While you are likely very familiar with the engagement customs of your culture, there are many different engagement traditions across the world. As diamond ring experts, we are privy to engagement traditions from around the world.
THE ORIGIN OF ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Engagement rings has ancient and diverse roots. They are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where circles were considered a powerful symbol of eternity due to their continuous shape. Couples would exchange rings made up of braided reeds or leather as a symbol of devotion. These rings were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it has a vein that connects directly to the heart, called the vena amoris. The ancient Greeks wore a simple gold band on the left hand for engagement which then moved to the right hand when they were married.
Meanwhile in Ancient Rome, Roman women wore a ring on their right hand to symbolize their passing from the house of their father to their husband’s. In the Middle Ages, married couples wore fede rings, a ring design that displays clasping hands to symbolize union. More affluent couples could adorn their fede rings with precious stones. The diamond engagement ring as we know it, emerged in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gifted Mary of Burgundy a gold ring with the letter M arranged in diamonds.
ENGAGEMENT RING TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
Engagement ring traditions in South America:
- Chile: Men and women wear engagement rings on their right hand when engaged and once married, move the rings to their left hand.
- Argentina: Couples exchange rings during their engagement rather than during the wedding ceremony.Engagement ring traditions in Europe:
- France: Rather than diamonds, French brides are more likely to have their engagement rings adorned with vibrant gemstones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Traditionally, the bride-to-be gifts her groom with a watch.
- Ireland: The Claddagh ring, which features two hands holding a heart adorned with a crown, can indicate a person’s relationship status. The hands represent friendship, the heart symbolizes love and the crown embodies loyalty. When a person is single, or not in a serious relationship, the Claddagh ring is worn in the right hand with the crown turned away from the wearer. If they are in a serious relationship the crown is turned towards the wearer. When engaged, the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the crown facing outward. Once married, the ring is worn on the left hand with the crown facing the wearer.
- Sweden: The bride and groom wear simple gold or silver bands as engagement rings, and the bride receives a diamond ring on her wedding day.
- Germany: When dating, couples wear a promise ring on their left hand. Once married, the couple will move a resembling promise ring onto their right finger.Engagement ring traditions in Africa:
- Kenya: Rather than just rings, ornate beaded jewellery is bestowed to the future bride. The types of adornments and colours used will vary depending on multiple factors, such as the couple’s region and religion
A Simple Guide: How to choose an engagement ring
Engagement ring traditions in Asia:
8. China: Traditionally, money, Chinese jewellery or other valuables were given to the prospective bride while she presents the groom with a dowry that may consist of linens, furniture or a tea set. Today, many brides have begun to follow the western ring tradition.
9. Vietnam: On the couple’s engagement day (not to be confused with the wedding day), the groom’s family will present gifts to the bride’s family. Either 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11 gifts will be prepared, depending on the family’s wealth. These gifts may consist of wine, roasted pig or a husband-wife cake. The families will pray to their ancestors for their approval of the marriage and once the ritual is complete, the husband-to-be presents his future wife with an engagement ring.
10. Thailand: Men will ask for their future bride’s hand in marriage through a “thong mun” ceremony which means “gold engagement.” The man will present his prospective bride with golden jewellery that may also include an engagement ring to demonstrate that he has the means to take care of her.
11. India: Traditionally, women wear iron bangles which symbolize good fortune and prosperity. On the day of her wedding, the bride will be richly adorned in jewellery including headpieces, necklaces, rings and nose piercings.
12. Hindu Cultures: Instead of wearing a ring on their finger to represent their marriage, brides wear toe rings called “Bichiya”. A modern bride may also wear a ring on her finger.
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