December Is The Month Of Engagements

Published on 10/12/09

Engagement rings traditionally were a simple band braided out of copper. In the middle ages, men gave betrothal rings known as “posy rings”, which they would inscribe with messages or poems. The first person to receive a diamond engagement ring was Mary of Burgundy, who received the ring from the Roman Emperor Maximilian I as an engagement present in 1477. The smallest known engagement ring was given to 2 year old Princess Mary, daughter of King Henry VIII on her betrothal to Prince Dauphin of France in 1518. During the Renaissance, gimmel rings were popular, which consist of 2-3 interlocking rings that are divided amongst the groom and bride and occasionally a third for a witness. King George III introduced the “keeper” or guard ring in 1761 as he presented the band encircled with diamonds to Queen Charlotte. During the reign of Louis XVI, the diamond cluster ring was popular. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a heart ring, like the Celtic Claddagh, was popular and often featured rubies. There was also a time when the “princess ring”, which contains 3-5 diamonds in a row across the top, was forbidden to anyone outside royalty or clergy. As the South African diamond mines were discovered in 1870, diamonds became more affordable and were now accessible to a greater amount of the population.

Statistics show that 99% of proposals are given by men. About 74% of all brides receive a diamond engagement ring, although today Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby are also common. Over half of the bride-to-be's help pick out the ring while a small percentage actually pick it out themselves. According to the Diamond Industry, it is suggested to spend about 2 months salary on an engagement ring, with the average being about $2000. The most popular engagement ring has a round brilliant diamond. The average women’s ring size is 6 and the average men’s size is 10. The ring is worn on the left hand fourth finger because it was believed that the “vein of love” ran directly from this finger to the heart.

Some famous engagement rings include the 2 carat ring set with emeralds given by John F. Kennedy to Jacqueline Bouvier, the 12 carat emerald cut diamond ring given to Grace Kelly by Prince Ranier, the 3.5 carat ring with 21 additional diamonds given by Elvis Presley to Priscilla, and the 33.19 and 69.42 carat diamond rings given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton on their first and second engagements.

A popular trend has emerged in giving rings with hidden meanings. Celtic rings offer additional meanings in multiple ways. One of the most popular Celtic Rings is the Claddagh. This ring features a crowned heart held by two hands. Its meaning of love, loyalty, and friendship enhance the vows that one feels when giving an engagement ring. This ring is popular among many celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis, Bono, and Sienna Miller. It has also made appearances in several films including "The Doors" as Jim Morrison and Patricia Kennealy exchange the rings in a commitment ceremony, and television shows including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", as Angel gives a claddagh ring to Buffy. Other popular Celtic rings include those with Celtic Knotwork, which expresses the intertwining of two lives into one, Rings inscribed with Gaelic Phrases with meanings of "Mo Anam Cara" for "My Soul Mate" or "Gra Go Deo" for "Love Forever", as well as Warrior Shield rings inspired by the Ardagh Chalice. The additional meanings of these rings make them even more treasured.