Engagement Rings- History Behind Their Popularity - By: Andrew Moquin

Most people don't have any idea about the origin of their engagement rings. Although that they are giving it with integrity, love and commitment, they might have no real knowledge about the history behind them.
Here are some informations how an engagement ring had developed until it reached the peak of its popularity.

The Birth Of Engagement Rings

Today's engagement rings have their own stories. Basically, engagement rings have been known by many different names. They symbolized a variety of different things and have not always been of precious metals and stunning gems.

GREEKS

The ancient Greeks are thought to have been the forerunners in the rising of the traditional engagement rings. Given as a token of care and affection, the rings used by the Greeks were known as betrothal rings and were given before marriage. However, the giving of these rings was not always a pre-requisite to marriage and was often given in the same way as a friendship ring might be given today. Furthermore, most engagement rings with rare bands were worn by royalty.

ROMANS

As seen by their use of the wedding ring, ancient Romans were not considered as the most sentimental of people, and the early version of their "engagement ring" were thought to have carved keys on them. It has been debated that this could have been to symbolize the right of the woman to access and own half of everything, following marriage. Thus, this ring is given to the right and deserving woman . However, the more sentimental like to think that the key may have been a key to her husband's heart.

ROYALTY AND THE AFFLUENT

Engagement rings as we know them today with stunning gems engraved in precious metals had grew their popularity at around the fourteenth and fifteenth century. It was the time when the affluent and the royals began to exchange and wear these jewels. However, these items were so expensive that nobody other than the royals and the higher class could afford to exchange them. It was to be many centuries before these engagement rings would become more popular or traditional.

Circular

In geometry, circle has no beginning and no end unless it is being cut, if that happens, it is not a circle anymore. The purpose of engagement rings and wedding bands is to convey deep emotions of eternal love, eternal happiness, eternal commitment, and eternal togetherness. In fact, these rings signify eternity - between the giver and the recipient. And, since folklore has it that the fourth finger of the left hand has a vein leading directly to the heart, it is only natural that engagement rings would be worn on this particular finger, which was once reputed to be a direct route to the heart.

With these particular informations about the history of an engagement ring, couples must understand that wearing it is like receiving the responsibility of a lifetime commitment. It is not just an ordinary ring because behind it is the deep meaning of true love that lasts for a lifetime.

About the Author

Drew Luis is a jewelry designer originally from Buffalo, New York where his love of jewelry started in elementary school. He is fond of designing wedding rings and engagement rings . Inspired by his family, he decided to pursue a career in fashion and jewelry design at the Istituto Europeo de Design in Rome.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Andrew-Moquin/50609

Additional Articles From - Home | Fashion | Jewelry