Do you think that a diamond is the most precious stone? Well, contrary to this common belief, high-quality emeralds can be even more valuable than diamonds.
In earlier times, choosing the ring was a task performed by the groom only. He was supposed to know his soon-to-be bride really well in order to buy a ring she would like.
The first time diamonds were used in engagement rings was in 1477. Then, diamonds were so rare that only the wealthiest could afford them. Four hundred years later, they became widely available after diamonds were discovered in South Africa.
Ever wonder how tiaras worn by princesses in the royal family stays put? The secret is in how the tiara is placed. Often, the tiara is sewn into a piece of braided hair to keep it from falling off.
Carol McFadden from the US holds the world record for the largest collection of earrings. McFadden has been collecting earrings since 1952. In October 2006, her collection consisted of 37,706 different pairs.
Every Elizabeth Taylor fan knows how much the actress loved jewelry. In 2002, she published a book called My Love Affair with Jewelry where she talked about her collection, which is appraised as one of the best in the world.
According to the ancient Romans and Greeks, diamonds were tears shed by the gods or splinters from falling stars. Romans also had a belief that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds.
The tradition of exchanging wedding rings dates back to Ancient Egypt and Greece. During that period, couples used to exchange circles to signify eternity, and deities of the sun and moon.
Wearing something blue in a bridal ensemble symbolizes love, purity, and fidelity. For example, a sapphire in a wedding ring signifies marital happiness and faithfulness.
Someone has rightly said, “Diamonds are forever”. In fact, according to many linguists, the name “diamond” comes from the Greek word adamant (adamas), which means untamable, or invincible.
In earlier times, beads were often worn as a form of protection against supernatural forces and certain uncontrollable occurrences. They were also used for distinguishing younger girls from the women, representing those that are engaged, married, or nursing mothers.
Freshwater pearls are often believed to be white only. But they are available in other colors, including lavender and pink. They're available in various shapes and sizes as well.
According to a wedding superstition, if one of your wedding rings is dropped just before the ring ceremony, the person who drops the ring is believed to be the first of those witnessing the wedding to die.
The tradition of giving an engagement ring was introduced in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria. He gave the diamond engagement ring to his soon-to-be wife Mary of Burgundy.
Do you know that in Romania, there is a tradition for couples to exchange silver bands on their 25th anniversary? Both men and women wear the new silver bands in addition to the gold ones exchanged at their wedding.
A beautiful saying by Nicholas Sparks, “The first thing I did when I sold my book was buy a new wedding ring for my wife and asked her to marry me all over again.”
It has been found that 75% of American brides receive engagement ring made out of gold and diamonds. A custom-made engagement ring is the best way to show your true love to your partner.
Do you know that December is by far the most popular month for buying engagement rings? In fact, it has been found that approximately 15% of couples get engaged during this festive season.
Statistics have revealed that in the United States, July is the most popular month for weddings, followed by June and August. June, especially, is traditionally considered the traditional month to marry.
What does the phrase “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe” symbolize? This phrase symbolizes continuity, optimism for the future, borrowed happiness, fidelity, and wealth or good luck, respectively.
Did you know in ancient Rome, men often gave rings to their bride that were adorned with a small key, making the ring the symbolic key to his heart?
Nicolae Sfetcu once said, “One interpretation states that the woman wears the wedding ring below the engagement ring, thus making it closer to the heart.”
During an Egyptian wedding, all women would pinch the bride before the wedding. Do you know why? Well, this is considered a sign of good luck in Egypt.
A beautiful saying by J.W. Lord: “A wedding ring is a symbol of commitment; a promise, a pledge, and a vow. It is a mutual agreement to become one instead of two.”
“It is amazing at how small a price may the wedding ring be placed upon a worthless hand; but, by the beauty of our law, what heaps of gold are indispensable to take it off!” - Douglas Jerrold
“For years my wedding ring has done its job. It has reminded my husband numerous times at parties that it's time to go home. It has been a status symbol in the maternity ward.” - Erma Bombeck
Do you know that not all cultures wear wedding rings on a finger? Some Indian cultures, for example, require that a bride wear a toe ring instead.
Th round-cut diamond is the most popular shape of the gemstone. The second is the princess-cut. Talking about the most popular metals used, white gold and platinum top the list.
LA Truth Hampton has truly said, “The purity and sacredness of love are like that of a wedding ring. So, when you say “I do”, it’s loyalty over everything.”
Do you know that in several countries, wedding rings were exclusively given to the female of a wedded pair? The tradition is still prevalent in some places and cultures.
Do you know that in many cultures around the world, including Egyptian and Hindu weddings, the hands of a bride and groom are actually tied together to demonstrate the couple's commitment to each other?
In medieval Europe, a wedding ring was a part of a contract formed between the two families of the bride and groom. The contract included the exchange of ring, various amounts of money, or some other valuables.
Princess Diana's engagement ring is possibly the most well-known ring in the world. Designed in 1843 by the Royal Family's jeweler, the piece features an 18-carat sapphire surrounded by 14 pristine diamonds, all set in a glistening white gold setting.
Do you know that Platinum is the rarest of all other precious metals, with the annual output being 15X less than that of gold and 100X less than that of silver?
A beautiful saying by Gary Thomas: “Falling in love with someone and finding out they want to spend the rest of their life with you is one of the most exhilarating of all human experiences.”
Alexis Mdivani, Prince of Spain’s wedding gift to her wife Barbara Hutton is truly a piece of elegance. The necklace showcases 27 jadeite beads with the diamond and ruby clasp set in platinum and 18-karat yellow gold.
Sapphires, commonly used in making wedding jewelry, come in every color under the sun, except red. That is because red sapphires are known as rubies. Except for their name and color, these two gemstones are almost identical.
“A wedding ring is a symbol of commitment; a promise, a pledge, and a vow. The promise is to forsake all others, to stay devoted and true; the pledge is to honor that promise selflessly.” --J.W. Lord
In ancient Egypt, wedding rings, or more specifically circles, were a symbol of eternity. They signified eternal love between the partners. However, in Roman culture, the ring was seen as a symbol of a man’s possession over a woman.
Star of David or Cullinan is known as the largest diamond ever found. It weighs a huge 530 carats and is the largest colorless cut diamond in the world. The Cullinan is now a part of the Crown Jewels of the UK.
A funny quote by Bob Seger: “At every stage and relationships in our lives, we’re surrounded by rings of circumstances. We’re also bound by a ring or in a boxing ring.”
The world’s most expensive engagement ring ever was given to Mariah Carey by James Packer. It cost an incredible $10 million. Unfortunately, the couple never got married.
Do you know that Queen Elizabeth's pearls are actually comprised of two separate necklaces - one of which belonged to Queen Anne and the other given to Queen Caroline by King George II?
Trent Dilfer once said, “People are often enamored with my Super Bowl ring. But it's my wedding ring that I'm most proud of. And having a good marriage takes even more work than winning a Super Bowl.”
Wedding rings are believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. They were made of reeds or other plant material, but later ivory, leather, or bones became more common due to their durability.
People in different countries wear engagement rings differently. While the people from the US, Canada, France, and UK wear the ring on the left hand, those from Russia or India wear it on the right hand.
Did you know the very first diamond found was in India back in the 4th century? They quickly became highly precious because of their amazing sparkle and durability.
A beautiful quote by Nora Ephron: “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
The beautiful jewelry designs from the Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau periods are becoming highly popular today, especially for engagement rings. This proves that a well-designed vintage piece of jewelry never really goes out of style.
Do you think Valentine’s Day is the most popular engagement month in a year? Well, in reality, it’s December. It makes sense as the atmosphere that builds up around Christmas and New Year’s Eve is truly magical.
Elizabeth Taylor, an English-American Actress, was known for her love of exquisite jewelry. She even wrote a book titled ‘My Love Affair With Jewelry’. Her first engagement ring was a 4-carat diamond set in platinum, estimated to be worth $10,000.
In some cultures, the wedding ring is given as the final gift in a series of wedding gifts, and for some people, it may be the second ring given. It may be the only ring given in some cultures.
Elizabeth Taylor, an English-American Actress, was known for her love of exquisite jewelry. She even wrote a book titled ‘My Love Affair With Jewelry’. Her first engagement ring was a 4-carat diamond set in platinum, estimated to be worth $10,000.
Napoleon’s wedding gift to his second bride, Empress Marie-Louise, is perhaps the most magnificent one. The beautiful tiara, which showcases 1,006 mine-cut diamonds and is set with emeralds, was initially made by Etienne Nitot et Fils of Paris in 1810.
John Mayer has rightly said, “A man's got two shots for jewelry: a wedding ring and a watch. The watch is a lot easier to get on and off than a wedding ring.”
In some cultures, the wedding ring is given as the final gift in a series of wedding gifts, and for some people, it may be the second ring given. It may be the only ring given in some cultures.
Elizabeth Taylor, an English-American Actress, was known for her love of exquisite jewelry. She even wrote a book titled ‘My Love Affair With Jewelry’. Her first engagement ring was a 4-carat diamond set in platinum, estimated to be worth $10,000.
Many people prefer to wear a ring that matches their personality and lifestyle. As such, custom-made wedding rings are growing in popularity these days. It takes a lot of creativity and effort to make a customized ring.
Since the 20th century, diamonds have grown to become the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. In fact, more than 80% of couples choose a diamond engagement ring today, compared to just 10% in 1939!
Napoleon’s wedding gift to his second bride, Empress Marie-Louise, is perhaps the most magnificent one. The beautiful tiara, which showcases 1,006 mine-cut diamonds and is set with emeralds, was initially made by Etienne Nitot et Fils of Paris in 1810.
John Mayer has rightly said, “A man's got two shots for jewelry: a wedding ring and a watch. The watch is a lot easier to get on and off than a wedding ring.”
In some cultures, the wedding ring is given as the final gift in a series of wedding gifts, and for some people, it may be the second ring given. It may be the only ring given in some cultures.
