The Symbolism of the Ring

The engagement ring. For years, it has been a symbol of love, of devotion. Wearing an engagement ring tells the world that you"ve chosen who you want to be with for the rest of your life. The giving of an engagement ring is an act symbolic of giving yourself. But, one might ask, why a ring? How did it come to be that a small bit of metal and a gem is the consummate symbol of love?

At first, engagement rings were simply business. One"s wedding ring and engagement ring were one and the same, and they served to finalize the process of the sale: transferring ownership of a daughter from her father to her husband. These rings were usually made of solid gold, and were meant more for the father than the bride. Their purpose was primarily to prove the groom"s worth: if one could afford a ring of pure gold, then one clearly was capable of taking care of your daughter.

Now, however, the ring means so much more. In many cultures, the circle is considered to be a symbol of perfection, of unity, of eternity. A circle is flawless: a truly perfect sphere of glass can withstand any level of pressure. A circle is complete: it is one of only a few basic geometric shapes that consist of only one line. A circle is endless: that one line could be traced forever, and one would never find the beginning or the end of it.

What better symbol could there be, of love? When you give the one you love an engagement ring, you are promising that your love, too, can withstand pressure. You are promising that you will be one with the one you love, and never part again. And, of course, you are promising a love that will never, ever end.


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• Premier Jewelry
• Popular People
• Smart Shopping
• Picking A Ring