading, and manufacturing) launched its classic slogan, “A Diamond is Forever.” This slogan became famous as it conveyed the durability of a diamond and tied in with the meaning of “marriage is forever”. A diamond’s purity and sparkle have now become symbols of the depth of two people’s commitment to each other in practically all corners of the world. To this day, diamond rings signify the celebration of a union and cherished memory.

Trending Engagement Rings 2022

Solitare

Solitaire rings are the classic and traditional engagement ring style. As the name suggest, there is only one stone to the design placed in the centre of a plain metal band. This style of ring is timeless and perfect for the elegant and simple bride.

Pavé

A pavé ring is a dainty and slightly upgraded version of the solitaire. It consists of one stone in the centre and the metal band is adorned with smaller diamonds or gems. This ring a more bling-y version of the solitaire. Many personalise this ring with their birthstone, giving the design a unique twist.

Halo

Easily one of the most popular ring styles is the halo. Unlike the Solitare and Pave rings, halo rings consists of a smaller row of diamonds bordering the central stone. These smaller rows reflect light on to the centre stone making it even more sparkly. Often people style this ring with a gemstone such a sapphire or ruby in the centre as the contrast between the stones is stunning.

Cathedral

One ring to describe traditional, elegant, and historical - is the Cathedral ring. The shank and shoulders curve resemble the arches of a cathedral, hence the name. This ring, like the others, can also be style with studded diamonds/gems to add a bit more sparkle. The structure and architectural vibe makes it the perfect ring for the sophisticated and traditional bride.

Three-stone

The three-stone style, also known as the ‘trilogy’ style are an super romantic choice of engagement ring. The three stones can hold many meanings, but the most common meanings represented are ‘past, present, future’ or ‘you, me, us’. SUPER ROMANTIC right?! This ring is often style with one large stone in the centre and two small on either side or three stones of equal size. The modern trend is to use a coloured gem stone in the centre and accent it with diamonds.

Ballerina

The ballerina style is one of the most eye-catching engagement rings styles as it consists of many stones in different shapes and sizes. This style is inspired by the shape of a tutu, and to mimic a ballerinas costume even more closely, the halo diamonds can be placed in a way that creates an illusion of a swirling movement. A style which originated in the 1950s is now coming back into fashion due to its striking baguette of cluster diamonds!

These are a few of the most popular styles of rings but there are SOOOO many more other styles. The possible styles and diamond/gem cuts are endless.

Which one was your favourite style? Comment down below!