That’s it, it’s decided, you are going to ask the one of your heart to marry you. First step in this beautiful adventure: the choice of the engagement ring! Indeed, tradition dictates that the future groom offers a ring to his/her partner when asking the fateful question: “will you marry me?”.
This pretty ritual has existed since Antiquity: at the time, a simple iron ring was offered to one’s lover to symbolize their union. The engagement ring evolved in the 15th century under the influence of Agnès Sorel (1422-1450), the favorite of King Charles VII: she popularized diamonds in France, thus allowing the appearance of the famous solitaire. .
When should you buy your engagement ring?
Yes, you can buy your engagement ring “on a whim”. But by planning a little in advance, you can obtain attractive prices and truly select “the” perfect model for your lover.
Ideally, it is best to buy your engagement ring around 3 months before the date of the marriage proposal – this way, you can manage small unforeseen events (size problems, delivery times, etc.) without stress.
Good to know: During “engagement season” (between November and February), rings are naturally more expensive – a question of supply and demand. Conversely, during the summer months (between July and August), prices are at their lowest because it is rather the wedding season – it is then the wedding rings which rise in price.
Also think about wedding fairs which sometimes offer “discounted” offers on engagement rings.
Diamond solitaire, modern ring… Which ring to choose for an engagement proposal?
The “traditional” engagement ring is the solitaire: this gold ring (yellow, pink or white) is adorned with a diamond (sometimes surrounded by other stones – we then speak of a shouldered solitaire). Allow around 200 euros for a “simple” solitaire in a jewelry store.
However, it is entirely possible to deviate from tradition. There are other models of engagement rings, also very elegant: the bangle (a ring set with stones), the you and me (two intertwined stones), the daisy (a central stone surrounded by smaller stones, similar to petals: it’s a more vintage model) or the trilogy (three stones of the same size set in a setting).
It is not even necessary to have a stone on your engagement ring: a very beautiful gold ring (yellow, pink or white) or platinum can also have an effect. In short, the choice depends above all on the tastes of your partner…
How much does an engagement ring cost?
It all depends on the model you are looking for! Engagement rings really exist at all prices: the least expensive are in silver with “diamond-style” zirconium oxide (from 30 euros) while the most expensive are in platinum with diamonds (up to several tens of thousands of euros for luxury brands).
I have a small budget: how can I lower the cost of the engagement ring?
If your budget is limited, a few tips can help you find an engagement ring of good quality but not (too) expensive: choose zirconium oxides over diamonds (it’s visually very close) or turn to semi-precious stones. -precious (amethyst, moonstone, morganite… very colorful). Avoid platinum (overpriced) and instead focus on yellow gold or silver: be careful of “golden metals” which risk being damaged quickly.
In jewelry, look for rings that are not labeled “engagement”: they are often less expensive. Finally, if your budget is really small and you are not superstitious, consider second hand – Vinted, MarketPlace, Leboncoin… there are excellent deals there.
Before the wedding, where to wear your engagement ring?
If everyone can (of course) wear their engagement ring however they want (on the thumb, index finger, middle finger… or even around the neck, on a chain, like a pendant), tradition dictates that this symbolic ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Indeed, in the Middle Ages, scientists were convinced that a vein directly connected this finger to the heart… We now know that this is false, but the tradition persists.
Please note: if your loved one wants to wear their engagement ring in the traditional way, it is important to measure the finger size on the left ring finger. Because it’s obvious, but we prefer to remember it: not all the fingers of the hand are the same size!
Sources:
- Organizing your wedding for dummies – Peggy Mignot-Paillet and Peggy Frey, eds. First.
- The smart marriage – Camille Anseaume, ed. Daily Malin.
Read also :
⋙ Engagement ring: Cartier, Mauboussin, Tiffany… prices and the most beautiful models
⋙ Wedding arch: 3 ideas for making one yourself
⋙ Original wedding vows: 12 examples to inspire you