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Origin of engagement rings for the curious at
heart
Engagement rings or betrothal rings date back
to the ancient days of marriage - by - purchase when gold rings were circulated
as currency. As a partial payment the groom-to-be would offer his bride-to-be a
gold ring. Also it was held that the engagement ring was a symbol of the groom's
intentions to marry.
Traditionally the groom-to-be covers the
expense of the engagement rings for his bride. Because of the cost of some
engagement rings and wedding bands, the bride-to-be also contributes towards the
purchase of her ring. It is usually the bride-to-be who purchases wedding band
for the groom -to-be. The most popular groom's rings today are classic bands of
gold or platinum.
Brides-to-be in these earlier times wore woven
bands made of rush (a flexible marsh plant with hollow stems) and replaced them
each year. Roman brides-to-be wore rings made of iron to symbolize the
permanent, unending nature of marriage. During Medieval times, grooms-to-be
placed the ring on three of the bride's fingers in turn to represent the Holy
Trinity -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The most traditional engagement ring is a
diamond solitaire which can easily be paired with a variety of wedding bands.
Some brides prefer to wear their engagement rings and wedding rings separately,
or to just wear their engagement rings on special occasions.
For
more information and sources please click here Engagement
Rings
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