For not only decades but centuries, men have searched high and low for the perfect woman, the perfect ring and the perfect moment to perform that famous act of getting down on one knee and proposing to the love of his life.
But where did this tradition come from?
The Archduke, Maximilian of Austria
For this tradition, you can give thanks to the Archduke Maximilian of Austria who proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 with a ring set with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M”. The Archduke seemed to be quite the trendsetter and ever since then, this tradition was kindled particularly amongst the European aristocracy and nobility. However, circa 2800BC, the Egyptians had the right idea; they were buried wearing rings of gold or silver on the third finger of their left hand because they believed it was connected to their heart by the Vena Amoris, the “vein of love”. The truth is, whether you feel that buying an engagement ring will be a liability or an asset, the tradition lives on to symbolise love and commitment.
Why engagement rings are important?
In response to a story of engagement that we found quite moving, someone laughed and responded, “But why buy an engagement ring? Wouldn’t you rather spend £1000 on an exotic holiday for her than a fancy ring?”.
If you are nodding along in agreement… don’t. You may soon find yourself going on that holiday alone!
Be careful what you wish for…
The ring is not about ownership. Nor is it about practicality and it certainly is not about money. She isn’t exactly asking for the Hope diamond!
The Heart of the Ocean pendant from Titanic, based on the Hope Diamond, also known as ‘Le Bijou du Roi’
Have you heard of romance? That is what it is about. Whether the excuse is “But it’s a symbol of our love”, “I’m a lover of diamonds and jewellery”, “I want to announce to the world that I am yours”, show her that chivalry is not dead.
On and on, some may lampoon the engagement ring tradition, but there is nothing wrong with wanting an engagement ring, because unlike a holiday, the ring will last forever. The glamorous, creamy band of metal – whether it’s yellow gold, white gold or platinum – will live on forever. A woman can look down and swoon, not just over the ribbon-like band wrapped around her finger but at the sentiment and reminder of that all-consuming, uncontrollable, nonsensical love that one cannot explain. But it just works.
Why engagement rings are made with diamonds?
Well, there is no question that no other precious stone can match a diamonds strength, nobility, rarity and fire but why are engagement rings typically made with one solitaire diamond? Actually, having a solitaire diamond ring has only been a recent invention in comparison to the centuries that engagement rings have been present. It was only around the 1930s that De Beers Jewellers had the innovative notion and coined the slogan “Diamonds are forever”, since then, they were.
Our dazzling Daffodil Platinum diamond ring
However, countless times we are asked, “I have absolutely no clue what ring I should get! Should I just get a solitaire diamond?” There is no definitive answer to this. No ring you should or should not get, but ask yourself, if your perfect ring was right in front of you, what would it look like? Some may dream of the traditional and plain diamond solitaire ring, others may desire a three stone ring, a sapphire ring, a ruby ring, a twisted band ring, there are so many variations to chose from.
Remember, despite the mockery and the grimace you might pull every time the conversation arises, an engagement ring is extremely important and quintessential because of the internal and sentimental need it fills. Getting down on one knee and holding a ring up is hardly a job for an acrobat.
If you need any assistance on choosing a ring that is perfect for you, click on the link where our fun engagement ring quiz will cleverly tell you what ring would be best suited for you!
Our glamorous Tanzanite ring
All of our engagement rings are unique, effortlessly elegant and have been hand made right here in the UK. We would love for you to browse our wonderful collection. If you require any more assistance and would like to speak to one of our engagement ring experts, please call us on 01235 603023. 
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