Engagement rings are the ultimate love token

A ring has no beginning and no end. It is a symbol with many different meanings. Finely worked and precious or solid and simple, rings can be all things to all people. That it is the most widely worn piece of jewellery is without doubt. Perhaps the most significant of all rings is the one given at the time of an engagement between two people who love one another. Traditionally this was the forerunner of a marriage. Nowadays our relationships take different forms, but the beauty of their celebration is still important.

Full circle

It's pretty, it's platinum, I love it! But the gift of a ring from one to another has such significance that it has come to represent the ultimate commitment between two people. It's the shape of the sun and of the full moon, in themselves symbols of mystery, unity and perfection. What it's saying is that 'we are one' we will go full circle one with another. Engagement rings have also been known throughout the centuries as 'betrothal' rings or 'bond' rings. The name may be different but the meaning has remained - it's a way of pledging love, honour and faith in one another. Even the word betrothal comes from the Anglo-Saxon troweth which means truth. It's a promise I will be true to you.

Ring finger

Engagement rings are no new idea. From the earliest times the ring was a way of proving a contract between two individuals or their families. These early rings were made of iron or bronze and they were a mark of possession. You're mine! If you were lucky it was love, but very often it was slavery and bondage. Romance came into the exchange of rings in the days of the Ancient Romans who believed that a vein in the third finger of the left hand led straight to the heart. This is the ‘vena amoris’ which translated means ‘the vein of love’. What I wear on this finger influences my heart and my love. Still true today – the engagement and wedding ring still has to be worn on the on the ‘ring’ finger.

Gold, Platinum or Silver for your Engagement Ring?

In the days of the Roman Republic slaves were forbidden to wear rings. They were only for those who were free and only those with status could wear gold. Ordinary freemen and women had to make do with silver. Of course, times have changed. Platinum and Gold are the favourite engagement choices for everybody. These are enduring and unalterable metals. Silver tarnishes but no element or circumstance can change gold and platinum so their meaning as a symbol of eternal union is fixed.

Diamonds are forever

The first record of a diamond engagement ring is in the 15th century. But for many years elaborate engagement rings of sapphires, rubies and emeralds were still exchanged as diamonds were comparatively rare. In the 19th century the vast Kimberly Diamond Seam was discovered in South Africa and these brilliant and hardest of all gems became more available. The De Beers Company has controlled the supply of diamonds ever since.

Loveliest of all rings

It’s become usual for both partners on the occasion of their engagement to exchange and wear rings. Sometimes they match, sometimes they’re quite different. Other choices have different meanings. But the message of love is the same. Whether the desire is a plain solitaire or one of the lovely precious gemstones in an elaborate or contemporary setting, this individual choice will express for all time something about this momentous and special circumstance in your life. Choosing an engagement ring is an important occasion and exciting opportunity to mark your promises, emotions and ideals as you both look forward to sharing a splendid and loving future together.

Learn more about the history of engagement rings or view our collection of diamond engagement rings online.