Unity, Perfection and Eternity : Engagement Rings

Love, Devotion and Commitment

Many couples are interested in the tradition of the engagement ring. In many cultures, it has become the ultimate symbol of love, devotion and commitment. It's extremely common to have a diamond engagement ring, and for some this stone is the only one that they will accept. Yet, the tradition of a diamond engagement ring isn't very old and throughout much of history, diamonds didn't even enter the picture.

It's obvious that the shape of a ring is a circle. A circle has no beginning and no end. It's the shape of the sun and of the full moon. It's no wonder that ancient cultures used it as a symbol of unity, perfection and eternity. It's believed that the circle is where the tradition of the wedding ring might have gotten it's start.

Beautiful

1.20ct. 14K. White Gold Certified Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

It has engraving all over the ring with round diamonds on the side. Center stone is 1ct. princess cut diamond. The side stones are pave set round diamonds they weigh .20ct. made out of 14k. white gold and weighs 4.4gr.This jewelry is hand made and its stones are each individually hand set by master jewelers.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)

Glamorous! Women's 14k Yellow-gold (3/8 CT TW) 3-Stone Moissanite Ring

14k Yellow-gold High-Polish Moissanite 3 Stone Ring. Three-5.00x2.50 MM Very Good Faceted Marquise Lab Created. Fifty Thousand yeas ago, a meteorite containing a unique secret landed in the Arizona desert. That secret was Moissanite. The essence of the stars is captured in these Moissanite stones. Moissanite has a fire, brilliance, and luster unlike other jewels. Moissanite is harder that any other jewel except diamond.

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The first engagement ring

The first engagement symbol probably wasn't a ring, According to most sources, the tradition started with the caveman It's thought that the first engagement symbol was actually a woven cord of rushes or leather. It's said that this cord was used to tie the hands and feet of his mate so that she could not get away. Once he thought she would stay, he tied it around her hands (and presumably took it off her feet). Finally when fully assured she would stay with him, he tied a cord only around her finger. The other theory is that the two people were tied together with the corded rushes in the circular symbolism of unity. The ancient Greeks probably started the tradition as we know it today. Their engagement ring was called a betrothal ring. In many cases it was given before the marriage itself and was considered a token of affection.

Before You Buy an Engagement Ring: With a 4-Step Guide for Making the Right Choice (Schiffer Book)

by: Nancy N. Schiffer

What should one know to choose an engagement ring? The answers are all here, with facts and practical advice that is easy to understand

Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 12/15/2009)

Wedding Rings

by: Osnat Gad

History and romance come together in Wedding Rings. Beginning with the first known example in ancient Egypt, through tales of the Puritans' attempt to put an end to the tradition, to lavish color photographs of modern pieces crafted from precious metals and stones, this richly illustrated, engagingly written volume will enchant anyone who has ever wondered about the perfect symbol of eternal love.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/15/2009)

The ring as part of a dowry

Another theory talks of the dowry and/or bride price. Once upon a time, marriages were arranged...for a price. This much is a fact, there are documents that speak of this exact practice. It's thought that a ring may have been given as part of a bride price or dowry. Yet a determination of validity can't be based on this alone, especially when you consider that it is the bride that receives the ring. Which brings us to another theory. A ring may have been given to bride, either as a symbol of unity or perhaps as a bribe.

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Diamonds?

The popularity of engagement rings in general, may be a result of Pope Innocent III's order (in the 12th century) that a wedding ring be included in the wedding ceremony. This is the same Pople who also decreed that weddings had to be held in a church.

The year was 1477 when the first RECORDED diamond engagement ring was given.

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