Engagment Rings

[Alineko]

Heres a question for you couples out there. My boyfriend and I have talked about getting married. I for one am not a big diamond fan... could care less about having one. He insists engagment rings MUST have a diamond.

What do you think?

 

[micaela]

I disagree that an engagement ring must have a diamond. A diamond is not a necessity, and not a good idea at all if you're not a fan. Remember that it is something that you'll be wearing for the next 60+ years!

I personally don't think an engagement ring itself is an essential item (albeit the significance).

 

[Ave Maria]

Nah, it don't have to have a diamond. What I don't get though is why only the gf wears an engagement ring. What's up with that?

 

[AngylBelle]

There was a similar thread started in the engagement forum so I will post here what I did there:

I did a google search on the origin of wedding ring/engagement ring traditions and this is what I found...it doesn't list the sources so I cannot verify that it is truth.

THE ORIGIN OF THE "WEDDING RING"

Rings were used as currency in the Middle East prior to the advent of coinage and were a sign of a persons wealth. In ancient times the wedding ring was thought to protected the bride from "evil spirits". Ancient Roman wedding rings were made of iron.

In early Rome a gold band came to symbolize everlastinglove and commitment in marriage. Roman wedding rings were carved with two clasped hands. Very early rings had a carved key through which a woman was thought to be able to open her husband's heart.




THE ORIGIN OF THE "ENGAGEMENT RING"

In 860 A.D., Pope Nicholas I decreed that an engagement ring become a required statement of nuptial intent. He insisted that engagement rings had to be made of gold which signified a financial sacrifice on the part of the prospective husband.




THE ORIGIN OF THE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

The diamond engagement ring originated with King Maximillian who presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477 as a token of his love.

The Venetians Popularized the custom during the 15th. century. Since the diamond was the hardest and most enduring substance in nature it followed that the engagement and marriage would endure forever.

http://www.diamondchitchat.com/bbs/....php/t-422.html

Now, in my opinion, the engagement ring does not HAVE to be a diamond, but rather should be a stone that is meaningful to or most liked by the women receiving it.

And as far as men having engagement rings, this is something that has actually become quite popular in the last decade...aparently the men started to feel left out!! I really think this new fad is dependant upon the guy...my hunny for example is not a fan of jewelry and the wedding ring is more than enough for him. A couple should do whatever makes them feel most comfortable.

 

[FaithfulServant]

If you absolutely hate diamonds, then I don't see why he would still insist on getting you one? Tell him you won't accept it haha

 

[gracefaith]

If you don't care and he wants to get you a diamond, why not let him? It's sort of a rite of passage for guys now adays to go shopping for a diamond. I would let him do it, if it's that important to him.

I didn't care one way or another about having a diamond...until I tried one on. It really is a beautiful gem.

 

[Wakeup2god]

I proposed yesterday (she said yes). I got my sweetheart a different ring. It's silver with a rose gold inlay which has two interlinked hears on it. Also has five very small diamonds spaced accross it. She loves it and it fits perfect.

 

[halifaxhoney]

I don't think it should have to have a diamond in it. Have you showed him rings that you like?

Also you could suggest having something engraved on it in lieu of a diamond.

 

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

Well my FH thinks diamonds are 'boring' and would prefer to give me a blue stoned ring...

However, he knows I dearly love the idea of a diamond, so I will probably be presented with one, and have my wedding ring inlayed with tanzanites (a very rare blue stone) instead...

Have a chat with him, and be willing to compromise on the idea - maybe he could give you a sapphire or something, with diamonds around the outside (I actually LOVE that style of ring)...

Sasch

 

[girlofgrace727]

i think that your FH should want you to be happy with the ring of choice that he gives you, so he should take your opinion into consideration for sure

i personally just want a simple white gold ring, nothing too fancy

 

[Quantum_Man]

Of course an engagement ring doesn't HAVE to be a diamond ring. It's up to you really to decide what you want. I originally wanted to get my fiance a yellow gold band with her ring, but she insisted on white gold, so who am I to argue?

 

[plum]

i don't really like diamonds either. my SO is planning on giving me a sapphire engagement ring... but i asked him that if he DOES get me diamonds in it... look for a diamond producer that is NOT DeBeers. They exploit the countries they mine in and cheat out Africa's ecomony. DeBeers is unethical, imho. I'd find out where the diamond comes from before buying it.
mind you, most folks don't care where their diamond comes from. they just love the bling