The engagement ring tradition was introduced by Maximilian of Austria in 1477. He gave his soon-to-be wife, Mary of Burgundy, a masterfully crafted ring as a promise of marriage. An engagement ring symbolizes the trust and commitment between partners. In other countries, rings are worn on the right hand until the day of marriage, when they are switched to the left. The tradition of wearing the ring on the left hand can be traced back to ancient Rome. The third finger on the left hand has a vein that goes directly to the heart, they believed. It was called the “vena amoris,” or vein of love. The following are some tips about how to choose the best engagement rings and custom bridal jewelry that would be perfect for you or your bride.
Choosing the Best Engagement Ring
Typically, it is suggested to set aside 10 to 20 percent of your income toward an engagement ring or custom bridal jewelry. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend the entire amount that you have set aside. Engagement expenses are numerous, and the extra funds will come in handy. Should you deem it necessary, you can choose a temporary engagement ring if the cost is an issue. Fashion jewelry will work in the interim, and you can choose beautiful custom bridal jewelry later on. Should you choose the wrong size wedding band or engagement ring, it can be resized so that it fits the finger of your partner. Some rings, however, cannot be resized, as the setting can be damaged. Those who plan to undertake a surprise proposal should take into account rings that can easily be resized or not. Most men only wear a wedding band, but some do desire an engagement as a symbol of the upcoming nuptials. There are many different style options should you want to have matching engagement rings.
Superstitions Around Rings
Some believe it is a bad omen to wear a ring on the left finger before officially being engaged. In the past, it was a sign of being “taken.” These days, anything goes with rings, and it is normal to wear them at any time. It is also thought to be bad luck if a ring is loose or uncomfortable. The worst bad luck being if a ring is lost or stolen. There is also a superstition that if an engagement ring is removed from the hand there will be problems with the relationship. Should you be superstitious, know that sleeping with your ring can present some issues. First, you could have difficulty removing the ring because of swelling during the night or you could even crack your ring. To be on the safe side, remove your ring at night and put it in a safe place. Local jewelers can also provide tips on the care of your custom bridal jewelry, such as how to clean your rings.
Durable Ring Materials and Cost
Metals such as titanium and stainless steel are extremely durable. Resizing these rings requires special tools. The hardest jewelry metal is tungsten, which is nearly impossible to resize. Should you need wedding jewelry resized, the process should take as little as an hour. But, if there’s an extremely high volume of jewelry repair, the turnaround time can be up to three days. This brings us to the cost of custom bridal jewelry. The average young couple aged 18 to 34 will spend around $3,000 to $5,000 on an engagement ring. However, more money doesn’t always equal quality. There are many affordable outstanding bridal jewelry options, and personalized rings are also quite popular. Studies show that the average cost of an engagement ring is around $6,000. The price can depend on two components, which are the setting and the center stone. The more complicated a ring setting or a higher carat diamond is going to end up being a bit more pricey. If you’re on a budget, make the necessary adjustments, and decide what’s most important for jewelry purchases.
Outside the wedding itself, an engagement is the most special time for a couple. It is a promise of spending a life together. The custom bridal jewelry you choose should fit your life as a couple and also be made of durable, high-quality materials. When it comes to wedding jewelry, choose wisely and your rings will last for many years.