Of all the pieces of jewelry that a woman could have to signify engagement – earrings, necklaces, bracelets or rings – the ring makes perfect sense. The circular shape of the ring is an emblem of eternity; since a circle has no beginning or end, it represents renewal, perfection and wholeness. This symbolism fits perfectly well in the context of marriage, because the love between two people would continually be renewed and perfected over the years, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do they part.
The first society that practiced placing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand was probably the ancient Roman civilization. They believed that a vein connected that finger directly to the heart, which is the seat of passion and emotion. The ancient Romans called this vein the “vena amoris,” meaning the “vein of love.” Other cultures that used this same symbolism included the Egyptians.
Couples can personalize the symbolism of their engagement ring by picking certain gemstones to represent their culture or heirloom. Some rings may carry stones that represent family or ethnic traditions, such as the Celtic engagement ring. Some families might have an antique ring that’s been handed down from generation to generation and therefore carries a special, intimate tradition. Birthstone rings may signify special months in their relationship timeline, such as their first date or first meeting. An engagement ring may have more than one stone, and each stone may symbolize different stages in their relationship. Emeralds and diamonds are commonly used in three-stone engagement rings. Engraving engagement rings, for some cultures, represents misfortune because they believe that it weakens the metal, while other cultures feel that it strengthens the relationship.
If you are looking for an engagement ring in San Diego, feel free to stop by our showroom or give us a call. We’re a small family business and we’ve helped thousands of couples find just what they need! We look forward to the opportunity to help you get started on this exciting new chapter of your life!