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Best in Gifts
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. |