Engagement Rings 101

Engagement Rings are given to a woman when she accepts a marriage proposal. The man that proposes to the woman will present this ring to her as a symbol of their commitment to marry.

The History of Engagement Rings

Engagement rings were introduced in 1215 by Pope Innocent III who declared that a waiting period before marriage should be observed.  This is why those who decided to follow the pope's declaration decided to give an engagement ring to signify the change in the couples status. From that time until now this practice has become a long standing tradition.

Today, most couples place their wedding rings on their ring finger of their left hand.  The ring finger is the one that is next to the middle finger.  Throughout history this finger was believed to be the one that contained the vein of love. Most men and women have adopted this custom finding it both logical as well as romantic.  Of course, some cultures have different beliefs as to why the ring is placed on the left hand.  In fact, some people explain that the left hand is the weaker hand and that placing the ring on this hand indicates additional strength that will be gained through marriage when the “two become one.”

Engagement Ring customs Around the World

Different countries have different customs when it comes to how rings are given and worn.  It is most common for the man to give the woman an engagement ring but more and more American women are giving an engagement ring to their future husbands.  The custom in some European countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Norway is for the man and woman both to wear engagement rings. However in these countries, the man’s engagement band is also his wedding ring. While the women will receive a diamond wedding ring in additions to the wedding band .  Although not as common, some men will wear two rings. One to celebrate the engagement and an additonal ring to celebrate the wedding.

For example, in Germany, these rings worn by the man and woman are most often a plain gold band. They are worn on the right hand during the engagement period and used as wedding rings on the wedding day when they are ceremoniously moved to the left hand.