The Diamond Ring

Gold is still the most popular metal for engagement and rings, though students of precious metals realize that platinum is the finest quality metal and serves as a lasting set for fine stones. Buying platinum is now emerging as a fashion trend in some places; however it is a more expensive option. Any fancy ring is suitable for engagement purposes. The engaged wedding couple often chooses a birthstone or precious stone that carries special significance to them; the diamond still remaining by far the most popular.

Many young couples enjoy the idea of personal expression and choose to consult with a designer in creating their own personal message of love. Historically, the betrothal ring was a symbol of the bridegroom’s earnestness, a pledge of his good faith and evidence of his intention to marry. The ring that the bride received at the betrothal was generally used later at the wedding ceremony. After the Reformation, the betrothal was more formal and was often solemnized with the signing of the articles of marriage before a witness. The Romans were the first to present an engagement ring to the bride before the wedding ceremony, usually at the time the marriage contract was drawn up.

The Celts of ancient Britain developed a “love ring” that served as both wedding and betrothal ring. When a Celtic lad courted and won a girl he gave her a ring as a pledge of his protection. The old English word for pledge was ‘wed’, and this is how the name was given to wedding rings. Fascinating wedding rings have held the vogue throughout the years. In the sixteenth century the gimmel ring was popular. The word “gimmel” means “double ring”, and a gimmel ring was actually two separate rings that joined together to look like one. It was usual for the bride and groom to each wear half until, on the day of the wedding they were united as one upon the bride’s finger. Diamonds have long been accepted as the symbol of love and marriage. Somehow the glittering diamond and the blooming bride-to-be have always gone hand in hand. The diamond, the hardest substance in the world was traditionally used for the setting of the engagement ring. It is believed that the custom of wearing an engagement ring started as far back as 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria slipped a huge diamond on the finger of Mary of Burgundy to prevent her father from marrying her off to a wealthier suitor. The Romans also had their part to play, for they wore wedding rings on the third finger of their left hand in the belief that its vein led straight to the heart.

By Glen’s Jewellery Limited West Mall, Trinidad (868) 633-7829

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