Tuesday, January 26, 2010

When Did the Engagement Ring Begin

Did you ever wonder when the tradition of giving an engagement ring started? History says that in the Medieval Era in 1215, Pope Innocent III mandated that couples wait a period of time from the engagement to marriage. For over a century after the mandate only the wealthy could afford engagement rings with precious stones. Most engagement rings were simple metal bands. Even in a lot of today's cultures, such as Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, both men and women still wear these simple metal bands for their engagement rings.

When a great number of people could afford rings of precious stones, the engagement ring became highly symbolic. Some of the rings featured birth stones of the engaged couple and their parents. Others included Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Vermarine, and Emerald, which spelled out the word "LOVE." Some engagement rings even had a hidden compartment that contained a lock of the betrothed's hair.

The tradition of wearing the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand began during the Classical Era. It was believed that the "ring finger" had a vein that led directly to the heart.

How did the history of the Diamond Engagement ring begin? Log on to our BLOG tomorrow for this answer.

For wedding, bridal, engagement, children, family, and commerical photography, view our website at http://www.miller-photo.com/

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