As you probably know the world is a treasure box itself and it keeps many traditions with their own quirks. And just like with everything, engagement rings are another point of traditions to be discussed.
Moreover, they do have their own point of origin and each country has its own preferable stones and metals.
So, in a few short paragraphs, we will be going over some worldwide traditions on buying engagement rings.
So, going to the start of it all, engagement rings originated from ancient Egypt where people thought of the circle as an eternity symbol.
It is known that the Greek used to wear a band on their left hand. So, when they got -married, they moved it to their right one. Moreover, the “left hand” rule is associated with the left ring finger having a vein to the heart.
In Rome, women wore a band to symbolize their move from their father to their husband.
Actually, the first diamond wedding ring came from 1477 as Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a ring. This ring had the letter “M” in diamonds.
And with that said, let’s get right to the countries and continents.
Europe
German couples have a very sweet tradition of wearing promise rings whilst dating. So, when they decide to finally tie the knot, they move the ring to their right hand. Actually, you can find some beautiful promise rings on our website here.
In Ireland, couples wear the Claddagh ring which has features of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top. Three of the symbols have different meanings as the hands symbolize friendship, the heart symbolizes love and the crown loyalty.
So, if you are single, you have to wear the ring with the crown facing you the opposite way on the right hand. If you are taken, then you have to wear it with the crown facing yourself.
After you get engaged, the ring goes on your left hand with the crown facing away again. Then, when you get married, the crown faces the owner.
Moreover, French ladies like their engagement rings with anything but diamonds! They usually go for rubies, emeralds, or sapphires.
Lastly, in Sweden couples tend to wear silver or gold bands when engaged, and then they put on diamond rings when married.
Asia
In Vietnam, when the engagement day comes, the families of the bride and groom give them an odd number of gifts. After that, they ask their ancestors for approval and once all is done, the man gives an engagement ring to the woman.
On the other hand, in China the future bride receives valuables, whilst she gives the man a dowry. However, these traditions are not followed by modern brides.
Moreover, in Thailand guys will ask for marriage via a “thong mun” ceremony. This ceremony is accompanied by gold jewellery from the man, who shows how well his bride is going to be taken care of.
Lastly, in India girls wear iron bands for good fortune, but when they get married, they get jewellery.
Africa
In Kenya, beaded jewellery is often given to the bride as the beads’ colors vary from region to region. Also, religion plays a role in defining the colors.
South America
From South America, we’re going to take countries such as Argentina and Chile. For example, in Argentina people are exchanging rings upon engagement then upon their wedding. On the other hand, in Chile just like most of the examples, couples move their engagement rings from their right to their left hand.
To sum up, people everywhere have invented their own very special ways to express fondness and devotion.
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