Anna Maria Richards
If you’re one of those people who’s dreamed of a romantic proposal her whole life, or your significant other’s been dropping a few hints, you could be in luck. More couples get engaged during the holiday season than any other time of year.
Perhaps you’re just someone who’s in love with love and that’s what’s brought you to this article. Either way, you must be wondering, ”What does an engagement ring mean?”.
Read on to find out.
Traditional Symbolism Associated With Engagement Rings
The most important symbolic aspect of an engagement ring is its circular shape. Apart from being the most logical shape for a ring, the circle has no beginning and no end. It’s a complete shape and viewed as an expression of love with no end.
Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the left-hand ring finger, a custom that dates back to the time of the Ancient Romans.
In those days, people believed that a vein, the vena amoris, ran directly from that finger to the heart. As such, when you placed a ring on that finger, it remained close to your loved one’s heart.
In modern times, each couple attaches their own meaning to their engagement ring. Custom-designed rings are becoming increasingly popular and anything goes.
All kinds of precious stones are replacing the diamond as a centerpiece of the ring, depending on what the couple prefers. Yellow gold isn’t always a major factor either.
According to custom-ring designers, Rockher, the top ten engagement rings nowadays are all either rose-gold or white gold.
Psychological Aspects of an Engagement Ring
An engagement ring goes far beyond symbolism though. For women, it has a far greater deep-rooted psychological value.
All people have 6 deep-rooted basic needs. These are variety, certainty, significance, connection, growth, and contribution. In some ways, an engagement ring meets all these needs.
Engagement rings represent the promise of marriage i.e certainty and security. A custom ring designed with a specific woman in mind provides an element of variety and it’s loaded with significance that’s unique to her.
An engagement ring is a classic symbol of love but it also represents growth in your relationship.
When you look at it this way, it’s clear that there’s more than traditional symbolism contained in every engagement ring.
What Does an Engagement Ring Mean in 2020?
Nowadays, an engagement ring isn’t always a sign of impending betrothal.
There are many reasons why people choose not to go the traditional route when it comes to pairing up. They may prefer to co-habitate instead of going through a traditional wedding, or they may decide to tie the knot in court.
Sometimes both halves of the couple decide to wear an engagement ring – sometimes both partners are men or women.
However they choose to celebrate their love, an engagement ring remains a sign of a deep and abiding commitment between two people.
Gifts of Love
What does an engagement ring mean to you? Whatever personal symbolism you attach to your engagement ring, it’s one of the most precious gifts you’ll ever receive.
If you want to find out more about the art of gifting, browse through our website for more wonderful ideas on meaningful gifts for any occasion.
