The truth is, it’s all semantics. I know a man who proposed to his wife using a die-cast ring he got from a coin-operated toy machine. You know the type. They have little plastic containers and inside you might find a sticky octopus, a little doll, a magnifying glass, or… Or a fake gold toy ring. He got the ring and right then and there, he asked his college girlfriend to marry him. Thirty-six years later, they’re still married. They still have that ring, too, although she wears a nice wedding band now.
The truth is, you can use an engagement ring as a wedding band if you like. It’s your marriage. From a traditional standpoint, though, there are differences. An engagement ring is given during a proposal or early in the engagement, while a wedding ring is exchanged during the wedding ceremony. The difference is important in that the engagement ring is a promise that is fulfilled at the point of marriage. It’s a promise to commit a particular act, the act of marriage. The wedding band, however, is representative of ongoing commitment between both of you. It’s not a promise to be married. It’s a promise to maintain the commitment you have for your partner.
The Historic Purpose of an Engagement Ring Has Everything to Do with Security.
An engagement ring symbolizes a couple's intent to marry, of course, while a wedding ring symbolizes their union and commitment to each other. However, an important aspect of the symbolism of an engagement ring from a historical standpoint was to prove to the bride and the bride’s family that the groom was prepared and able to provide for her. Although the world has come a long way from the agricultural age roots of that concept, the idea that an engagement ring encompasses more than just half of a ring and a date is important. Culturally, engagement rings still make a statement about wealth and security.
What Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands Look Like Reflects the Historical Purpose
Engagement rings are typically more elaborate and detailed than wedding rings, and often feature a single dominant stone. Wedding rings are usually simpler in design and can be made from a plain metal band or an eternity band with diamonds or other stones. Why are wedding bands plain and elegant while engagement rings are over the top? It goes back to the historical purpose. Engagement rings were supposed to let the bride’s family know that the groom could take care of her, could support her. The nicer the engagement ring, the more parents knew their daughter would be protected.
In today’s world, we know that things aren’t the same as they were back then. Marriages aren’t all about a man taking on the support of a woman anymore. People don’t have to convince their parents the way they used to. The world has changed but the expectation of an over-the-top engagement ring remains. If you’re in the market for an engagement ring in San Diego, drop by our La Jolla showroom. We can help you with a beautiful and elegant engagement ring regardless of your financial situation. Stop in. You’ll be glad you did.
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