Especially in Western cultures, an engagement ring is a symbol that signifies the person wearing it is spoken for or “engaged” to be married. You do not get many chances to shop for engagement rings so knowing the basics will help you buy a quality ring that does not break your bank account.

Qualities that are important in an Engagement Ring

1. Consider the metal. I like to begin by choosing the metal for the band. You can choose from gold, silver or platinum. This comes down mostly to preference. A good question to ask yourself is which metals she wears most often. Is most of her jewelery gold? Then gold may be the best choice.

You may also want to consider allergies. Platinum, because it is not mixed with lesser metals, is safer for women with allergies, yet comes with a higher price tag.

2. Gemstone. Today you see more women selecting stones other than diamonds for their engagement rings. And while this can lead to a unique look, a consideration is the hardness of the gemstone selected. An engagement ring will be worn daily for life so if a softer stone is selected it could wear and be subject to abrasions. For this reason it is recommended to stick with harder stones such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires.

When selecting a gemstone you have additional considerations such as the style of cut or shape as well as clarity and these factors will play into the price of the ring significantly.

Wedding rings are customarily worn on the left hand ring finger by women living in locations like North America and the United Kingdom. This custom may have started back in ancient Egypt where a myth stated that the ring finger contained a vein leading directly to the heart. Regardless of the origins of the wearing of a ring for marriage, it will always be seen as a symbol of love and commitment.

Categories: Engagement, Engagement Rings, Features
Tags: Engagement Rings