Do you ever dream about what your perfect engagement ring should look like? Would it be of gold or platinum, and what stone will it have? It is no wonder that there could hardly be anyone who is not excited about their engagement ring.
Engagements are beautiful. They show love and commitment between two people who make their way into each other’s life until death do them apart. Buying rings for such a special occasion is no easy feat – it requires a whole thought process according to your partner’s taste. People spend a significant amount of time buying the perfect ring for their future spouse.
It is said that every story has two sides to it. Have you ever wondered what could be the story behind engagement rings? As romantic as it sounds, engagement rings have a dark and surprising history of their own. They also have quite a few interesting facts associated with them. We are determined to provide you with such facts; some of them might just blow your mind.
1. A Sign of Ownership
2. Official Status in 850
Pope Nicholas I declared that an engagement ring implies a man’s intent to marry the woman. Before 850, rings and bands were worn as a sign of business deals and other commitments. The most expensive material of that time was gold, so men would give their beloved women rings made out of it.
3. A Symbol of Eternity
4. First Diamond Engagement Ring
5. The Vein to the Heart
6. Engraved Messages
7. A toi et moi ring
When Napoleon Bonaparte proposed his future Empress Josephine, he gave her a ring with the engravings toi et moi, which means “you and me” in French. The ring had two stones mounted – a diamond and a sapphire.
8. Spending a Year’s Salary?
On average, men visit four retailers and choose from various 27 rings until making the final choice. That is why it is becoming increasingly common that couples go ring shopping together to choose the perfect ring for their special occasion with a mutual decision.
9. December – That month of The Year
10. Engagement and Wedding Rings – A Set
11. Rings can be a Deal breaker!
12. Diamonds are Indeed Forever
Arguably, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. There would hardly be any girl who has not dreamt of getting a piece of diamond jewelry for herself. Engagement rings are no different. Men know that women love diamonds; hence they save up for the best-looking diamond ring. Diamonds are a solid 10 being the hardest on the Mohs scale, followed by Ruby and Sapphires on number 9.
13. Most Popular Diamond Shape
14. The Kimberley Process
This process ensures that the diamond in your engagement ring is genuine and not a dupe. Kimberly Process was set to stop the trade of smuggled diamonds by enforcing specific rules on members. 99.8% of the rough diamonds’ global production goes through this process to ensure that only ethical diamonds get utilized in engagement rings.
The Most Expensive Engagement Rings
In no way can engagement rings be compromised upon. They just have to be the perfect one for your partner. Celebrities around the world are famous for their talents and money. It is quite natural that their engagement rings would be among the most expensive pieces of jewelry on the face of the Earth. Following are the most expensive engagement rings that celebrities ever receive:
1. Melania Trump – $3 million
2. Vanessa Bryant – $4 million
The legendary star Kobe Bryant gave this rare 8-carat purple ring to his then-girlfriend Vanessa in 2003. However, the ring is controversially known as an “apology ring” because Kobe was charged with rape allegations two weeks before his proposal. RIP the legend!
3. Paris Hilton – $4.7 million
4. Kim Kardashian – $8 million
5. Mariah Carey – $10 million
Engagement Rings – An Important Piece of Jewelry
For most women, engagement rings are a big deal. They would love to brag about the ones their partners got them among friends and family. This particular ring is not a mere piece of jewelry – it’s a commitment and a symbol of love.