Beautiful variety: the choice of engagement rings
Stylish engagement rings are designed in different ways, regardless of whether they are new or vintage rings. They each have a slightly different meaning - but are of course always a sign of commitment:
- The classic rings for a marriage proposal are solitaire rings. They are crowned by a single, sparkling and large brilliant-cut diamond. The single, precious gemstone is intended to show that the chosen one is unique. The design goes back to the New York luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. who invented it in 1886.
- Toi-et-moi rings contain two gemstones or a stone with a pearl. This combination represents a loving couple who want to form a bond. The romantic name refers to this: the French expression translates as "you and me". None other than Napoleon Bonaparte presented the first of these rings to his Josephine in 1796.
- Trilogy engagement rings are characterized by three gemstones lying next to each other. They are either the same size, or one large stone is flanked by two smaller ones. They symbolize a specific time in the couple's lives: past, present and future. They thus refer to their future life together. A trilogy ring adorned the hand of the current Duchess Meghan after her engagement to Prince Harry.
- An entourage ring has a large, colorfully sparkling gemstone in the middle. It has a special effect because it is surrounded by several small brilliants or diamonds. This is where the name comes from: "entourage" is French for encircle. Both the future Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, wore an engagement ring like this.
Diamonds are the most popular stones for engagement rings. A 1-carat diamond, for example, glitters on the ring. But it doesn't always have to be the classic! Other stones are just as beautiful and made for special moments. Engagement rings with sapphire embody unconditional fidelity. The deep blue is typical of these gemstones, but they are also available in other colors.
Emerald engagement rings stand out with their sparkling green color. This is the color of hope - and so these rings symbolize a happy marriage. Of course, there are also engagement rings without a stone.
Gold is particularly prized as a base material for engagement rings. However, the choice depends on your taste. You can also choose an engagement ring made of silver, platinum or white gold.
Which finger does the engagement ring belong on - and why?
An engagement ring traditionally glitters on the ring finger of the left hand. This custom goes back to an ancient idea - that of the vena amoris, the vein of love. The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks believed that such a vein would lead from this finger directly to the heart. In this case, the wedding ring belongs on the ring finger of the right hand.
However, this is not a strict rule. After all, in countries such as Italy and Switzerland, the opposite is true: there, the engagement ring sits on the fourth finger of the right hand.
What do I do with the engagement ring after the wedding?
At the wedding, the couple exchanges wedding rings - but what happens to the engagement ring? You can continue to wear the beautiful jewelry, for example like this:
- The engagement ring stays on the left ring finger, the wedding ring goes on the right hand.
- Both rings sit together on the right ring finger. The engagement ring then becomes a pre-placement ring. It is called this because it is placed on the finger before the wedding ring.
- The engagement ring can serve as a pendant on a chain and hang around the neck.
- You can pass on the engagement ring within the family - just like Prince William. He presented his Kate with his mother Diana's engagement ring.
Second-hand engagement rings are particularly romantic signs of love
A vintage engagement ring is a stylish, on-trend piece of jewelry that not everyone has.
- The ring has a story behind it: the old engagement ring was once used as a sign of love. The former wearer certainly received it with great joy and wore it proudly until the wedding. This is a very romantic and beautiful idea.
- A second-hand engagement ring is sustainable: unlike a new ring, no additional precious metals and gemstones need to be mined for it. This saves valuable resources and protects nature.
- The jewelry is unique and timelessly beautiful: an antique engagement ring is a unique, individual piece with a timeless design. It allows you to emphasize your character even more. What's more, this jewelry is not a short-lived fashion trend: they are classics and never go out of fashion.
- Vintage engagement rings are high-end: the jewelry is made from precious materials such as real gold and diamonds and is of an impressively high quality. However, these exclusive second-hand rings usually cost significantly less.
How do I find the perfect vintage engagement ring?
You don't buy an engagement ring for yourself, but for your partner. It is therefore particularly important that it matches the taste of your loved one. The jewelry that your loved one already owns is a good guide: does she like white gold or would she prefer gold? Does she love blue sapphires or would she be happier with a classic diamond? A timeless vintage engagement ring is a good choice in any case, as it is something very special and an everlasting unique piece.
It is important that the ring really fits the finger. You can find out how to determine the right ring size in our vintage rings section.
Would you like to give the lady of your heart an individual jewelry gift for another occasion? Take a look around our store:
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