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Jewelry, especially rings, have been used as symbols of love and commitment for centuries. Rings represent the endless nature of love, as they have no beginning or end. The tradition of giving a ring as a promise of marriage dates back to ancient Rome and Egypt. In modern society, nothing symbolizes devotion quite like an engagement ring or wedding band. But what type of ring is best suited to represent everlasting love?
The Engagement Ring
For many cultures today, the engagement ring is the ultimate symbol of love and fidelity. An engagement ring indicates that two people intend to marry. It represents a formal agreement between two people and a promise to wed in the future.
Diamond engagement rings are the most popular choice for couples in countries like the United States. The tradition of the diamond engagement ring began in the late 19th century after the discovery of large diamond mines in South Africa. Diamonds were promoted by De Beers as a rare and special stone that perfectly symbolized lasting romance. The famous slogan “A Diamond is Forever” cemented the diamond as the ultimate gemstone for engagement rings.
Some key facts about the tradition of diamond engagement rings:
| Over 80% | of engagement rings feature diamonds as the main stone. |
| 2-3 months salary | is the recommended amount to spend on an engagement ring in the U.S. |
| The average cost | of an engagement ring in the U.S. is around $6,000. |
Diamonds have come to represent enduring love because they are the strongest and most brilliant gems. A high quality colorless diamond is extremely rare and valuable. The rarity and purity of the diamond is meant to symbolize the uniqueness and strength of the couple’s relationship. The circular shape represents never-ending devotion, and the hardness of the stone signifies that the couple’s love is unbreakable.
The Wedding Band
While the engagement ring represents the promise of marriage, the wedding ring symbolizes that the vows have been sealed. Wedding rings are exchanged during the marriage ceremony to solidify the union.
The most common wedding rings are simple bands made from gold or platinum. Here are some details about traditional wedding bands:
| 75% | of wedding bands sold today are made of gold. |
| 6 mm | is the most popular width for men’s bands. |
| 2-4 mm | is the recommended width for women’s bands. |
Gold wedding bands have been used since ancient Egyptian times to signify marriage. The gold circle represents eternal, unbreaking love between partners. Gold’s beautiful glow and resistance to corrosion make it well-suited for a ring that will be worn every day. Many modern couples opt for platinum instead, which is more durable than gold. Platinum’s grayish-white color gives it a contemporary look as well.
Some couples opt for alternative metals like tungsten, titanium, or stainless steel for the increased durability. These ultra-strong contemporary metals represent the strength of the marital bond.
The joining of the rings during a marriage ceremony is steeped in symbolism. The unbroken circle represents seamless, never-ending love. Wearing the band on the left ring finger is tied to the ancient Roman belief that a vein from that finger leads directly to the heart.
Other Meaningful Ring Options
While diamond engagement rings and gold wedding bands are the traditional favorites, some couples opt for alternative ring styles that hold personal meaning:
Vintage and antique rings – Rings handed down through generations carry the symbolic weight of all those past unions. Vintage and antique rings have unique designs that can’t be found in modern jewelry.
Engraved rings – Having a personalized message or the couple’s names engraved inside the band makes the ring even more special. The engravings make the rings truly one-of-a-kind.
Gemstone rings – Colored gemstones like sapphire, emerald, and ruby allow for personalized symbolism based on the meanings attached to each stone. Birthstones are also popular choices.
Wooden rings – Natural materials like wood, bone, or shell hold meaning for couples who value organic simplicity. Wood represents the enduring strength of nature.
Meteorite rings – Metallic meteorite is an extraterrestrial alternative to earthly metals. Its ancient, celestial origin represents timelessness.
Matching Set vs. Mixed Styles
Most couples choose matching wedding bands to complement the engagement ring, selecting materials and styles that work together aesthetically. However, some prefer to mix and match their rings:
| Matching Set | Mixed Styles | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | – Visual cohesion – Traditional symbolism – Easier to wear stacked |
– Increased personalization – More unique – Freedom of style |
| Drawbacks | – Less unique – Harder to personalize |
– May look mismatched – Less traditional symbolism – Harder to stack and wear together |
There are good arguments for both approaches. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference based on style, comfort, and symbolic meaning.
Conclusion
Rings are the ultimate representation of everlasting love between partners. While diamond engagement rings and gold bands are the traditional choice, modern couples put their own spin on things with alternative stones, metals, and designs. No matter the specific ring style, the symbolism remains the same. The unending circle and unbreakable material signify the eternal strength and devotion of the union. When selected thoughtfully, rings become cherished, meaningful symbols of love.