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The Symbolism in an Engagement Ring

Writer's picture: Bert LeviBert Levi


White gold engagement ring with ruby center stone and pave set diamonds on white background.

Engagement rings have a very long history that dates back thousands of years. Rings were given in ancient times as not only a token of commitment but also as a way to prove a potential match had the resources to take care of the bride. Over the centuries, many aspects of rings have gained symbolic importance. Although times have changed, the symbolism can still help you to decide on a ring’s designs and components.


To help you with your engagement ring design, I’m putting together a tutorial of sorts on engagement ring design symbolism I think you might enjoy. For now, though, I thought I would give you an overview of engagement ring meaning and tradition.


The tradition of wearing engagement rings dates back to ancient times, when they were originally worn for contractual purposes. They were tangible proof of a binding purpose. They served to make it clear that the proposer could financially care for the object of his affection, and they indicated to everyone else that that person was unavailable to anyone else.


Today, some of that symbolism doesn’t work. However, even now, engagement rings have many symbolic meanings, including love and commitment, faith and fealty, and shared desire for a shared future. Engagement rings symbolize a couple's commitment to each other and to their love. The ring's circular shape represents eternal love and faithfulness because a circle has no beginning and no end.


The meaning can be clarified by choices of metals and gems. Yellow gold, for example, symbolized faithfulness and loyalty. White gold symbolizes purity. Rose gold symbolizes romance and tender feelings. Platinum symbolizes strength. You can see how a couple would want those qualities associate with their marriage.


You probably already know the symbolism of a diamond. The diamond symbolizes forever, an unyielding commitment. Pearls reflect serenity. Rubies symbolize passion. Emeralds symbolize new beginnings and growth. Sapphires symbolize protection. When the metal and the gems are combined, you can really design the message you want to convey.


Engagement rings have the potential for a great deal of symbolism but the truth is you can choose a ring for no other reason than because you love it and you know your partner will. Whatever kind you’d like, if you’re looking for an engagement ring in San Diego, I’d love to help. Give me a call and put me to work. Or you can drop by my La Jolla showroom. Get in touch. You’ll be glad you did.

 

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©2025 by Bert Levi Family Jewelers.

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Levi Family Jewelers Is a Third-Generation Jeweler Committed to Developing Relationships That Last a Lifetime. Part Of That Is Making Something Clear to You. We are not an official dealer for any of the watch brands we sell and have no affiliation with any of the manufacturers. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. We are not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries, Rolex, www.rolex.com, is under no obligation to warranty-service watches sold by Levi Family Jewelers. Rolex Datejust, Rolex Day Date President, Submariner, Presidential, Explorer, Sea Dweller, Super President, GMT Master, GMT, YachtMaster, Prince, Milgaus, MasterPiece, Air King, Cosmograph Daytona, and PearlMaster are all registered trademarks of the Rolex Corporation ( Rolex USA, Rolex S.A.) To buy a new Rolex watch, please visit the Rolex website for a list of authorized Rolex dealers near you.

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