The engagement ring is traditionally the ring that the fiancé gives to his future bride as a sign of his promise to her. It is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, the same finger on which the wedding ring will be worn as a visible demonstration of the couple’s love and absolute bond to each other. The ring is often a family heirloom which the groom’s parents pass down to their future daughter-in-law to welcome her into their family. In other cases, the boyfriend buys the ring, seeking to correctly interpret the tastes of his future bride.
The engagement ring is traditionally a solitaire diamond, mounted in such manner as to highlight the cut and brightness of the stone. If the ring is antique, it is also more commonly a solitaire diamond. For those purchasing a new ring, they may choose for the band to be in white or yellow gold or platinum, with the option of additional smaller diamonds which can be mounted to great effect, adding much brightness. Of course, stones other than diamonds may also be chosen, each with their own unique symbolism. This lends the gift another level of meaning, not only as a promise to the future bride, but also in homage to her individual qualities.
The emerald, with its sparkling green, signifies hope and the success of great love; the ruby, with its rich red color, is the stone of power, success, and a symbol of passionate long-lasting love; the blue sapphire speaks of fidelity; the opal is the symbol of sincerity; the aquamarine gemstone signifies a long-lasting and happy marriage; amber, with its intense yellow color, is the symbol of virtuous love; while the rock crystal is said to lend beauty and prevent aging, and so forth…
Combining the different symbolic meanings of the stones you desire will, without doubt, provide an even more welcome gift!
