Bling Rings and Brilliant Cuts
Yay, so he bent down on one knee and presented you with a beautiful crushed velvet lined little box with a gorgeous ring inside it. You squealed, he smiled and wiped the sweat from his brow and you hugged and kissed. At least that is what will have happened for most people. Unless of course you are one of the lucky (or unlucky few) who ended up with a totally unique or horribly atrocious wedding proposal. You’re getting married!
“So show me the ring then!”
That is generally the first sentence that come out of everyone’s mouths. Before they even ask how he popped the question, everyone will want to see the beautiful sparkler you have on your finger.
But where does the tradition of the ring come from? Why do we wear it on our fourth finger? And what does the style of ring he chose for you say about your personality?
Although the engagement ring is thought to have been invented by the ancient Egyptians and adopted by the ancient Greeks, it can only be reliably tracked back as far as the Romans. It is long believed that the diamond engagement ring first came into use back in 1477 when the Archduke of Austria gifted his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, a diamond ring – signifying his social class and wealth. Yep – it’s always been all about the money!
It was first believed that the engagement ring was placed on the fourth finger of the left hand as the vein in that finger (vena amoris) leads straight to the heart.
However, there is another theory that I prefer to subscribe to. Being ever the romantic, I chose to believe the most romantic of all the theories and beliefs out there.
The Chinese have a beautiful and heart-warming explanation as to why the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger.
They believe that the thumb represents the family, the index finger represents our siblings, the middle finger represents yourself, the fourth finger (ring finger) represents your life partner, and the little finger represents your children or your future.
Try this little test… it will only take a moment. Take both your hands and spread your fingers palms facing each other. Bend the middle fingers inwards and touch both together back to back. Then touch the remaining three fingertips and your thumb tips together.
Now – separate your thumbs. You see that they separate easily. The Chinese believe this is because your parents are not destined to live with you for the rest of your life. They will have to leave you sooner or later. Now, return your thumbs to touching and do the same with your index fingers. You will see they separate too because your siblings will also leave you to lead their own separate lives. Now, do the same with your little fingers; your children. They will grow up and leave home and lead their own lives also.
Now, with all the other fingertips touching, try to separate your ring fingers. They won’t separate will they? This is because husband and wife are meant to stay together all their lives, through thick and thin.
So now we know where engagement rings came from, and even why we wear them on a certain finger… but what does that lovely sparkler say about you?
Ring Type: Pear
Description: Looks like a teardrop.
What is says about you: You are even-tempered and adaptable.
What it says about your style: You like the classics, but with a twist.
What it says about your relationship: You are independent souls, but utterly committed to each other. You will always stand by each other. Classic relationship with the modern twist.
What is says about your wedding: Traditional, but, yes you guessed it, with a twist. Traditional aspects with shots of modern colour and outside of the box ideas.
Ring Type: Oval
Description:Obviously oval in shape and less strict than the traditional round diamond.
What is says about you: You are very creative and generally a risk taker.
What it says about your style: As politely as possible, you are a little over the top. Not dull in any way – a bit of a fashionista maybe?
What it says about your relationship: You work very well together as a couple – in fact you are better together than apart!
What is says about your wedding: Colourful, bright, extravagant and polished. No minute detail is too small – god help your betrothed, because you are likely to be a Bridezilla!
Ring Type: Asscher
Description:Square cut diamond with angular corners that are step cut rectangular into the diamond descending downwards.
What is says about you:You may be a little OCD – Feminine but utterly meticulous.
What it says about your style:Asscher cut diamonds are generally the choice of the Hollywood elite. You follow trends but define your own style.
What it says about your relationship: Just like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, your relationship was fated. You may fight as passionately as you love, but it’s a love that is long lasting!
What is says about your wedding: Style, style and more style. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if you have all the big magazines invited to cover the event.
Ring Type: Round
Description: Also known as brilliant cut, this cut of diamond is known to sparkle the most and reflect the most light.
What is says about you: You are trustworthy, easy going and traditional.
What it says about your style: Traditional and classic sense of style
What it says about your relationship: You recognize a good thing when you see it, and knew the second you met him that he was the one.
What is says about your wedding: Elegant, simple and utterly classic.
Ring Type: Emerald
Description: Inspired by the Asscher cut, this is a modern take on a Hollywood classic. With fewer facets, it won’t shine so bright, but it will look stunning regardless.
What is says about you: You are a straight talker and efficient and like taking risks.
What it says about your style: You have a unique style but the confidence to pull it off.
What it says about your relationship: You take risks in love as well as life, but like everything, you have the confidence in your relationship to make it work.
What is says about your wedding: Everything will be planned to within an inch of its life, with everything utterly perfect.
Ring Type: Cushion
Description: Rectangular but with curved sides.
What is says about you: You are organized and daring.
What it says about your style: Effortlessly romantic
What it says about your relationship: Just like above, you are a romantic at heart, and your betrothed knows it!
What is says about your wedding: It will be a romantic affair with beautiful flowers and soft playing music.
Ring Type: Princess
Description: Clean cut four pointed corners, a perfect square.
What is says about you: You are a traditional type, but with an added sense of style.
What it says about your style: Classic with an edge, with a dash of romance. Basically you can pull off any style as long as you add your own modern twist.
What it says about your relationship: He treats you like a princess and wouldn’t dare buy a ring that said otherwise.
What is says about your wedding: He will pull out all the stops to make your wedding the perfect dream come true, no matter what you ask for.
Ring Type: Marquise
Description: Similar to the Oval, but with sharp tips.
What is says about you: You are adventurous and totally unique
What it says about your style: Silver screen siren, old Hollywood temptress.
What it says about your relationship: He would rather keep you on the pedestal he has built for you than ever see you sad.
What is says about your wedding: For a Hollywood temptress, only the best will do. The wedding will be a Hollywood glamour affair to remember.
Of course, not all fiancées want a diamond on their finger. Some choose something a little more unique; a coloured stone, or unique stone perhaps, just to prove that you have a loving, committed relationship but choose not to conform to tradition. It does not mean you take the idea of marriage any less serious, simply that you have a different outlook on life – but have found a partner that shares it.
